Topics Include:
Personal ResiliencyIdentifying and overcoming self destructive behaviorsSetting short and long term goalsMaintaining success by utilizing family, friends and community supportSubstance abuse prevention and intervention strategiesSuicide prevention and intervention strategiesPost traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); culturally relevant interventionsGrief and loss: the process of letting goIdentity: importance of Indigenous culture and traditionsthe value of educationFinding and maintaining balance within the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensionsStress and anger management strategiesLearning to live with disabilitiesLeadershipSpirituality: The journey to inner peaceOvercoming Adversity
Presentation Summary
Arnold has been greatly affected by generational patterns of poverty, alcoholism, stereotypes, myths, and the passing of loved ones. The death of his father along with the consumption of mind-altering drugs contributed to his suicide attempt, a path that destroyed my original dreams and goals.
Since 1988, his journey has necessitated learning new life skills which have gone beyond the daily demands for living. In 1999, Arnold graduated from the University of Utah with a Masters degree in Social Work. Since losing his sight, he has also held various leadership roles, including coaching youth basketball and football and serving as president of the Intertribal Student Association at the University of Utah. For the past 4 years, Arnold has been a Traditional Dancer. Most importantly, he has relied on ancient ceremonies to help maintain a balance in his life.
Tribal history, dances, songs and craft work have helped Arnold gain insight and strength to achieve new dreams and goals in his life. Let Arnold share his story with students to help them find the faith, strength and the motivation to live life to its fullest, with gratitude for what they have.
Program Titles
I Want To LiveSuicide: Adults & AdolescentsResiliency for Each and Every One of Us
ARNOLD'S THOUGHTS
"You are alive and there is purpose to your life and what you are going through now. Be strong mentally and physically and don't be afraid of your emotions. If fear seems to encompass your every waking thought, turn those thoughts and feelings of fear into a prayer. Find your dream!! Find your vision!! Make goals for yourself. You have purpose." -- Arnold Thomas
"Resiliency is the ability to rebound from those challenges we encounter in our daily lives. More importantly, it's the process of integrating the teachings that those positive and negative experiences present to us. With the intuitive aspect being one of four modules within resiliency, we can rebound. The modules within resiliency are as follows: 1) Childlike nature, 2) Moral nature, 3) Intuitive nature, 4) Noble nature. " -- Arnold Thomas
"Suicide does not discriminate against anyone. It does not care what national origin, religious denomination or socioeconomic group to which you belong. There are no laws or boundaries that suicide obeys or to which it adheres. But, one fact is clear: the self destruction causes devastation for those who are left behind." -- Arnold Thomas
Arnold started his own company that provides motivational programs to various agencies, organizations and institutions such as school districts, human service agencies, colleges and also tribal governments. These agencies are located throughout the United States and Canada. The message that he conveys is a powerful one.
Realizing a Dream: As a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation of Idaho and Nevada, Arnold has been speaking to international communities on the important social issues that directly affect people on a daily basis. He combines both personal experience and research data to convey his message.
Mission | Speakers | Programs | Events | Scheduling | Links | Contact Us
Perspectives | Testimonials | Vision on Tour
