RCLLG September Newsletter

Read our other newsletters

Newsletter Content:

1. RCLLG Strategic Planning Survey

2. October Program Invitation

3. September Program Summary 

4. Previous RCLLG Monthly Programs

Help RCLLG plan for the future!

Tell us what you think about RCLLG and what you would like to see in the future! The results from this short (2 minute) survey will be used to help guide future programming and the strategic direction of the organization. Your insights and opinions are valuable - please share them by September 30th!

R.S.V.P for the October Program!

RCLLG Monthly Programs are open to all elected/appointed officials and staff of RCLLG member organizations.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Responding to the Homelessness Crisis

Friday, October 14 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM | Zoom Meeting

You’ve been told there is a homeless encampment in your community, but you’re not sure what to do. You are not alone. Homeless encampments are being found across Ramsey County, taking many city officials, businesses and residents off guard. Come hear from officials from two Ramsey County communities that have created philosophies, policies and resources that provide a humane and effective response. You will walk away from this program with practical tools you can implement in your community.

Attendance is FREE! All RCLLG member communities and organizations are invited – please share this invitation with your elected officials and staff!

RCLLG September Program

Summary

Last Friday, September 9th, RCLLG members attended the members' program “A View of Mental Health in the Classroom," in which three school-based social workers in Ramsey County shared what mental health challenges look like in the classroom at the K-12 level, including the current tools they use to address these challenges.

Scott Arcand, RCLLG President and White Bear Lake Area Schools Board Member, moderated the panel. Panelists included: 

• Cara McGlynn, District School Social Work Lead, NE Metro 916
• Niceta Thomas, Director of Student Services, Roseville Area Schools
• Tyler Small, District Counselor, Roseville Area Schools

Cara, Niceta, and Tyler discussed how the past few years have changed what their roles have looked like in their day-to-day work and in the classroom. They talked on how returning to school brings feelings of fear and uncertainty rather than eagerness. Tyler said "there is no 'pill' to cure uncertainty.' News is more accessible than ever, creating anxiety. Burn-out is common and obstacles, such as economic struggles, have been exacerbated. As far as the impact that's been seen on students, families, and educators, recruitment for education professionals, especially diverse school staff, has been a priority. As a clinical social worker, Cara discussed how she and her team are focusing on team de-stigmatizing mental health

It was asked what misperceptions might there be in the community on mental health in schools and how they should be addressed. Niceta discussed how there may be an assumption that students want to misbehave. It's important to show interest and get to know a student. This shows care to students and can also help reveal an underlying mental health concern. 

Tools/Resources

When asked what tools could make their roles more effective, it was clear that more mental health support and funding are needed. Flexibility is a huge necessity and staffing is also a concern. RCLLG members can help support relevant legislature, such as mental health medical reimbursement, HF 1742, and HF 3401, sec 8.

Discussion and questions followed. Read the notes or watch the recording to learn what was discussed. Check out the notes for resources and links shared with the group!

January: On January 21, we held a legislative update in which we heard from multiple State legislators. The members of RCLLG and the Minnesota State Representatives talked about a variety of issues, including mental health, housing, education, crime, climate change, and more. We heard what bills our legislators are creating and supporting, especially those regarding mental health.

February: On February 11, we heard from a panel of community service organizations who focus on food security. This meeting provided an opportunity for RCLLG members to learn how food is brought to those in need in our communities, and how we as local government entities can find some ways to provide support individually or collectively.

March: On March 11, we heard from Maplewood's Mental Health Outreach Team (MHOT) and Roseville's Community Action Team (CAT) on their challenges and benefits in embedding a social worker into their emergency response teams.

April: On April 8, RCLLG members attended "Mental Health: From Pandemic to Endemic" and heard from representatives from Ramsey County and NAMI Minnesota on we can learn to live with the pandemic’s effects and understand how the past two years has affected mental health in our communities.

May: On May 13, we learned about workforce trends in Ramsey County, and heard from Erin Olsen, Director of Strategic Research at RealTime Talent; Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions at Ramsey County; Mike Hauswirth, St. Paul Chamber’s Education and Workforce Committee; and Jenny Moore, Career Pathways Coordinator for White Bear Lake Area Schools and White Bear Chamber of Commerce Member.

June: On June 10, we attended the “Ramsey County Public Safety Update” program, in which Ramsey County Attorney John Choi shared data from his office related to recent increases in violent crime and described how he and other county leaders have responded. He also discussed new sources of funding, relevant policies and initiatives, & legislative efforts.

July: No Meeting

August: Member Social