The latest CSTP news for you

Volume 3, Issue 3, Fall 2021

Collaborating with Multiple Organizations

Miles Tritle - Marketing Specialist,

Child Welfare Research and Training Project

A crucial relationship exists between the Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit (CSRU) and Meskwaki Nation Child Support Services (MNCSS). Even as someone who has worked with CSRU for over two years, I was unaware of this partnership. I felt guilty until I learned my ignorance was a symptom of a much larger issue. Leadership at both CSRU and MNCSS believed there were many people like me throughout Iowa. They rightfully assumed the general public had little to no knowledge about the partnership.

Child Support Awareness Month - An Introduction to MNCSS and ICSRU (Video 1/3)

Quarterly Call Recap: Focusing on DEI Efforts

The third quarter CSTP call took place on August 11th, 2021. Liz Morris, a training specialist for Clemson University’s ThinkShops, presented: Beyond Diversity. We had 80 participants logged on for a discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)!

Her presentation began by dissecting the differences between equality and equity. Morris then started working to define culture. She broke it down into three types: Surface Culture, Shallow Culture, and Deep Culture. Morris made excellent points in her presentation regarding dignity, she stated that when you do not honor someone’s culture, you are violating their dignity.

You can find a recording of the call on our web page, using the link below. You can also find past calls and previous editions of our newsletter. Join us for the fourth quarterly call on November 18th, at 1 p.m. Central time. If you are interested in volunteering for a 10- to 20-minute presentation, please contact Shawn Peterson at speters3@dhs.state.ia.us or fill out the CSTP Submission form below.

Recording

CSTP Submission Form

We have CSTP participants in all 50 states!

Click on the icon to connect with other members on our LinkedIn page.

Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Child Support Agency Color Walk

Jenny Parker - Instructional Designer,

Child Welfare Research and Training Project

I had the opportunity to sit down with Lisa Vele, the Financial and Outreach Specialist for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Child Support Agency about the Color Walk event she put on over the summer. Lisa collaborated with multiple agencies to put together an event that was not only educational for families, but interactive and fun! A special thank you to Lisa Vele, and Gregg Duffek who let me know about this event, and provided great photos for all of the newsletter subscribers to enjoy!

Q: Can you tell me your name, position, and some of the duties associated with your job?

My name is Lisa Vele, I am the Financial and Outreach Specialist for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Child Support Agency for four years now. I love doing outreach! I like coming up with different ideas for it, to get families involved.

Newsletter Coordinator Message

Hello! My name is Jenny Parker and I am the new CSTP Newsletter Coordinator. I am so thrilled to work on the newsletter as it has already given me the opportunity to meet and learn from all of you!

This quarter, I had the opportunity to interview Lisa Vele for our Q&A section. It was such a pleasure to meet Lisa, and learn all about the Color Walk she coordinated. I hope I will get the opportunity to meet more of our CSTP members.

I know you are all working on great things within your organizations, and I want to hear about them. Whether you want to write an article, share one you used within your organization, or share your accomplishments with me in an interview, I want to hear from you! If you would like to be featured in the next newsletter, please fill out the form linked below. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Jenny Parker