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Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place.
Please email me to keep me informed
of your coming events, job opportunities, grant availability, and other activities. Your ideas and feedback are welcome.
Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay Wageman
Prevention Services Manager, Public Policy Institute
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What's Inside
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Spotlight On: Let's Be Blunt
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]
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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.
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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 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."
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Update on 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.
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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.
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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!
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS
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Marquette University Community Engagement Symposium
Deepening Partnerships in Pursuit of Social Justice
November 6
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.
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TRAININGS & SEMINARS
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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
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Trauma-Informed
Human Resources
Workshop
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
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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
myron.daubert@dwd.wisconsin.gov
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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
shawn@almacenter.org
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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
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COALITION MEETINGS
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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.
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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.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
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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).
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TRUE Skool Block Party 2017
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
.
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JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
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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.
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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.
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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
.
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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
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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.
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