Milwaukee Prevention Journal 
February 19, 2018
Issue 7-4

Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place by investing in prevention efforts. Do you have:
  • Job openings?
  • Upcoming events?
  • News to share?
  • Suggestions?

Forward the information to Elysse at [email protected]. Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!

Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay 
Prevention Services Manager
Community Advocates
Public Policy Institute 


top
newsNews
Ten prevention advocates supported by the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition attended the 28th annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) conference in the Washington, D.C., area, and promise to bring their knowledge back to work in Milwaukee.

In fact, they already started impacting the discussion about prevention while they were in Washington.

The group took time out from the conference to spend an afternoon on Capitol Hill speaking with aides to members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation -- Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Ron Johnson, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and Congressman James Sensenbrenner. The advocates stressed the need to take prevention initiatives seriously.

MCSAP's advocates were Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Prevention Services Manager Elysse Chay, Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Prevention Coordinator Jazzmyne Adams, 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project Coordinator John Eshun, Public Policy Institute Grants Manager Deb Heffner, and Safe & Sound District 5 Community Organizer Adrian Spencer. Neu-Life Community Development Director Jody Rhodes and four of her youth FACT Movement members --  Dejah Brown, Amunique McGee, Maya Randolph, and Destiny Yarbrough -- attended CADCA's Youth Leadership Summit.

Destiny Yarbrough, a FACT leader at Neu-Life, said the highlight of her trip was the opportunity to speak with congressional aides about the importance of reducing tobacco use among young people. The group also showed a video featuring her and Randolph talking about how tobacco has harmed them, their families, and their community.

The Capitol Hill visits "gave me so much confidence to be able to talk to anyone," Yarbrough said. "I also loved connecting with other youth from various places and sharing the same common goal, to clean up our communities and try to identify and educate others in our community about tobacco."

PPI's Grants Manager Deb Heffner said she was "deeply moved" by the presentations by Neu-Life's youth members on Capitol Hill.

"These youth are products of the prevention programming Community Advocates supports and they are absolutely thriving," Heffner said. "The tobacco prevention video they shared during our meetings was a shining example of their individual successes but also the major needs and issues that they face in their  communities."


MCSAP Youth Summit
Friday, March 9

Too many young people think that smoking weed is no big deal. But that's not true. Marijuana can harm a young person's ability to get a job, participate in sports, obtain financial aid for their education, and think clearly. 

The Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition is sponsoring their annual youth summit on Friday, March 9, to provide an opportunity for young people to explore reasons why they should live drug-free lives. Youth ages 13 and up, including youth groups with their adult leaders, are encouraged to attend.

Details: Friday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Neu-Life Community Development, 2014 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. Food is included in this free event. RSVP to Jody Rhodes, [email protected] or 414-588-1589 (cell).



Tobacco Policies at the Olympics, 1988-2014

A recent article reviewed tobacco policies at the Olympics from 1988 to 2014, comparing the policies at each Olympic Games to the World Health Organization's Tobacco Free Sports Initiative and Article 13 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

The study found that most direct associations between tobacco and the Olympics are prohibited,  but many indirect associations exist and may undermine the policy. The study concludes that the International Olympic Committee and all national Olympic committees should adopt a comprehensive tobacco policy with standardized and binding measures.  




Community Advocates 
Public Policy Institute 
2017 Year in Review

2017 was a challenging year but a rewarding one, too. We are the Public Policy Institute expanded our staff, programming, and goals last year. Take a look at our 2017 Year in Review to learn more about what we do, how we do it, and why. Dedicated Prevention Journal readers will recognize some familiar faces and prevention-related activities from last year, but our policy team also has been engaged in deep work related to smart reentry from incarceration, tax policy to benefit low-wage workers, and improving health and housing options in the city. As always, thank you so much for your partnership and support throughout 2017. We look forward to making 2018 -- our 10th anniversary year -- our best year ever.

The Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee 2018 Schedule

Calling all social service providers, advocates, and allies: The Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee (ECOM) is offering a full year of workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge and empower you in your profession. 


  • March 16: Family Services / Child Support / Paternity
  • April 20: Job / Employment Services
  • May 18: Programs for Children / Youth Services
  • June 15: Domestic Violence / Elder Abuse Prevention & Intervention
  • July 20: Human Trafficking / Child Exploitation
  • August: No workshop
  • September 21: Utility Services / Energy Assistance
  • October 19: Housing Services
  • November 16: Active Shooter / Safety in the Workplace
  • December: No workshop
All workshops will be held on the third Friday of each month at the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, 225 W. Vine St., Milwaukee, from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Workshops are $5 per session; please pay in advance or on the day of the workshop. 

Advance registration is required.  Please mail the registration form to Community Advocates, Attention: ECOM, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee, WI 53233; fax it to Denise Lovelace at 414-875-2010 or email it to [email protected] .


Hooked in Wisconsin

USA Today Network-Wisconsin just published the multimedia "Hooked in Wisconsin," which details the lives of 10 Wisconsinites who are recovering from an addiction to opiates. The interviews provide an intimate look at how and why people begin using painkillers and then turn to heroin, as well as the devastation this addiction causes them and their loved ones. This is a must-read.


Input Sought for 
Community Readiness Assessment

Diverse & Resilient is seeking participants for its Community Readiness Assessment. Specifically, it's looking for members of these stakeholder groups to provide input:
  • Teen Males (15-19)
  • Teen Females (15-19)
  • Young Adult Males (20-29)
  • Young Adult Females (20-29)
  • Parents of Teenagers
  • Public Health Staff and Leaders
  • Public School Faculty and Staff
  • Faith Community Leaders
  • Community Based Organization Staff
  • Venues that distribute condoms
 
Interested individuals will participate in a 30-45 minute phone interview and receive a $20 gift card for their time. Contact Diverse & Resilient Program Coordinator Anthony Harris at [email protected]  to let him know you're interested.


First Look:
"Jim Crow Juvenile Justice"

As we celebrate Black History Month, the Youth First team invites you to be among the first to see this powerful new film, "Jim Crow Juvenile Justice." It shows how modern American youth incarceration grew directly from slavery- and Jim Crow-era institutions. Through interviews with advocates, it reveals the deep racial imbalance in our juvenile justice system and is a reminder of the importance of advocating for a fairer system. The short film is dedicated to the nearly 50,000 American youth behind bars.




MFD Offers Mail-Back Envelopes for Unwanted Meds
 
Milwaukee has just doubled its options for getting disposing of unwanted medication. In this totally confidential program, each of the Milwaukee Fire Department's  30 fire stations  will now keep pre-addressed and pre-paid envelopes on-hand for drug disposal. Take Back My Meds MKE helped to make this happen. 



sponsorshipSponsorship Opportunity
Community Advocates 
Public Policy Institute
10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 26
Keynote Speaker
Richard Rothstein

On April 26, 2018, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special night at the Milwaukee Public Museum featuring keynote speaker Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, a finalist for the National Book Award in nonfiction. Local historian Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of America's Black Holocaust Museum, will also address the audience.

Richard Rothstein


Reggie Jackson


The Public Policy Institute is now offering organizations an opportunity to sponsor this one-of-a-kind evening event. Benefits vary based on sponsorship level, but they include access to a VIP reception with Rothstein and Jackson, tickets to the main event, complimentary copies of The Color of Law , and recognition in all promotional materials. Individual tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. 

Contact PPI Deputy Director Kari Lerch at [email protected] or 414-270-2950 for details.


Save 
Save the Date
Opioid Forum
Wednesday, April 11 &
Thursday, April 12

This forum, presented by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Care and Treatment Services, will cover the best practices in harm reduction, prevention, and treatment of opioid use disorders. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12. Cost is $55 per person. Rooms at the Hyatt are being reserved for $92 a night; Call 888-567-8119 to reserve a room by March 1. Registration will open soon. Sign up for an email notification here.

Prevent Suicide Wisconsin 2018 Annual Conference
Promoting Resilience and Hope to Prevent Suicide
Friday, April 13

Registration Is Open!

Prevent Suicide Wisconsin's eighth annual conference is targeted to school professionals, emergency services, law enforcement, mental health and AODA professionals, veteran groups, clergy, health care providers, community coalitions and anyone interested in suicide prevention on the local and state level. Keynote speaker Mettie Spiess, CWP, has trained more than 15,000 students, educators, and corporate leaders in her signature "Empowered Voices Save Lives!" program and support curriculum. 

Pre-conference trainings will be held on Thursday, April 12. Sponsorships and exhibiting opportunities are available. The conference will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Register here.
2018 Trauma in Our Community Conference
Wednesday, June 20

The UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education is hosting Trauma in Our Community, which is intended for teachers, school and youth counselors, psychologists, social workers, medical providers, parents, and those interested in addressing the vital subject of trauma care throughout the community. The daylong conference will be held on Wednesday, June 20; cost: $199, or $179 if registered by May 30. This conference qualifies for 0.7 Continuing Education Units and seven Continuing Education Hours. Register here. 
Wisconsin Zero Suicide Training
June 21-22

Mental Health America of Wisconsin is inviting applications from eligible entities to participate in a two-day Wisconsin Zero Suicide Training. Zero Suicide is a quality improvement initiative that includes both a cultural shift in addressing suicide prevention within organizations and a set of best practices. 

Participants will learn the seven elements of Zero Suicide and be guided in developing an implementation plan. Accepted applicants will also participate in a one year learning community to support their implementation of Zero Suicide. Eligible organizations are health care or behavioral health organizations that are ready to adopt and implement a Zero Suicide approach and whose client population includes adults with Serious Mental 3 Illnesses or youth with Serious Emotional Disturbances. 

An applicant teleconference will be held on February 23. Applications are due March 23. The training will be held Thursday, June 21, and Friday, June 22, in Wisconsin Dells.


Events
events
Telling the Story of Trauma and Resilience: A Thought Leader Conversation with Keith Hefner
Thursday, February 22

Keith Hefner, Executive Director of Youth Communication, has made a career out of helping teens who have experienced trauma write their stories through participation in a rigorous writing program. In their stories, the teen writers demonstrate their social and emotional skills and navigate trauma to achieve their academic and life goals. The stories also engage adults and underscore the strength and resilience of young people in their schools and programs. Hefner and the Youth Communication team are committed to reaching more teens -- especially those whose voices and experiences are often missing from mainstream content -- and the staff who work with them. 

Join Hefner on this free conference call from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, to learn more about who is using these new resources and how teens are responding. Presented by the Forum for Youth Investment. Register here.

African American History Youth Challenge
Saturday, February 24
       
Show off your knowledge of African American history and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout time. Games, prizes, and food will be provided at this free, open-to-all event sponsored by the Social Development Commission. 

Deadline to register for the contest is February 21; go to cr-sdc.org or call 414-906-2793. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at SDC, 1730 W. North Ave., Milwaukee.


Hands Off: A Teen Dating Violence Prevention Event
Saturday, February 24
       
Milwaukee-based music artist Delta Triplett is presenting this free afternoon event for high school students and parents to raise awareness of violence within adolescents' relationships. Sponsored by Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club, V-100.7, A Cry for Help Foundation, Team Teal 365, and The Parenting Network.

Details: noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, February 24, at the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club, 3000 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee. Contact  414-698-9165 for more information about this no-cost event.

A Mother's Voice Input Groups
February 24-March 10
       
These input groups, sponsored by the Marquette Office of Community Engagement and the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, are for mothers of any age living in one of the following neighborhoods: Concordia, Uptown, Clarke Square, Metcalfe Park, or Old Historic Mitchell. The purpose is to hear your experiences and gather your input for responding to neighborhood violence. P articipants will also get a sneak peek of an excerpt of Milwaukee Rep's production of "Until the Flood," written by noted playwright Dael Orlandersmith and based on interviews conducted with community members in Ferguson, Missouri. 

Childcare, $10 stipends, and light refreshments are provided, but space is limited so RSVPs are required. Call 414-239-8555, email [email protected], or click here.

The next input groups are:
  • Clarke Square: Saturday, February 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Journey House, 2110 W. Scott St., Milwaukee
  • Old Historic Mitchell: Saturday, March 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic St., Milwaukee
  • Uptown: Saturday, March 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee 53206: 
A Community Serves Time Screening
Saturday, February 24
       
 Parklawn Assembly of God (3725 N. Sherman Blvd.) is hosting this free screening of the documentary "Milwaukee 53206," which chronicles the lives of those living in the Zip code that incarcerates the highest percentage of black men in America. This film also illustrates the high toll incarceration has taken on the hearts, souls and lives of so many Americans and their families across the country.  Immediately following the screening, there will be having a panel discussion on what we can do to support the children, parents, and families affected by mass incarceration. 

The screening will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 24; it's free and open to the public. No need to RSVP, but contact Pastor Jay English at [email protected] if you have questions
NAMI Peer-to-Peer 
Education Program
February 24-March 25
       
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10-session course for adults living with mental health challenges that provides an educational setting focused on recovery that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope. NAMI Greater Milwaukee will offer the five-weekend program (Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.) beginning Saturday, February 24 through Sunday, March 25, at its offices, 3200 S. Third St., Milwaukee. Register by calling 414-344-0447 or going to namigrm.org.
Leading Change: Women, Politics, Advocacy & Social Justice
Tuesday, February 27
       
Women's voices are largely missing from the executive branches of governments and parliaments worldwide. This social justice event, sponsored by the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at UW-Milwaukee, is intended to explore women's role in politics and why women are needed now more than ever in the political arena. 

The keynote speaker is author and activist Marianne Williamson; the panel will include Joan M. Prince, Vice Chancellor, Global Inclusion & Engagement, UW-Milwaukee; Kathy Flores, Statewide LGBTQ Anti-Violence Manager for Diverse & Resilient's Room to Be Safe Program; Susan J. Rose, Professor, Helen Bader School of Social Work, UW-Milwaukee; and Carly Wilson, Program Coordinator for Emerge Wisconsin. 

Details: Tuesday, February 27, 5 to 9 p.m., UWM Ballroom, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required here.

Critical Conversations in Community-University Engagement
Wednesday, February 28
       
Learn how Marquette University faculty and staff are engaging with local communities and beyond through research and partnerships. The breakout sessions will focus on efforts involving community engagement in research and/or teaching. Topics include "The White Shadow: Urban Settings, Race and Community Engagement" and "A Needs Assessment of LGBTQ+ Communities in Southeast Wisconsin: A University and Community Partnership." 

The session is sponsored by Marquette University and will be held on Wednesday, February 28, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., at the MU Alumni Memorial Union, Monaghan Ballroom, Third Floor, 1422 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required by Wednesday, February 21.

MC3 Change Agent Meeting
Wednesday, February 28
       
The Milwaukee Comprehensive Care Collaborative (MC3) and Milwaukee County are sponsoring "I Am Listening: Trauma Informed Courtroom Practices" presented by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell from 1-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. No RSVP is necessary.


Freedom from Smoking 
Facilitator Training
Thursday, March 1
       
Learn how to implement the Freedom from Smoking Clinic at this training for facilitators by the American Lung Association-Wisconsin. The training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1. 


Can't make this training?  Another one will be offered on Thursday, June 21.  
NAMI Smarts for Advocacy
Saturday, March 3
       
Whether you are new to advocacy or have years of experience, NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will teach you the messages, step-by-step tools, and the practice you need to feel informed, confident and ready to make a difference. NAMI Wisconsin will host this training on Saturday, March 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee. This is a free training (lunch included) and NAMI members are strongly encouraged to attend and learn how to advocate for mental health. Deadline for signing up is  February 21Register here.


Advancing Racial Equity: 
The Role of Government
Wednesday, March 7
       
The Government Alliance on Race and Equity, in partnership with The Wisconsin Racial Equity Alliance, is convening on March 7 in Appleton. This event is designed to:
  • Increase understanding of and commitment to racial equity and the role that government can play in advancing it
  • Share local and national racial equity effective practices
  • Further cross-jurisdictional, cross-community, and cross-sector partnerships
This event is an opportunity to learn more about the growing movement to create an effective and inclusive democracy that advances racial equity.

Tickets to this day-long workshop at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel (333 W. College Ave., Appleton) are $50 and can be purchased here.
Neuroscience, Poverty & Policy Seminar
Thursday, March 8
       
UW-Madison La Follette School Professor Bobbi Wolfe will present her emerging research with Psychology Professor Seth Pollak. They'll discuss the potential of brain research to inform public policy that improves opportunities for children in low-income families, including their 2015 research suggesting that specific brain structures tied to processes critical for learning and educational functioning are vulnerable to the environmental circumstances of poverty, such as stress, limited stimulation, and nutrition. 

This event will be held on Thursday, March 8, at the University Club, 924 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee. The seminar will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; the reception for LaFollette School of Public Affairs alumni and friends is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available. Register for this free event here.

Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Quarterly Coalition Meeting
Friday, March 9
       
Special guest Amy Parry from the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin will discuss the role of the Milwaukee County Child Death Review Team and opportunities for collaboration. This meeting of Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 9, at IndependenceFirst, 540 S. First Street, Milwaukee. 
The Future of Mental Health in Milwaukee Lunch Panel
Tuesday, March 13
       
Wisconsin Health News is sponsoring this discussion on Milwaukee's changing mental health care system, which will emphasize community supports rather than institutions. Panelists include Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin Milwaukee Office Director; Mike Lappen, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division Administrator; and Joy Tapper, Milwaukee Health Care Partnership Executive Director. 

Details: Tuesday, March 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Cost is $30 for Wisconsin Health News subscribers; $40 for non-subscribers. Includes lunch. RSVP here.

resourcesResearch & Resources
Free Legal Clinic for Homeless and Transitional Youth
Wednesdays in February

Pathfinders (4200 N. Holton St., Milwaukee) is hosting Project Street Youth's free legal clinics on the next four Wednesdays (February 7, 14, 21, and 28). Attorneys will be on hand for free consultations regarding legal issues facing homeless and transitional youth, including landlord/tenant issues, child support, name changes, driver's licenses, and more. Please bring all important documentation with you.
   
Health Insurance Is Still Available 
 
 
 

If your old health care plan left the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for 2018, you can still sign up for insurance coverage. Plans that left the Marketplace include Anthem, Health Traditions, Molina, and individual plans that ended from other companies. The deadline is Thursday, March 1. Covering Wisconsin offers a lot of health insurance resources and can sign you up and answer your questions. Call 2-1-1 for local help, or go to healthcare.gov for more information.


 
Free Tax Prep  
 
 
 
 

Households earning less than $58,000 are eligible for free tax prep, thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This year, five Milwaukee County locations will offer VITA services. Questions? Contact the Social Development Corporation at cr-sdc.org or 414-963-2694 or call IMPACT 2-1-1 for details.


Bradley Crossing Openings

Bradley Crossing is an affordable housing community in Brown Deer at which 50% of units are reserved for households with a member with a disability. 

Bradley Crossing currently has openings for 3-bedroom apartments. Applicants must have 4-6 members in their households, and one member of the household must have a disability. Applicants must also qualify on an income basis. The units come with project-based Section 8 vouchers, which means that the household only pays 30% of household income toward rent. In addition to beautiful affordable housing, Jewish Family Services provides enriching programming and other support for residents through on-site supportive services staff. 

Interested? Contact [email protected].
Association of Parental Supply of Alcohol with Adolescent Drinking, Alcohol-Related Harms, and Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Cohort Study

From The Lancet: This study of 1927 Australian parents and adolescents found that " Providing alcohol to children is associated with alcohol-related harms. There is no evidence to support the view that parental supply protects from adverse drinking outcomes by providing alcohol to their child. Parents should be advised that this practice is associated with risk, both directly and indirectly through increased access to alcohol from other sources."
Modeling Contagion through Social Networks to Explain and Predict Gunshot Violence in Chicago, 2006 to 2014
 

From JAMA Internal Medicine: An epidemiological analysis of a network of 138,163 individuals in Chicago determined that social contagion was responsible for 63.1% of the 11,123 gunshot violence episodes that occurred between 2006 and 2014. Models incorporating social contagion and demographics predicted future gunshot subjects better than models based on social contagion or demographics alone. Violence prevention efforts that account for social contagion, in addition to demographics, have the potential to prevent more shootings than efforts that focus only on demographics.
The Association between Natural Environments and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents Living in the United States
 
 
 
From The Journal of Adolescent Health: This study of more than 9,000 U.S. adolescents found that s urrounding greenness, but not blue space, was associated with lower odds of high depressive symptoms. This association was stronger in middle school students than in high school students. The authors suggest that incorporating vegetation into residential areas may be beneficial for mental health.


Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...
Contact:
Elysse Chay
CA-PPI Prevention Services Manager
728 N. James Lovell Street, Milwaukee WI 53233  |  414-270-6936