March 29th, 2019
The Friday Five 
The "Friday Five" is intended to be a weekly offering to those interested in the work of Middletown Youth Services Bureau and the Greater Middletown Community Collaborative and contains various news of interest around supporting youth and building community. Enjoy!

1. To Read:
MYSB leads CT towards juvenile justice reform

Restorative justice work in Middletown is not only breaking boundaries, it is now breaking news. On Thursday the Middletown Press highlighted our community's lead in improving the system of punishment placed on youth through adopting circling methods and restorative practices both on a state and national level. Taking a restorative and trauma informed approach is a paradigm shift from harmful zero-tolerance approaches to punishment. Middletown's commitment to this model is instrumental in spearheading a national change in youth behavioral justice.  

2. To Read: 
School Shootings and Trauma

The impact of trauma caused by school shootings devastate communities long after the gunfire stops. Looking at long term behavioral trends of the thousands impacted by these atrocities has revealed data on long-term trauma and suicide sprees. As we work to improve the behavioral health support of our own community, it is important that we are aware of the devastating consequences that long-term trauma can impose and ultimately, what can be done preventatively against these consequences. 

3. To Read: 
"The Science Behind Suicide Contagion" 

While we continue to consume and share news regarding the four recent suicide deaths that have been traced back to long-term trauma from school shootings, it is paramount that we understand the impact of news coverage on the public. Studies have shown a strong correlation between suicide contagion and publicity on suicide events. Looking at why this trend exists and how it can be prevented is essential in the healing process for all suicide-affected communities and preventing further harm to communities. 


4. To Attend: 
Middletown 10 and 3.5 Mile Race!

Join neighbors and friends on Sunday, April 7th for the Hartford Marathon Foundation Middletown Legends 10 mile and 3.5 mile road race. Harvard Pilgrim Health care is this year's lead sponsor with support from partners at Middlesex Health and Mondo Restaurant. The race will start on High Street and finish on Main Street with a post race party. Gilead Community Services has a team running in the 3.5-mile race to raise awareness about mental illness and the number of people affected. Come to run or simply to show your support!


5. To Attend: 
Explore this week's variety of events

1. Container Gardening Workshop: Spring has sprung! This Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 am in the activity room of Russell Library bring the family for a container gardening workshop. N o registration required. Sponsored by the Urban Agriculture Partners, the Opportunity Knocks Collaborative, and the Friends of the Russell Library.

2. Exploring College Pathways: Middletown and Meriden High Schoolers, learn about the college admissions process and receive advice and support through the Exploring College Pathways' multiple workshops series offered by the Jewett Center For Community Partnerships. The workshops, t aking place both in-school and out of school, will involve informal discussion groups over lunch, panels, college essay coaching, and more. 

"Partnering with Wesleyan University to provide our students with real-life connections to college has an immeasurable impact and positively influences their life trajectories. It is our collective work to provide opportunities for the next generation." - Dr. Miguel Cardona, Assistant Superintendent, Meriden Public Schools

All interested high-schoolers please contact your guidance counselor for registration details. 

3. Racial Justice Book Group: Join the  Middletown Racial Justice Group at Russell Library Tuesday April 2nd at 6:00 pm in meeting room 2 for a discussion on Virginia Eubanks' book, " Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor." 

"[Automating Inequality's] argument is that the use of automated decision-making in social service programs creates a "digital poorhouse" that perpetuates the kinds of negative moral judgments that have always been attached to poverty in America...Eubanks proposes a Hippocratic oath for data scientists, whereby they would vow to respect all people and to not compound patterns of discrimination." - The New York Review of Books

Order on Amazon HERE.

Have a suggestion?
For suggestions of meeting topics or Friday Five materials, please email Justin Carbonella at justin.carbonella@middletownct.gov or call 860.854.6030.