OUR COMMITMENT

Welcome to Michigan CASA U

Michigan CASA U is designed for CASA volunteers, staff, board members, and others involved in the child welfare community, as well as anyone seeking to learn more about effective advocacy and the child welfare system in Michigan.

Coming up Next:

Thursday, September 18 | 9:30 - 11:00 am

Community & Sharing with Empathy

Presented by Andrea Walker-Leidy

Learn how to share lived experiences in ways that truly connect. This session will guide you in telling stories with empathy and authenticity—ensuring that what you share resonates deeply and honors those involved. When sharing your own stories, or connecting with others to share their stories, learning empathy in tangible action is important. From subtle shifts in wording to thoughtful framing, discover how intentional communication can transform how your message is received.

Equip yourself and your team with the skills to communicate compassionately, whether in interviews, newsletters, or across social media. Together, we’ll look at how to create a culture of empathy that shines through every channel.

Finally, we’ll dive into real-life scenarios and practice developing response strategies that uphold empathy, maintain healthy boundaries, and reinforce your organization’s values. Walk away ready to lead conversations that inspire connection and care.

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Learning Objectives:

During this training we will . . .

Discover how to share lived experiences with empathy and authenticity.

Practice language that respects emotions and builds trust with audiences

Learn how to train your team to communicate with compassion in interviews, newsletters, and social media.

Explore real-life scenarios to develop response strategies that honor empathy and boundaries

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Meet the Speaker:

Andrea Walker-Leidy is a seasoned publicist, entrepreneur, and founder of Walker Publicity, where she helps organizations and leaders harness the power of storytelling to build trust, connection, and growth. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, PR, and brand strategy, Andrea specializes in traumainformed communication—meeting people with empathy and intention to ensure stories are shared ethically and meaningfully. Based in Metro Detroit, she partners with nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven teams to create messaging that resonates and inspires action. Andrea is also the voice behind the “It’s Not Just a Tuesday” podcast, exploring life’s ordinary moments and extraordinary stories.

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