STAY CONNECTED:
Issue 6-36  
              July 17, 2017 
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Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay Wageman
Prevention Services Manager, Public Policy Institute
NEWS & UPDATES
spotlightonSpotlight On: Let's Be Blunt

While the opioid epidemic continues to grab headlines, it's helpful to note that marijuana is the drug most used by high school students. 

And although 7 of 10 young people believe occasional marijuana smoking isn't harmful, the fact is that adolescents' continued use of marijuana can impact brain development and lead to poorer mental and physical health, lower life satisfaction, and more relationship problems.

Young people hear warnings from adults about the dangers of smoking marijuana while the adolescent brain is still developing. So the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAP) decided to allow young people speak directly to their peers.

The result is Let's Be Blunt , a campaign for youth, by youth. 

This month, the second Let's Be Blunt campaign launched on social media with the hashtags #noneedforweed and #letsbeblunt and on Milwaukee County Transit System buses.








The messages were brainstormed by young people in April at the MCSAP Youth Summit , then the most popular images were refined into professionally crafted graphics. 


[READ MORE]


rashidah Farewell to 
53206 Drug-Free Communities 
Project Coordinator 
Rashidah Butler


We're sad to announce that Rashidah Butler, Coordinator for the 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project , has left her position for a new opportunity at Make a Difference -- Wisconsin. Rashidah has been a tireless advocate for 53206 residents and has done a superb job of building a network of activists and residents who are working toward sustainable change in this community. We will greatly miss Rashidah, offer her our sincerest thanks for her work on behalf of the 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project, and wish her the best in her new role. 

Rashidah's departure opens up an opportunity for an enthusiastic change-maker who wants to join our team as the full-time Coordinator for the 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project. We're looking for an expert to coordinate the Drug-Free Communities grant and build and lead a growing coalition aiming to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of 53206's young residents. For more details about this full-time position, check out the  Public Policy Institute's website  or Jobs That Serve. The deadline to apply is July 21.


yjmpetition Youth Justice Milwaukee 
Launches Petition to 
Shut Down Youth Prisons

Progress is being made on the movement to totally reform Wisconsin's juvenile justice system. 

Last week, a federal judge ordered Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, two youth prisons in northern Wisconsin, to reduce their use of solitary confinement and pepper spray. The order is the result of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Wisconsin, a member of the Youth Justice Milwaukee (YJM) coalition . While Youth Justice Milwaukee welcomes a reduction of these practices, the real, long-term solution to the abuses at these youth prisons is to shut them down and create more effective community-based alternatives. 

In a statement on the judge's order, Jeffery Roman, a founding member of Youth Justice Milwaukee, said: "We are hopeful this order will help stop the abuse in Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, but the only way to truly help the youth is to permanently close their doors. Until these horrific practices are put to an end, youth will continue to be at risk."


Youth Justice Milwaukee also launched an online petition urging Gov. Scott Walker to shut down the state's youth prisons and create better alternatives closer to home.

"Youth prisons do not make our communities safer," the petition reads in part.  "Research has provided critical insight into the harmful effects of youth incarceration. Not only is reliance on youth incarceration counterproductive in promoting public safety, it poses irreparable psychological and social damage to adolescent growth and development. There is clear evidence that a system focused on rehabilitation and prevention yields far better results in diverting youth from the juvenile justice system; decreasing the chance of a young person committing another delinquent act; and ensuring that those currently in the system have an opportunity to reunite with their families, re-enter their communities and develop into productive citizens."

The Youth Justice Milwaukee coalition urges supporters to sign the petition and share it widely.


smoking Update on Smoking in 
Youth-Rated Movies

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement about the importance of preventing children's exposure to tobacco imagery in movies, reports the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance . The statement was issued in response to a CDC MMWR Report about rates of smoking in youth-rated movies. 

According to the MMWR Report, "Youths who are heavily exposed to onscreen smoking imagery are approximately two to three times as likely to begin smoking as are youths who receive less exposure." In response, various health and medical groups are calling for an R-rating for movies with tobacco imagery.




MCW logo
roast
3rd Annual 
Milwaukee Roast
Monday, July 31
Donations Go To 
Milwaukee Women's Center

Join  Milwaukee Record  at Club Garibaldi, 2501 S. Superior Street, on Monday, July 31, for their 3rd annual Roast of Milwaukee. The comedian-heavy lineup will also include a few local movers and shakers from other mediums. FOX6 anchor Ted Perry will host the event, and V100.7 DJ Promise will take a stab at roasting, too.

Patrons who bring non-perishable food items or toiletries -- to be donated to Milwaukee Women's Center , a division of Community Advocates -- will gain free entry to the event. Otherwise, cover is just $3 (or free when you show your  2017 Milwaukee Comedy Festival  pass).  Surly Brewing Company  will have beers on special and  STATIC EYES  will perform both before and after the Roast. The (21 and up) fun starts at 7:30 p.m. 


happyhour
PPI Happy Hour Fundraiser
August 15

The Public Policy Institute team aims to strengthen our advocacy for the thousands of individuals and families who struggle with issues that lend themselves to poverty, such as substance use disorder, barriers to employment, housing instability, and more. 

You can support our efforts by joining us for a Happy Hour Fundraiser at Blu Milwaukee, on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel. Look for a battle of our celebrity "Blutenders" -- Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott and PPI Deputy Director Kari Lerch -- who will be serving up drinks to benefit the Institute. Bring a friend and enjoy complimentary light appetizers, great company, and an incredible view of the city at Blu. On Tuesday, August 15 , from 5:30 to 7: 30 p.m., 10% of all drink proceeds and 100% of tips at Blu will go to the Public Policy Institute. See you there!


callheader
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Marquette University Community Engagement Symposium
Deepening Partnerships in Pursuit of Social Justice
November 6

The 2017 Marquette University Community Engagement Symposium   seeks proposals for sessions or  posters  that illuminate best practices in cultivating "deep partnerships," community-based research, and community-based learning pedagogies, in pursuit of social justice.

Proposal submissions for one-hour sessions are welcome. Sessions can be focused on any and all topics that fit within the broad goal of advancing understanding of community-university partnerships, and the critical role they play in our city and our world, in elevating the amazing assets, and tackling the most pressing challenges of our various communities. Proposals are due by September 15.
 
The symposium's keynote speaker will be Timothy Eatman , the Inaugural Dean of the Honors Living Learning Community and Professor of Urban Education at Rutgers University, Newark.


training TRAININGS & SEMINARS
Cultivating the Next Generation of Youth and Young Adult Leaders Webinar
July 20 & July 27


SAMHSA 's Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy  (BRSS TACS ) is pleased to invite youth and young adult leaders in recovery as well as other stakeholders in youth and young adult leadership to take part in Cultivating the Next Generation of Youth and Young Adult Leaders, a three-part Virtual Learning Series. The first session was held on July 13, but two sessions are upcoming: Succession Planning and Leadership Development for YYA-Run Organizations and Programs" on Thursday, July 20, and "Mentoring New Leaders" on Thursday, July 27. For more information, click here . 
Trauma-Informed 
Human Resources 
Workshop
Wednesday, July 26


Brought to you by the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health, this workshop will cover how trauma-informed practices can be incorporated into human resources, including hiring and onboarding staff, supporting staff through crisis situations, and maintaining employee accountability. The workshop will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at sites around the state, including at the State Office Building in Waukesha, 141 NW Barstow Street, West Building. You'll find more information and the registration form  here .


Meeting Employment Needs of 
Those Challenging to Serve
Tuesday, August 1


The Wisconsin Employment and Training Association (WETA) is offering this day-long conference in La Crosse. Presentations include: assisting the job seeker over 50; using Labor Market Information tools to assist those serving DVR consumers and others locally; helping those recently released from incarceration or those with a record; and "Promoting Positive Change without Judgment or Coercion." Details: Tuesday, August 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Lunda Center, Western Technical College, 400 Seventh Street North, La Crosse. Members $25; nonmembers $35. Lunch included. Register online at wetainc.org/events by July 28. Questions? Contact Myron Daubert, 608-789-5637 or [email protected] .
Mendota Mental Health Institute's
5th Annual Consumer Conference
Ethics of Diversity
Wednesday, August 23

Keynote presenters Samir Jaber and Karen Lane from  Disability Rights Wisconsin  will speak about the ethics of diversity. Co-sponsored by  NAMI Wisconsin , the conference will be held at the Mendota Mental Health Institute's Conference Center, 301 E. Troy Drive, Madison. CEUs and credits for certified peer specialist are available. Cost: $15. For more information,  click here.
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Motivational Interviewing Training
August 3 & August 9


Human service professionals are invited to learn this collaborative tool to help clients find the motivation to make positive decisions and changes in their lives. This technique is especially helpful for working with those dealing with addiction, depression, or anxiety. The sessions will be led by Shawn Smith, Co-Founder and President of the Alma Institute and a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. CEUs are available.

The seminar is open at no cost to Milwaukee Brighter Futures/Title V and Stay Strong grantees as well as members of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Southeast Region, including the MCSAP coalition, 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project, and Partnership for Success. 
 
Details: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, and Wednesday, August 9, at Community Advocates 2nd Floor Conference Room, 728 N. James Lovell St. Registration is required and light breakfast and lunch are included. Register at bfmiaug.eventbrite.com . For questions about the sessions, contact Smith at [email protected] .



SDC Summit on Poverty 2017
Dismantling Systems of Poverty
September 6 & 7

The number of people living in poverty in Milwaukee County is undeniable and reducing poverty will require a long-term effort that can only be successful if it addresses barriers that prevent individuals from moving toward economic stability. 

The Social Development Corporation's summit, now expanded to two days, will be a launch pad for expanding dialogue and advising policy and will feature workshops, research, best practices, recommendations and other critical information. Focus points will be cognitive dissonance, the "isms," policies and systems, and trauma. 

The keynote speaker on September 6 will be acclaimed author, activist, and speaker Kevin Powell. 

Details: Wednesday, September 6, and Thursday, September 7, start time 7:30 a.m. Location: Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee. To register and get more information, click here .

















meetings
COALITION MEETINGS
MCSAP Coalition
Thursday, July 20 

Members of the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) Coalition will hold their regular meeting at noon on Thursday, July 20. If you're interested in joining this coalition, go to MCSAP's website to inquire about membership and for details on this meeting.



Light & Unite RED 
Friday, July 28

The Light & Unite RED coalition is working on opportunities to collaborate on observing Recovery Month in September. The next meeting will be held on Friday, July 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Mental Health Complex, 9455 W. Watertown Plank Road, 4th Floor, Room 44B. For more information go to Light & Unite RED's website. 


events
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COA's Skyline Music Series
Tuesdays through August 22


This family-friendly Tuesday night music series at the Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheater in Kadish Park features great music, kids' activities, book giveaways, food vendors, and more, thanks to COA Youth & Family Centers, Allen Silverstein, and Buddha Lounge. This summer's lineup: Ahvant Soul (July 18), Urban Empress and Urbanites (July 25), Paul Cebar (August 1), 5 Card Studs (August 8), King Solomon (August 15), and Tweed Funk (August 22).




TRUE Skool Block Party 2017
Saturday, July 29


Support this hip-hop-focused youth organization by enjoying live art and performances, a Milwaukee photographer meetup, skate jam, food, children's activities, and more. Look for a special focus on juvenile justice issues, including appearances by members of Youth Justice Milwaukee . Details: Saturday, July 29, noon-6 p.m., Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Peck Pavilion, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee. At 7:15 p.m., boarding begins for the 6th Annual Boat Cruise, when you'll hear DJ Jene the Jenius and surprise guests during this 21+ event. For more information and to purchase a boat cruise ticket, go to trueskool.org . 





jobs
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

Public Policy Institute:
Drug-Free Communities Coordinator

Interested in reducing alcohol and marijuana use among youth living in the 53206 zip code? We're looking for an expert to coordinate the Drug-Free Communities grant and build and lead a growing coalition aiming to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of 53206's young residents. For more details about this full-time position, check out our website or Jobs That Serve. The deadline to apply is July 21.







Walker's Point Youth & 
Family Center:
Youth & Family Specialist


 The Walker's Point Youth & Family Center's Runaway and Teen Crisis Program seeks an individual with a bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field, prior youth work and supervisory experience for a Youth and Family Specialist position in our emergency shelter for runaway, homeless and other youth in crisis. Duties include supervising shelter residents and providing them a nurturing environment, conducting youth intake assessments and crisis intervention services, assisting callers on the crisis hotline, supervising community/student volunteers and facilitating youth groups. You can find the details on Jobs That Serve.


Walker's Point Youth & 
Family Center:
Youth & Family Specialist--AmeriCorps

The Walker's Point Youth & Family Center's Runaway & Teen Crisis Program seeks team members with prior youth work and human services experience for Youth & Family Specialist positions (AmeriCorps) in their emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, and other youth in crisis. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is preferred. The position involves a work schedule that could include daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend as well as weekday hours, with some flexibility. The Center welcomes and encourages diversity in their workforce. This position requires meeting the requirements of an AmeriCorps member, and agreeing to the special conditions and benefits of this membership. You'll find details at Jobs That Serve .


Pathfinders:
Middle School Teachers


Pathfinders seeks to add three full-time teachers to its Behavior Reassignment Middle School. Educators will work with at-risk urban youth, facilitate teacher/parent conferences, and assist colleagues. Candidates must have a valid Wisconsin academic teaching license or be enrolled in an alternative education program. For more information, go to pathfindersmke.org . 











Penfield Children's Center:
Community Outreach Assistant 


The Community Outreach Assistant will work with the Community Outreach Team in the execution of community outreach workshops associated with the Kohls Building Blocks Program. This is an on-call position; hours will be scheduled on an as needed basis, with the majority of the hours falling during the academic year (September-May). This position is grant funded and is not benefits eligible. You'll find the full details on Jobs That Serve.





Brighter Futures

The Prevention Journal is brought to you by the  Community Advocates Public Policy Institute .  For more information on each of our prevention programs, click on their respective logos above.