You never know precisely what message is going to resonate with a young person. But you definitely know when it does.
The Milwaukee Brighter Futures Initiative seeks strategies to prevent and reduce child abuse and neglect, youth violence and delinquent behavior, youth alcohol and other drug use and abuse, and non-marital pregnancy.
One young man in particular stood out for her during 2017's focus groups. "He told us he used to bully younger kids," she said. "That was the norm in his family -- you picked on the younger kids. But through the program he learned how detrimental that was and how devastating it is to some kids."
He told Buchler: "I stopped being a bully. [The program staff] told me the effect I was having on the younger kids. I don't want to hurt them, so I stopped that."
But the changes didn't stop there. The lessons he learned about bullying made him do a little soul searching about his other questionable behavior.
"He really looked at himself critically," Buchler said. "He told us, 'There might be some other things that I do that are harmful.'"
[Read more]
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Light and Unite Red
Turned Milwaukee County Red
for Substance Abuse Awareness
Community Advocates was one of the 40-plus partners in Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division's
Light and Unite Red activities during National Drug and Alcohol Facts week, January 22-28.
Public Policy Institute and
Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition members were highly involved in so many events, including providing resources in the
reception area of Community Advocates' downtown offices; answering the phones during the WTMJ phone bank on substance abuse; promoting #LightUniteRed on social media; doing outreach at resource fairs in South Milwaukee, at Shorewood High School, and at Southridge Mall -- and, of course, turning Milwaukee County red!
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New Suicide Prevention Course Leaders Trained
The Public Policy Institute was proud to sponsor the training of seven local prevention workers to lead the Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention (Question - Persuade - Refer) course. The new trainers are Natalie Cooper, Healistry LLC; DeShanda Williams, Pathfinders Milwaukee; De'Shawn Ewing, The Parenting Network; Syd Robinson, MKE LGBT Community Center; Elysse Chay, PPI Prevention Services Manager; PPI's Jeremy Triblett, ReCAST MKE Resource Coordinator; and PPI's Jazzmyne Adams, AWY Prevention Coordinator. If you're interested in learning how to prevent a suicide, or participate in
other professional trainings offered by the Public Policy Institute, contact Elysse Chay at
EChay@communityadvocates.net.
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MCSAP Members Give
MU Basketball Fans a
Dose of Reality
MCSAP members will be at two more games this season: on
Wednesday, February 21, when Marquette takes on St. John's University, and on Saturday, March 3, when Marquette plays Creighton University. Stop by and say hello!
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Virginia Eubanks, Author of "Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor"
~TONIGHT~
In
Automating Inequality,
Virginia Eubanks explores how new technology is working against poor and working-class citizens with data mining, policy algorithms, and predictive risk models.
Naomi Klein raved, "This book is downright scary -- but with its striking research and moving, indelible portraits of life in the digital poorhouse, you will emerge smarter and more empowered to demand justice."
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Jeffery Roman Moves On
We at the Public Policy Institute are very sad to say goodbye to Jeffery Roman, who served most recently as our Milwaukee Brighter Futures Initiative Benchmark Coordinator. Jeffery has spent his four-plus years at PPI primarily focused on improving opportunities for and empowering the city's men and boys of color.
Jeffery is a passionate advocate and creative coalition builder who has added so much to our team. Jeffery plans to use his skills as a full-time consultant and continue his involvement with the Campaign for Black Male Achievement and Youth Justice Milwaukee. We'll miss working with Jeffery as part of the PPI team but look forward to partnering with him in his new role in the community.
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Public Policy Institute
10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 26
Special Guest
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.
The Public Policy Institute is now offering organizations an opportunity to sponsor this one-of-a-kind 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.
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Prevent Suicide Wisconsin 2018 Annual Conference
Promoting Resilience and Hope to Prevent Suicide
Friday, April 13
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.
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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.
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Wisconsin Zero Suicide Training
June 21-22
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.
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ARTREACH | A Youth Art Exhibit on Human Trafficking
Tuesday, February 6
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Financial Literacy Workshop
This workshop, "360 Finance: Be Life Confident for Larger Living," is part of a collaboration with
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and
AssociatedBank, who will facilitate the workshop. This event is designed to provide members of the community with an opportunity to receive the tools they need to reach their financial goals. Vendors including the YMCA, Children's Hospital, Safe & Sound Inc., Associated Bank, and WIOA Youth, Adult and Dislocated Worker Program will also be on site to offer additional resources.
"360 Finance" will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, at the
Northside YMCA, 1350 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. The Northside YMCA will also offer complimentary Kid Zone during the workshop for the first 20 participants to arrive and sign-in. (Limit two children per participant.)
Questions? Call 414-265-9622 or stop by the Northside YMCA.
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A Mother's Voice Input Groups
February 10-March 10
The next input groups are:
- Concordia: Saturday, February 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, 2819 W. Richardson Place, Milwaukee
- 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
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Prevent Stress from Affecting Your Health, Life, and Productivity
Learn how stress affects your physiologically, physically, emotionally, and behaviorally and receive simple but powerful techniques to ease your mental and emotional distress in less than a minute. Performance psychologist Dr. Tony Piparo is an internationally bestselling author, speaker, coach, and award-winning researcher who works with athletes and top business professionals.
Details: Monday, February 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Library Central Branch (814 W. Wisconsin Ave.).
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Interrogating Whiteness
Tuesday, February 13
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Youth Rising:
Our Community, Our Solution
Saturday, February 17
Young people ages 12 to 24 are invited to the Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP's 2018 inaugural,
"Youth Rising: Our Community, Our Solution." Activities include a learn and lunch with Keynote Speaker MK Asante, plus youth-led workshops, community building, and a call to action.
Presented by the City of Milwaukee, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, Social Development Commission, the Center for Self Sufficiency, the Office of African American Affairs, the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin, and Employ Milwaukee.
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Wisconsin LGBTQ Summit
Saturday, February 24
Diverse & Resilient and
Fair Wisconsin Education Fund are sponsoring the Wisconsin LGBTQ Summit, which will be focused on building a more skilled and connected network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and allied individuals.
Attendees will deepen their understanding of issues facing the LGBTQ community; learn what other organizations are doing to advance health, safety, fairness, and inclusion in Wisconsin's LGBTQ community; join efforts to ensure LGBTQ protections in Wisconsin; and network with established and emerging leaders from around the state.
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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 jenglish@parklawnag.org if you have questions.
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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.
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Leading Change: Women, Politics, Advocacy & Social Justice
Tuesday, February 27
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.
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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.
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Advancing Racial Equity:
The Role of Government
Wednesday, March 7
- 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.
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Wisconsin's Opioid Crisis: A Trauma-Informed Response
March 8-9
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Care and Treatment Services is organizing this
two-day training that will explore the link between trauma and opioid abuse, including trauma-informed approaches that addiction professionals can use to more effectively serve clients. The training focus on Thursday, March 8, will be on women, with a presentation by Carol Ackley; on Friday, March 9, it'll be on men with a presentation by Roberto Rodriguez.
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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.
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2018 Annual Youth Worker Conference
Thursday, June 14
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2018 Young Entrepreneur of the Year
EY, Junior Achievement, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction seek to recognize an individual in grades 5-12 who has turned a business idea into a reality and realized an operating business. Applicants must be an owner or manager of a private or public company (can be a seasonal business) that has been in operation since April 19, 2017. One winner will receive a scholarship or cash prize of $1,000 and will be recognized at the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame and Ernst & Young Regional Award Banquet. All finalists will be recognized on YouTube. Deadline for applications is February 23.
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USDN Equity Diversity Inclusion Fellowship
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 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.
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A National and Across-State Profile on Adverse Childhood Experiences among U.S. Children and Possibilities to Heal and Thrive
Based on data from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health,
this brief provides a wealth of data and insights for those interested in learning more about the impact of ACEs on children and communities.
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Health Disparities and Stress among Minority and
Low-Income People
A new report from the American Psychological Association
found that people with low incomes and members of racial/ethnic minorities experience greater levels of stress than their more affluent, white counterparts, which can lead to significant disparities in both mental and physical health that ultimately affect life expectancy. "
Stress is one of the top 10 social determinants of health inequities," said Elizabeth Brondolo, Ph.D., chair of an APA working group that wrote the report.
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Entendamos el trauma infantil/Understanding Child Trauma
From SAMHSA:
Este folleto enseña a los padres y cuidadores sobre los tipos de estrés traumático en los jóvenes. Explica el impacto que pueden tener los eventos traumáticos en la salud física y psicológica, e incluye una lista de recursos para ayudar con la recuperación.
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Tracking the Impact of Early Abuse and Neglect
This new study published in Child Development
found that children who experience abuse and neglect early in life are more likely to have problems in society relationships and underachieve academically as adults. In fact, early maltreatments can have negative effects that can be seen nearly three decades later.
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