The Presentation
Katy Hutchison is a concerned parent, author and restorative justice advocate with a compelling, real life story. In this very personalized one hour presentation, entitled The Story of Bob, Katy clearly describes how alcohol and other drug use, peer pressure, and misguided choices in an unchaperoned setting caused the tragic death of her husband Bob. Through a powerful and poignant multi-media presentation, Katy shares how this traumatic event impacted her as a wife and as a mother of two young children. Her personal and interactive presentation is designed to inform her audience of the risks arising from using alcohol and other drugs and unsupervised settings, and to empower them to make healthier choices so similar tragedies can be prevented. In addition, Katy explores the power of forgiveness and describes her own grassroots quest for restorative justice.
Student Audiences: The Story of Bob was developed for elementary and secondary school students from grades six through twelve. The presentation differs slightly depending on the age group of the audience to ensure that the content is age-appropriate. She has spoken to over 450 schools in Canada, the USA, England and New Zealand.
Parent Groups: Katy has told The Story of Bob to many schools' parent groups. This companion presentation was created so that parents could open up discussion with their children about Katy's message. The focus is on strategies to reduce risk taking behaviour amongst teens, boundary setting, consequences, communication with other parents, and host liability issues.
Restorative Justice Groups: The Story of Bob explores the concepts of restorative justice. Incorporating written material from the young man responsible for Bob's death and video of Katy working with him, the audience is given powerful insight into the power of forgiveness. Katy has keynoted with the offender at two restorative justice symposiums in British Columbia correctional facilities. She told her story to New Frontiers in Restorative Justice, a conference at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand in November, 2004 and to the International Institute of Restorative Practice Conference in Bethlehem, PA in 2006 and in Toronto in 2008. The Story of Bob continues to be a highly sought after presentation by regional and community RJ groups internationally.
Victim Service Organizations: Katy speaks to professionals and volunteers in the victim service field. Telling the story of the violent and tragic loss suffered by her family, Katy is able to give the victim advocate vital insight into best practices and ha keynoted many victim service conferences.
Community Groups and Businesses: Resiliency is a key characteristic in the success of every organization. The Story of Bob tells one woman's journey through crisis and triumph over adversity. Katy is motivating, she is honest and her story leaves a unique and lasting impact wherever it is told.
Audience size: Katy's program is well suited to any size group - from an intimate classroom-size forum up to a full conference audience of 1000 +.
Presentation duration: Approximately seventy minutes - allows time for Q & A, but can be tailored to fit a specific program.
Technological support needed: LCD projector (as backup only - Katy brings her own) and screen for the Powerpoint presentation. Microphone and sound system for larger audiences.
Katy Hutchison
