Open Doors Training
@opendoors4youth.bsky.social
Learn how to build authentic connections with youth that foster well-being and inspire hope.
Young people bring expertise you can’t learn from a textbook: their lived experience.
In this video, youth advocates reflect on why their perspectives matter… and what can change when policymakers and systems genuinely listen.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
In this video, youth advocates reflect on why their perspectives matter… and what can change when policymakers and systems genuinely listen.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
"Why Lived Experience Matters" | Youth Voices from the 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference
YouTube video by California Alliance of Child and Family Services
youtu.be
September 24, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Young people bring expertise you can’t learn from a textbook: their lived experience.
In this video, youth advocates reflect on why their perspectives matter… and what can change when policymakers and systems genuinely listen.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
In this video, youth advocates reflect on why their perspectives matter… and what can change when policymakers and systems genuinely listen.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
The Virtual Core Training brings our curriculum to Zoom, making it easier for youth-serving professionals across CA to attend.
Join us and gain tools to engage youth in conversations about substance and other behavioral health concerns.
REGISTER: opendoorstraining.learnupon.com/catalog.
Join us and gain tools to engage youth in conversations about substance and other behavioral health concerns.
REGISTER: opendoorstraining.learnupon.com/catalog.
September 21, 2026 at 7:34 PM
The Virtual Core Training brings our curriculum to Zoom, making it easier for youth-serving professionals across CA to attend.
Join us and gain tools to engage youth in conversations about substance and other behavioral health concerns.
REGISTER: opendoorstraining.learnupon.com/catalog.
Join us and gain tools to engage youth in conversations about substance and other behavioral health concerns.
REGISTER: opendoorstraining.learnupon.com/catalog.
Youth voices took center stage at the California Alliance's annual conference in Anaheim!
Members of our Youth Council and Facilitator-in-Training program led a panel on lived experience and youth perspectives.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
Members of our Youth Council and Facilitator-in-Training program led a panel on lived experience and youth perspectives.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
September 17, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Youth voices took center stage at the California Alliance's annual conference in Anaheim!
Members of our Youth Council and Facilitator-in-Training program led a panel on lived experience and youth perspectives.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
Members of our Youth Council and Facilitator-in-Training program led a panel on lived experience and youth perspectives.
Learn more at OpenDoorsTraining.org.
Last month, we partnered with EMBRACE Mental Health.
Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with practical, relationship-centered tools for navigating conversations about substance use.
EMBRACE brought thoughtful insights, curiosity, and a clear commitment to supporting young people.
Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with practical, relationship-centered tools for navigating conversations about substance use.
EMBRACE brought thoughtful insights, curiosity, and a clear commitment to supporting young people.
September 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Last month, we partnered with EMBRACE Mental Health.
Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with practical, relationship-centered tools for navigating conversations about substance use.
EMBRACE brought thoughtful insights, curiosity, and a clear commitment to supporting young people.
Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with practical, relationship-centered tools for navigating conversations about substance use.
EMBRACE brought thoughtful insights, curiosity, and a clear commitment to supporting young people.
We recently hosted a small yet mighty group of new Community Facilitators working in education, mental health, community services, and more.
They're now certified to facilitate our Core Training curriculum in their communities.
Learn more: OpenDoorsTraining.org/CFP
They're now certified to facilitate our Core Training curriculum in their communities.
Learn more: OpenDoorsTraining.org/CFP
September 9, 2026 at 9:03 PM
We recently hosted a small yet mighty group of new Community Facilitators working in education, mental health, community services, and more.
They're now certified to facilitate our Core Training curriculum in their communities.
Learn more: OpenDoorsTraining.org/CFP
They're now certified to facilitate our Core Training curriculum in their communities.
Learn more: OpenDoorsTraining.org/CFP
On Aug 19th, we partnered with Escalon Unified School District for a Core Training with a dedicated group of counselors + principals.
It was clear throughout the day just how much they care about their students.
Thank you to the Escalon team for your commitment to supporting young people.
It was clear throughout the day just how much they care about their students.
Thank you to the Escalon team for your commitment to supporting young people.
September 2, 2026 at 8:51 PM
On Aug 19th, we partnered with Escalon Unified School District for a Core Training with a dedicated group of counselors + principals.
It was clear throughout the day just how much they care about their students.
Thank you to the Escalon team for your commitment to supporting young people.
It was clear throughout the day just how much they care about their students.
Thank you to the Escalon team for your commitment to supporting young people.
We’re proud to celebrate Eve Valdez, a member of our Youth Council, who received the 2026 Youth Champion Award from @ucdavis.bsky.social's Partnerships for Well-Being Institute.
Drawing from her lived experience in foster care, Eve is a dedicated advocate, policy leader, and community builder.
Drawing from her lived experience in foster care, Eve is a dedicated advocate, policy leader, and community builder.
August 27, 2026 at 9:54 PM
We’re proud to celebrate Eve Valdez, a member of our Youth Council, who received the 2026 Youth Champion Award from @ucdavis.bsky.social's Partnerships for Well-Being Institute.
Drawing from her lived experience in foster care, Eve is a dedicated advocate, policy leader, and community builder.
Drawing from her lived experience in foster care, Eve is a dedicated advocate, policy leader, and community builder.
Recently, our Facilitators-in-Training (FiTs) came together for two days of learning, connection, and reflection.
Our FiT program is an 18-month paid opportunity for youth ages 18–25 to build the skills and experience to co-facilitate Open Doors trainings.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org.
Our FiT program is an 18-month paid opportunity for youth ages 18–25 to build the skills and experience to co-facilitate Open Doors trainings.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org.
August 25, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Recently, our Facilitators-in-Training (FiTs) came together for two days of learning, connection, and reflection.
Our FiT program is an 18-month paid opportunity for youth ages 18–25 to build the skills and experience to co-facilitate Open Doors trainings.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org.
Our FiT program is an 18-month paid opportunity for youth ages 18–25 to build the skills and experience to co-facilitate Open Doors trainings.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org.
Every facilitator has a first training, and we're so excited to celebrate Doris'!
She recently co-facilitated her first Core Training after completing our Train-the-Trainer program. As an MSW intern, she brought warmth, authenticity, & a deep commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.
She recently co-facilitated her first Core Training after completing our Train-the-Trainer program. As an MSW intern, she brought warmth, authenticity, & a deep commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.
August 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Every facilitator has a first training, and we're so excited to celebrate Doris'!
She recently co-facilitated her first Core Training after completing our Train-the-Trainer program. As an MSW intern, she brought warmth, authenticity, & a deep commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.
She recently co-facilitated her first Core Training after completing our Train-the-Trainer program. As an MSW intern, she brought warmth, authenticity, & a deep commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.
We recently partnered with the Sutter County Probation Dept. for a Core Training with professionals deeply committed to supporting the youth and families in their community.
Thank you for your openness, dedication, and the important work you do every day.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
Thank you for your openness, dedication, and the important work you do every day.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
August 3, 2026 at 1:00 AM
We recently partnered with the Sutter County Probation Dept. for a Core Training with professionals deeply committed to supporting the youth and families in their community.
Thank you for your openness, dedication, and the important work you do every day.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
Thank you for your openness, dedication, and the important work you do every day.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
Open Doors Training is about more than having conversations about substance use; it's about creating environments where young people feel safe, respected, and supported.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
July 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Open Doors Training is about more than having conversations about substance use; it's about creating environments where young people feel safe, respected, and supported.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
We recently partnered with Community Wraparound in San Diego for a Core Training with staff dedicated to supporting youth from local schools/neighborhoods.
The staff brought a wealth of professional + lived experience, creating thoughtful discussions and a collaborative learning environment.
The staff brought a wealth of professional + lived experience, creating thoughtful discussions and a collaborative learning environment.
July 28, 2026 at 1:00 AM
We recently partnered with Community Wraparound in San Diego for a Core Training with staff dedicated to supporting youth from local schools/neighborhoods.
The staff brought a wealth of professional + lived experience, creating thoughtful discussions and a collaborative learning environment.
The staff brought a wealth of professional + lived experience, creating thoughtful discussions and a collaborative learning environment.
Last month, we officially launched our virtual core training program, expanding access for youth-serving adults who may not be able to attend an in-person training.
This launch marks an exciting step forward in making Open Doors more accessible to communities throughout the state.
This launch marks an exciting step forward in making Open Doors more accessible to communities throughout the state.
Open Doors Launches First Virtual Core Training | Announcements
Open Doors recently launched its first virtual Core Training to expand access and create more opportunities for youth-serving adults throughout California to participate in the program.
opendoorstraining.org
July 20, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Last month, we officially launched our virtual core training program, expanding access for youth-serving adults who may not be able to attend an in-person training.
This launch marks an exciting step forward in making Open Doors more accessible to communities throughout the state.
This launch marks an exciting step forward in making Open Doors more accessible to communities throughout the state.
If you've ever attended an Open Doors training, you may remember the unique shirts worn by facilitators. Each shirt features a photo of the facilitator as a young person, along with one word they needed to hear at that time in their life.
Read our latest blog to learn why.
Read our latest blog to learn why.
So What's with the T-Shirts? | Open Doors Training
If you’ve participated in one of our trainings, you may remember that the facilitators typically wear a very unique shirt. On each shirt is a photo of the facilitator as a youth, along with one word they needed to hear at that time in their life. The shirts serve as a visible reminder to us and to participants of our own youthfulness.
opendoorstraining.org
July 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
If you've ever attended an Open Doors training, you may remember the unique shirts worn by facilitators. Each shirt features a photo of the facilitator as a young person, along with one word they needed to hear at that time in their life.
Read our latest blog to learn why.
Read our latest blog to learn why.
We're excited to share a major milestone: since our launch in March 2025, we've trained 1,080 people statewide!
That means over 1,000 trusted adults across CA are better equipped to have supportive/nonjudgmental conversations with youth about substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
That means over 1,000 trusted adults across CA are better equipped to have supportive/nonjudgmental conversations with youth about substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
July 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM
We're excited to share a major milestone: since our launch in March 2025, we've trained 1,080 people statewide!
That means over 1,000 trusted adults across CA are better equipped to have supportive/nonjudgmental conversations with youth about substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
That means over 1,000 trusted adults across CA are better equipped to have supportive/nonjudgmental conversations with youth about substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
Open Doors is a FREE training for youth-serving adults that provides practical tools for having supportive, relationship-centered conversations with young people navigating substance use and other behavioral health challenges.
Sign up for upcoming training in LA: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Sign up for upcoming training in LA: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
July 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Open Doors is a FREE training for youth-serving adults that provides practical tools for having supportive, relationship-centered conversations with young people navigating substance use and other behavioral health challenges.
Sign up for upcoming training in LA: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Sign up for upcoming training in LA: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Honest conversations don't happen by accident. They happen when people believe they'll be listened to with respect.
Creating psychological safety means making room for questions, emotions, and vulnerability without immediately trying to fix or judge.
Creating psychological safety means making room for questions, emotions, and vulnerability without immediately trying to fix or judge.
July 7, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Honest conversations don't happen by accident. They happen when people believe they'll be listened to with respect.
Creating psychological safety means making room for questions, emotions, and vulnerability without immediately trying to fix or judge.
Creating psychological safety means making room for questions, emotions, and vulnerability without immediately trying to fix or judge.
When emotions are high, people rarely calm down because they're told to. Feeling heard and understood is often what helps someone begin to regulate.
A curious question communicates: "I'm here with you."
For more tools to support honest conversations with youth, visit opendoorstraining.org/.
A curious question communicates: "I'm here with you."
For more tools to support honest conversations with youth, visit opendoorstraining.org/.
July 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM
When emotions are high, people rarely calm down because they're told to. Feeling heard and understood is often what helps someone begin to regulate.
A curious question communicates: "I'm here with you."
For more tools to support honest conversations with youth, visit opendoorstraining.org/.
A curious question communicates: "I'm here with you."
For more tools to support honest conversations with youth, visit opendoorstraining.org/.
Supporting a young person doesn't mean approving of every choice they make. It means taking the time to understand their perspective and responding with care.
When young people feel understood, they're more likely to stay engaged in the conversation… and that's where meaningful support begins.
When young people feel understood, they're more likely to stay engaged in the conversation… and that's where meaningful support begins.
July 2, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Supporting a young person doesn't mean approving of every choice they make. It means taking the time to understand their perspective and responding with care.
When young people feel understood, they're more likely to stay engaged in the conversation… and that's where meaningful support begins.
When young people feel understood, they're more likely to stay engaged in the conversation… and that's where meaningful support begins.
Join us on Aug 26-27 in San Diego for our Train-the-Trainer program and learn how to facilitate our Core Training to help more youth-serving adults support young people through honest, relationship-centered conversations about substance use.
SIGN UP NOW: opendoorstraining.org/trainthetrai...
SIGN UP NOW: opendoorstraining.org/trainthetrai...
June 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Join us on Aug 26-27 in San Diego for our Train-the-Trainer program and learn how to facilitate our Core Training to help more youth-serving adults support young people through honest, relationship-centered conversations about substance use.
SIGN UP NOW: opendoorstraining.org/trainthetrai...
SIGN UP NOW: opendoorstraining.org/trainthetrai...
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, enslaved people in Texas weren't informed of their freedom until June 19, 1865.
This blog, written by Crystal Blanton, explains the history of Juneteenth + why youth deserve to learn the fuller story.
This blog, written by Crystal Blanton, explains the history of Juneteenth + why youth deserve to learn the fuller story.
What is Juneteenth, Exactly? | Microlearning | Open Doors Training
Despite its federal recognition, many people are still learning about the significance of Juneteenth and why it is important to acknowledge it within our communities — including with our Black youth.
opendoorstraining.org
June 19, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, enslaved people in Texas weren't informed of their freedom until June 19, 1865.
This blog, written by Crystal Blanton, explains the history of Juneteenth + why youth deserve to learn the fuller story.
This blog, written by Crystal Blanton, explains the history of Juneteenth + why youth deserve to learn the fuller story.
This week, we presented at the 2026 Partnerships for Wellbeing Institute Conference in Garden Grove, sharing how restorative justice can create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and meaningful conversation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and meaningful conversation.
June 18, 2026 at 7:36 PM
This week, we presented at the 2026 Partnerships for Wellbeing Institute Conference in Garden Grove, sharing how restorative justice can create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and meaningful conversation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and meaningful conversation.
We recently partnered with Phoenix House of California for a Core Training.
The thoughtful discussions and commitment to supporting youth made for an inspiring day.
We’re excited that several participants are interested in continuing their journey through our Train-the-Trainer program!
The thoughtful discussions and commitment to supporting youth made for an inspiring day.
We’re excited that several participants are interested in continuing their journey through our Train-the-Trainer program!
June 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
We recently partnered with Phoenix House of California for a Core Training.
The thoughtful discussions and commitment to supporting youth made for an inspiring day.
We’re excited that several participants are interested in continuing their journey through our Train-the-Trainer program!
The thoughtful discussions and commitment to supporting youth made for an inspiring day.
We’re excited that several participants are interested in continuing their journey through our Train-the-Trainer program!
Recently, we welcomed youth-serving professionals from across the San Diego area for a regional core training.
Participants came together to build their skills in having honest, relationship-centered conversations that support youth navigating substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
Participants came together to build their skills in having honest, relationship-centered conversations that support youth navigating substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
June 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Recently, we welcomed youth-serving professionals from across the San Diego area for a regional core training.
Participants came together to build their skills in having honest, relationship-centered conversations that support youth navigating substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
Participants came together to build their skills in having honest, relationship-centered conversations that support youth navigating substance use and other behavioral health concerns.
It’s a common assumption that young people don’t want to talk to adults about substance use.
However, more often than not, it’s not about willingness; it’s about safety.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
However, more often than not, it’s not about willingness; it’s about safety.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
June 8, 2026 at 1:00 AM
It’s a common assumption that young people don’t want to talk to adults about substance use.
However, more often than not, it’s not about willingness; it’s about safety.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.
However, more often than not, it’s not about willingness; it’s about safety.
Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.