FSS Movie Night (virtual) 7 pm ET, 4 pm PT
Join us for a movie followed by conversation. We will watch All of Us Strangers a film based on the novel by Taicihi Yamada exploring ongoing grief, alienation, and the roles of parental and romantic love following a fatal bicycle crash. (Though we recently read the novel in FSS Book Club, you do not need to have read it to join in.)
Register to receive the Zoom link
January Anniversary and Birthday Gathering 4 pm PT, 7 pm ET
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak. Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, and traditions, comfort others, and receive comfort. This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register to receive the Zoom link
National Policy & Advocacy Committee 7pm ET/4pm PT
Please join us for our first national Policy & Advocacy Committee meeting. Learn about our priority campaigns and how you can get involved.
Indoor Forest Bathing: 7 pm ET, 4 pm PT
For centuries, people have found solace in nature. While chilly, wet winter days may put a pause on long hikes outside, we can create an indoor respite and health benefits through a practice known as Forest Bathing. Join wellness expert and forest bathing guide, Erika DiPasquale for an indoor forest bath. All you need is a quiet space near a favorite indoor plant, or a window looking out to a garden, trees, or even a cloudy sky. (If your climate is warmer, join us in your backyard, deck, or balcony). Register to receive the Zoom link.
FSS West Coast Leadership Training Institute
FSS/s National Director Tom DeVito will be leading an intensive day-and-a-half course in Los Angeles, California including comprehensive, hands-on campaign planning, media training, advocacy strategies, and event planning. They training will take a deep dive into planning an active campaign and, in the process, learn about each other’s advocacy efforts and build community. Stipends are available for travel/accommodations. The training is being held from 9:30-5 on Saturday and 9:30-2 on Sunday. Fill out the interest form to receive more information.
Peer Mentor Training: 4 pm PST, 7 pm EST
FSS Peer Mentoring provides bereaved family members, or those seriously injured and their caregivers, with a connection to a volunteer peer support mentor. Our FSS mentors are all individuals who have been through similar experiences and are dedicated to helping others survive these life-altering tragedies. Join the training to learn more and become a mentor.
Register here to learn more and become a mentor
December Anniversary & Birthday Gathering
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak. Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, and traditions, to comfort others, and receive comfort. This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register to receive the Zoom link.
Crash Survivors Support Gathering: 4 pm PST / 7 pm ESt
From physical pain to emotional trauma and lifestyle changes, the effects of crashes for survivors can be life-changing. Join peers for conversation and the support of those with shared experience. Conversation facilitated by the FSS Support Team.
Register here
Virtual Sound bath meditation 4 pm PT, 7 pm ET
A Sound bath uses acoustics to generate a calm, focused state. Sound has proven health benefits such as stress reduction and better sleep.
During a sound bath, participants are guided into a relaxed state typically while lying down, and are ’bathed’ by different sounds promoting deep relaxation.
A professional musician, Samer Ghadry has been leading sound baths and guiding other teachers since 2018. He appears in recorded works such as Alanis Morissette’s The Storm Before The Calm and the award winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once, playing gongs and bowls.
Register in order to receive the Zoom link
Peer Mentor Training: 4 pm PST, 7 pm EST
FSS Peer Mentoring provides bereaved family members, or those seriously injured and their caregivers, with a connection to a volunteer peer support mentor. Our FSS mentors are all individuals who have been through similar experiences and are dedicated to helping others survive these life-altering tragedies. Join the training to learn more and become a mentor.
Register here to learn more and become a mentor
November Anniversaries and Birthdays Support Gathering: 4 pm PT and 7 pm ET
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak. Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, and traditions, to comfort others, and receive comfort. This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register to receive the Zoom link
World day of remembrance candle lighting and slide show 8 pm ET, 5 pm PT
Join others from across the country to share World Day of Remembrance events and impressions. Please share 2-3 WDoR event photos by or preferably before EOD Monday, November 18th, and we will include them.
Feel free to have a candle ready if you would like. We will also be lighting a candle on behalf of all of our community members.
Register to receive the Zoom link.
Grief Support Group: 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET
The support of peers and is the bedrock of our work together. Join fellow FSS members who have lost a loved one for bi-weekly conversation facilitated by FSS staff. We ask that you try to attend all 6 sessions.
Register to receive the Zoom link
September 24 - December 10, meeting every other week 4:30 pm PT and 7:30 pm ET
Book Club: 5 pm PT | 8 pm ET
We will be reading All of Us Strangers by Taicihi Yamada, a Japanese novel that explores ongoing grief, alienation, and the roles of parental and romantic love following a fatal bicycle crash. Bonus:
Register to receive the Zoom link
Book Club: 4 pm PT | 7 pm ET
We will be reading All of Us Strangers by Taicihi Yamada, a Japanese novel that explores ongoing grief, alienation, and the roles of parental and romantic love following a fatal bicycle crash. Bonus: Watch party of the acclaimed 2024 film adaptation!
Register to receive the Zoom link
Meetings held on October 29, November 7, November 12 and film watch Party November 21
Grief Support Group: 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET
The support of peers and is the bedrock of our work together. Join fellow FSS members who have lost a loved one for bi-weekly conversation facilitated by FSS staff. We ask that you try to attend all 6 sessions.
Register to receive the Zoom link
September 24 - December 10, meeting every other week 4:30 pm PT and 7:30 pm ET
October Birthday & Anniversary Support Gathering: 4 pm PT, 7 pm ET
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak.
Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, traditions, to comfort others and receive comfort.
This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register to receive the Zoom link
Book Club: 4 pm PT | 7 pm ET
We will be reading All of Us Strangers by Taicihi Yamada, a Japanese novel that explores ongoing grief, alienation, and the roles of parental and romantic love following a fatal bicycle crash. Bonus: Watch party of the acclaimed 2024 film adaptation!
Register to receive the Zoom link
Meetings held on October 29, November 7, November 12 and film watch Party November 21
Spouse-Partner Loss Support Group
The traumatic loss of a spouse or a partner poses unique challenges including loneliness, the absence of familiar routines, daily conversations, income loss, and financial strain. Gather with peers to share stories, discuss challenges, and find connection. Gathering facilitated by Families for Safe Streets support team.
Register here to receive the Zoom link
Crash Survivors Support Group: 4 pm PST / 7 pm EST
From physical pain to emotional trauma and lifestyle changes, the effects of crashes for survivors can be life-changing. Join peers for conversation and the support of those with shared experience. Conversation facilitated by the FSS Support Team.
Register here
Grief Support Group: 4:30 pm PT and 7:30 pm ET
The support of peers and is the bedrock of our work together. Join fellow FSS members who have lost a loved one for bi-weekly conversation facilitated by FSS staff. We ask that you try to attend all 6 sessions.
Register to receive the Zoom link
September 24 - December 10, meeting every other week 4:30 pm PT and 7:30 pm ET
AUGUST BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY SUPPORT GATHERING 4 PM PST AND 7 PM EST
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak.
Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, traditions, to comfort others and receive comfort.
This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register here to receive Zoom link.
Peer Mentor Training: 4 pm PST, 7 pm EST
FSS Peer Mentoring provides bereaved family members, or those seriously injured and their caregivers, with a connection to a volunteer peer support mentor. Our FSS mentors are all individuals who have been through similar experiences and are dedicated to helping others survive these life-altering tragedies. Join the training to learn more and join our team of mentors.
Register to join the training
Crash Survivors Support Group: 4 pm PST / 7 pm EsT
From physical pain to emotional trauma and lifestyle changes, the effects of crashes for survivors can be life-changing. Join peers for conversation and the support of those with shared experience. Conversation facilitated by the FSS Support Team.
Register here
JULY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY GATHERING 4 PM PST AND 7 PM EST
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak.
Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, traditions, to comfort others and receive comfort.
This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register here to receive Zoom link.
HANDLING POSSESSIONS AFTER LOSS
Our loved one’s possessions are filled with memories, and letting them go can be painful and exhausting. How do we approach the process of going through possessions in a way that is mindful and supportive and not overwhelming?
A conversation for those who have lost a loved one, to explore the process of letting go of possessions and understanding which will bring connection. We’ll share ideas for lifting up special objects, letters, photos, etc., and in the process remember our loved ones and support each other.
Register here
Weekly Story Map Orientation and Support Circle: 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST - every Friday
This weekly space is for anyone who wants a little guidance, or simply a little company as they write their loved one’s story to add to our national story map.
The map is a forum where our community can honor loved ones or their own crashes, and show decision makers the true human cost of traffic violence, beyond the numbers and statistics. We hope you will share your story.
Register to receive the Zoom link.
JUNE BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY GATHERING 4 PM PST AND 7 PM EST
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak.
Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, traditions, to comfort others and receive comfort.
This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register here to receive Zoom link.
Crash Survivors Support Group
From physical pain to emotional trauma and lifestyle changes, the effects of crashes for survivors can be life-changing. Join peers for conversation and the support of those with shared experience. Conversation facilitated by the FSS Support
Register here
Journal Writing
Expressive writing can ease symptoms of PTSD and help to find meaning in life changes following a traumatic event. A regular writing practice can provide a release that can reduce trauma symptoms like feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, sleeplessness, and poor concentration. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto the paper can offer a safe and judgement-free place to express feelings, build resilience, empowerment and well-being.
Join with peers in a journal writing support group led by FSS member Robin Felsher. No writing experience or expertise needed! This group is open to all.
Register here
MAY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY SUPPORT GATHERING 4 PM PST AND 7 PM EST
Anniversaries and birthdays can be very challenging. These are times to be comforted by peers who have been through similar loss and heartbreak.
Join this ongoing gathering in the month of your or your loved one’s anniversary and/or birthday to share stories, traditions, to comfort others and receive comfort.
This gathering will be facilitated by FSS support staff and open to anyone who has a crash anniversary or birthday in the given month.
Register here to receive Zoom link.
Reunión con Miembros de FSS en Español: 3 pm EST, 6 pm PST
Durante esta reunión, nos reuniremos para compartir nuestras experiencias, conectarnos entre nosotros y construir un grupo de apoyo en español. Juntos, podemos construir una comunidad de habla hispana fuerte y solidaria en FSS. Si conoce a otros miembros que podrían beneficiarse de este grupo, no dude en pasar esta invitación o enviar un correo electrónico a ana@familiesforsafestreets.org. Puede acceder a la reunión por Zoom Aquí
Peer Mentor Training: 4 pm PST, 7 pm EST
FSS Peer Mentoring provides bereaved family members, or those seriously injured and their caregivers, with a connection to a volunteer peer support mentor. Our FSS mentors are all individuals who have been through similar experiences and are dedicated to helping others survive these life-altering tragedies. Join the training to learn more and join our team of mentors.
Register to join the training.
SAFE Streets Act Lobby Day - Tuesday, May 7
Join the NYS Safe Streets Coalition, Transportation Alternatives, Families for Safe Streets, and the New York Bicycle Coalition as we travel together to Albany and lobby for the SAFE Streets Package on Tuesday, May 7.
Sign up here!
Weekly Story Map Support Circle: 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST
By sharing your crash story on the map, you are creating a collective portrait of preventable loss that is difficult to ignore. Sharing stories is among the most compelling ways we can focus attention on this crisis. The more stories we share, the more the map will reflect the true crisis on our roadways. Join the virtual weekly Story Writing Support Circle for a little guidance and camaraderie as you write.
Facing Mother's & Father's Day Without Loved Ones: May 2nd, 7 pm EST, 4 pm PST
Holidays can be stressful and exhausting even in the best of times. After the sudden loss of a loved one, holidays can be the time when we miss our loved ones most. This is also the time when we most need support from others who understand. Community members share strategies for remembering loved ones during holidays, creating new traditions, and finding solace at a difficult time. Please join us at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
RSVP to receive the Zoom link