Fritzi Horstman
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMPASSION PRISON PROJECT
Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of the Compassion Prison Project, an organization dedicated to creating trauma-informed prisons and communities. The first day Fritzi stepped inside a maximum security prison she realized it was actually a trauma center. She knew at that moment something needed to be done to change the system so she produced and directed the now viral video “Step Inside the Circle” with 235 incarcerated men addressing their Adverse Childhood Experiences. Currently, she is creating a 12-part video series about childhood trauma to be distributed to every prison across the U.S. and abroad. Fritzi has also produced HBO’s “The Defiant Ones” directed by Allen Hughes which has garnered several awards including a Grammy for Best Music Film. Her first feature, “Take A Number,” which she wrote, produced, and directed, debuted at the Slamdance festival and premiered on HBO. Fritzi studied at New York University’s summer film program and received a Bachelor of Arts in Film and English from Vassar College.
Workshop Three - Fritzi Horstman Step Inside the Circle - Experiential Session
Step inside the Circle is a call to action: to spread the word about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It is a call to recognise the physical, emotional and social impact ACEs have wrought upon society and to stress the importance of care (not punishment) going forward in the prison system. In-depth exploration of the devastating effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on men and women living behind bars.
Presentation Five with Q & A - Fritzi Horstman - Trauma Separates - Community Heals. The Journey of Connecting to Self and Others
We will explore the transformative power of compassion and vulnerability in the work we do at prisons at Compassion Prison Project. Fritzi shares her experiences working with incarcerated individuals, highlighting the healing that occurs within groups and communities. We will also explore the idea that trauma is a "virus" which perpetuates violence and
compromises our authentic selves. By spreading trauma awareness throughout society, we can interrupt the cycle of
trauma transmission. By fostering curiosity and an understanding of the effects of trauma, we can unpack the stories we've told ourselves and find our authentic voice.
“When we heal something in ourselves, we heal it for the world.” — David R. Hawkins
Learning outcomes:
1. Trauma is a virus and it is urgent that Trauma Awareness “spreads” to all parts of our society, so we can interrupt
passing trauma to one another.
2. Trauma can anchor us to the past where grievances can interfere with our creativity, imagination and forward motion.
3. We can’t heal what we don’t know exists. Trauma awareness is the first step to “Stop the Spread.”
4. Gandhi says: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Birthing a nonviolence, compassionate and peaceful world will take vision and commitment from all of us.
