Post on 23-Dec-2015
“It is time to speak your truth, create your community and do not look outside yourself for the leader. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Hopi Elders
A Native American Approach
Presented at 2006 IHS / SAMHSA Behavioral Health ConferenceJune 6, 2006 - Town and Country ResortSan Diego, CA
By Gary B. Neumann Salish/Pend Orielle
M E D I C I N E W H E E L
FOUR DIRECTIONS
NorthNorth
SouthSouth
EastEast
WestWest
North
North
SouthSouth
EastEast
WestWest
Emotional
MentalMentalPhysicalPhysical
SpiritualSpiritual
WELLBRIETY - means to be both sober and well. It is a word that would be inspired by a Passamagouddy elder in Maine 1995; but for native people WELLBRIETY means to live through the principles, laws, and values that indigenous cultures lived by before Europeans came to North America.
Clans live in Harmony with Creation
CLANS: Keepers of Sacred Knowledge
NorthNorth
SouthSouth
EastEast
WestWest
•All Native Cultures believeAll Native Cultures believe in a Supreme Being.in a Supreme Being.•All Native Cultures believeAll Native Cultures believe in a Supreme Being.in a Supreme Being.
•We believe that the EldersWe believe that the Elders are a guiding force.are a guiding force.•We believe that the EldersWe believe that the Elders are a guiding force.are a guiding force.
•We believe that all tribalWe believe that all tribalNations are different fromNations are different fromeach other.each other.
•We believe that all tribalWe believe that all tribalNations are different fromNations are different fromeach other.each other.
•This difference is our strength.This difference is our strength.•This difference is our strength.This difference is our strength.
•We believe alcoholWe believe alcoholand drugs are destroyingand drugs are destroying
us and we want to recover.us and we want to recover.
•We believe alcoholWe believe alcoholand drugs are destroyingand drugs are destroying
us and we want to recover.us and we want to recover.
•We believe that there is aWe believe that there is aNatural Order runningNatural Order running
the Universe.the Universe.
•We believe that there is aWe believe that there is aNatural Order runningNatural Order running
the Universe.the Universe.
•Inside of every beingInside of every beingis the innate knowledgeis the innate knowledge
of Well Being.of Well Being.
•Inside of every beingInside of every beingis the innate knowledgeis the innate knowledge
of Well Being.of Well Being.
•We believe our traditionalWe believe our traditionalways are knowledgeableways are knowledgeableabout the Natural Order.about the Natural Order.
•We believe our traditionalWe believe our traditionalways are knowledgeableways are knowledgeableabout the Natural Order.about the Natural Order.
A Mohawk Elder, explains:
•The difference that exists is that white doctor’s medicines tend to be very mechanical.
•The person is repaired but he is not better than he was before.
•Western Medicine is more focused on symptom suppression.
Culturally Sensitive ApproachCulturally Sensitive ApproachCulturally Sensitive ApproachCulturally Sensitive Approach
• Identifying Strength
• Observing Nature
• Uniqueness of all Things
• Adapt as needed
• Harmony and balance
• Teachings and spirituality
Concept Of Well Being Is Understood Differently.
Cultural SensitivityCultural SensitivityCultural SensitivityCultural Sensitivity
• Demonstrates the beliefs, values, and assumptions of community.
• Enables community members to become the owners of the process or product
• Is recognizable to the community as having a “good fit”
What works for the people of the buffalo, may not work for the people of the whale.
Areas for Cultural SensitivityAreas for Cultural SensitivityAreas for Cultural SensitivityAreas for Cultural Sensitivity
• Definitions and meanings
• Symbols
• Language
• Core Values
• Assumptions behind processes & content
• Leadership of local community
• “Life ways” and “Thought ways”
Cultural CompetencyCultural CompetencyCultural CompetencyCultural Competency
• To conduct professional work in ways that the members of a cultural group recognize as appropriate among themselves
•Engage with community and accept cultural differences in an open and genuine manner.
The honor of one is the honor of ALL
NorthNorth
SouthSouth
EastEast
WestWest
PreventionPrevention
TreatmentTreatment
SpringBaby
RecoveryRecovery
InterventionIntervention
SummerSummerYouth
FallFall
WinterWinter
Adult
Elder
Elder
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
SummerSummer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis
4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
“It’s not to help keep our kids alive
It’s to help bury them”… tribal member
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
SummerSummer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis
4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
WE MUST CHANGE THIS COMMUNITY “NORM”
In time, you will smile again and truly feel it and your laughter will be genuine.
But until your pain has gone away, and your sadness disappeared,Don’t feel like you have to be strong.
What you’re feeling is real.Don’t feel like your wrong if you want to cry.
There are some roads in life we must travel alone,Even though we may be surrounded by people whom we love.
Some things in life, such as what you are feeling now,Can’t be felt by anyone but you
But just remember, you are not alone at allEveryone who loves you is walking with you in spirit
And will be there with youYou’ll find a new strength
A new pieceA new happiness
It just takes a little time – You Are Not Alone
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
SummerSummer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis
4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
> When you Change the Way You Look at Things – The Things you Look At Change> We move towards and become like that
which you think about> To persist until you succeed
> The Creator – Elders – Nature will be our teachers
> When the Community Leads the Leaders will follow
>The Creator only made one race – Red Yellow Black White
>We need each other to Heal
SpringSpring
• Change is from within.Change is from within.• Change is from within.Change is from within.
• Individual must heal.Individual must heal.• Individual must heal.Individual must heal.
• Changing in the SpiritualChanging in the SpiritualWorld manifests itself inWorld manifests itself inthe Physical World.the Physical World.
• Changing in the SpiritualChanging in the SpiritualWorld manifests itself inWorld manifests itself inthe Physical World.the Physical World.
SummerSummer• In order for developmentIn order for developmentto occur it must beto occur it must bepreceded by vision.preceded by vision.
• In order for developmentIn order for developmentto occur it must beto occur it must bepreceded by vision.preceded by vision.
• Families can begin healing.Families can begin healing.• Families can begin healing.Families can begin healing.
• If the community starts thinkingIf the community starts thinkingabout something together - that’sabout something together - that’swhat the community moves towardswhat the community moves towards
• If the community starts thinkingIf the community starts thinkingabout something together - that’sabout something together - that’swhat the community moves towardswhat the community moves towards
FallFall
WinterWinter
• A Great Learning A Great Learning must occur.must occur.
• A Great Learning A Great Learning must occur.must occur.
• Communities Heal.Communities Heal.• Communities Heal.Communities Heal.
• In order for the youth to getIn order for the youth to getwell - the community mustwell - the community must
Simultaneously work on it’sSimultaneously work on it’sown wellness.own wellness.
• In order for the youth to getIn order for the youth to getwell - the community mustwell - the community must
Simultaneously work on it’sSimultaneously work on it’sown wellness.own wellness.
• You must create a healing forest.You must create a healing forest.• You must create a healing forest.You must create a healing forest.
• Nations can heal.Nations can heal.• Nations can heal.Nations can heal.
• The whole communityThe whole communitymust become part of themust become part of theself development & selfself development & selfdetermination process.determination process.
• The whole communityThe whole communitymust become part of themust become part of theself development & selfself development & selfdetermination process.determination process.
The Four Laws Of Change
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
A Healing Forest – SeedRootStem
LeavesBulb
FlowerNurturing MUST happen at each level
for it to thrive
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
SummerSummer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis
FallFall
5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention
4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
SAMHSA SPF
SpringSpring
1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment2. Community Assessment
SummerSummer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis3. Issues & Problems Analysis
FallFall
WinterWinter
5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention5. Community Action Intervention
7. Promoting & Sustaining7. Promoting & Sustainingthe Effortthe Effort
7. Promoting & Sustaining7. Promoting & Sustainingthe Effortthe Effort
4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning4. Strategic Planning6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative6. Evaluation of Initiative
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
SpringSpring
1. Community Readiness Assessment1. Community Readiness Assessment1. Community Readiness Assessment1. Community Readiness Assessment
2. GONA Training2. GONA Training2. GONA Training2. GONA Training
SummerSummer
3. WELLBRIETY Trainings3. WELLBRIETY Trainings3. WELLBRIETY Trainings3. WELLBRIETY Trainings
FallFall
5. Vision Book5. Vision Book5. Vision Book5. Vision Book
4. Coalition Building4. Coalition Building4. Coalition Building4. Coalition Building6. Community Visioning Process.6. Community Visioning Process.6. Community Visioning Process.6. Community Visioning Process.
7. Planning & Implementation7. Planning & Implementation7. Planning & Implementation7. Planning & Implementation
75% of Time to Prepare - Build Foundation
The Seven Directions of Knowledge
WinterWinter
Finding CreatorFinding CreatorFinding CreatorFinding CreatorFinding TheFinding TheElders WisdomElders Wisdom
Finding TheFinding TheElders WisdomElders Wisdom
Finding YourselfFinding YourselfFinding YourselfFinding YourselfFinding YourFinding YourRelationshipsRelationshipsFinding YourFinding YourRelationshipsRelationships
Europeans came to this land looking for “it”. In order to have and keep it they needed to control/change/de-colonize. For them to “have” meant there must be some that did not have. They looked “outside” their own land. I have discovered that as a Native American man - I needed to “Come Home” to find it. I need to look “inward”.
“queel ch tim eep” 2005
Underage Drinking(Including Binge Drinking)What Can We Do?The St. Helena Case Study
Presentation to:IHS / SAMHSA Behavioral Health
ConferenceSan Diego, CAPresented by:Gary B. Neumann
Community Prevention Institute (CPI)771 Oak Ave. Parkway, Suite 2, Folsom,
California 95630June 6, 2006
Overview Getting Started
Leadership
Getting the facts Dimensions of the problem Resources
Developing the plan Forming a team Planning for meetings Action plan (resources/timelines)
Case study – St. Helena Other considerations
Why The Concern?
Nine teens die every day from alcohol related
incidents. (S.D. Youth council, 2004) Alcohol kills far more teens than all other drugs combined (S.D. Youth Council)
Three leading causes of death for 15 to 24 year olds are automobile crashes, homicides and suicides—alcohol is the leading factor in all three (NIAAA 2003)
It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are alcoholics. Several million more have a serious drinking problem they cannot manage on their own (NIAAA 2003)
Getting Started
Planning Models Coordinator led Team (school based) Partnership (school/community)
Who needs to (can) be involved?
Advantages/Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Coordinator led Control Buy-in Understand school environment
More Work! More Work! More Work!
Team (school based)
Coordinator Teacher Students
Spread work Understand school environment
Youth participation
Logistics, getting team together
Competing Time Commitment
Community Partnership
CoordinatorTeachersStudentsCommunity
Spread work (delegate)
Task completion more likely
Ownership Spread
Organizational logistics
Start-Up Issues
LeadershipRoles and ResponsibilitiesRecruitment
Depends on Planning Model
Resources Assistance Funding
Timeline – 1 year effort minimum
Getting the Facts 1Dimensions of the Problem
SOURCES Survey Data
1. National Data (Household survey, MTF)2. CSS (State)3. CHKS – District/school specific
CHP1. Drinking/driving – accidents2. Drinking/driving – arrests
DOJ1. Adolescent arrests
Compile information in easy to understand graphics – they are one of your marking tools. Profile your community.
Present community data by demographics (age, gender, ethnicity)Compile information in easy to understand graphics – they are one
of your marking tools.
Getting the Facts 1Dimensions of the Problem
SOURCES continued
Profile your communityPresent community data by demographics (age, gender, ethnicity)
Compile information in easy to understand graphics –- they are one of your marking tools.
Getting the Facts 2Identifying ResourcesWHAT KINDS OF RESOURCES1. People!
What can they contribute? Who can help? Identify all individuals
school/community
2. Map the Environment Current programs – list out all
programs/resources that could be involved
3. Outside Support Technical assistance
4. Compile resource Inventory
Develop and Implement the Action Plan1. Form a team
Determine type of team Contact members
2. Collect and review ‘Facts’ Dimensions of the problem Potential resources
3. Conduct Planning meetings Introductory meeting Tasking meeting
Develop and Implement the Action Plan continued
4. Conduct additional data collection Example: Youth led focus groups Example: Social norm survey
5. Present Findings and Recommendations
Organize Presentation6. Implementation
Identify work group areas (based on recommendations)
Solicit additional volunteers Develop process to monitor progress
St. Helena Case Study Background Structure
Youth Death (DUI) Concerned Parents Supervisor Involvement
Called a planning meeting
Meeting Structures (four types) took place over 10 months.
Meetings Structure 1: ‘Matchstick’ Group
Membership 5-6 people (met 2x)
Purpose Discussed various planning options
Meetings Structure 2: ‘Kindling’ Group
Membership 12-15 people (met 5x)
Purpose Review/Discussed next steps/stage Set up Process for focus groups
Data Collection
Youth Led Focus Groups
DATA Collection Process:Youth Led Focus Groups
Meetings Structure 3: ‘Bonfire’ Group
Membership Community – 60 plus (met once)
Purpose Review findings and recommendations Community members joined one of the 6 work groups
Meetings Structure 4: Work Groups
Membership 4-6 per work group
Purpose Implement recommendations
Youth Led Focus Groups Process
Recruitment (≈ 14 youths)
Training (2 Sessions) Questions Developed by planning group Youth Volunteers paid Role played the questions
Focus Groups Five Youth-led Sessions Approximately 60 participants
(all paid $10/$20)
Report Prepared (CPI)
Presentation to ‘Bonfire’ Community Meetings
Questions . . . Ten questions; in three sets
SET 1: How Youth spent their time when not in school and percieved opportunities to
be involved
SET 2: Youth perceptions concerning adult support for them in their communities (ie, do you
feel like adults in the community encourages value and value you as part of the community?)
SET 3: Role of alcohol and/or drugs in their life
Findings . . . . .1. Alcohol use is common2. Social acceptance of alcohol use by
peers3. Availability and access4. Reasons to use – differentiated by
intent5. At risk behaviors—lack of concern re:
excessive drinking6. Adult relationships with teen
generally positive
Framework for Recommendations
1. Must address issues raised by teens
2. Must be based on approaches demonstrating prior success
3. Must be doable (low cost/minimum resources)
4. Must include community members5. Must involve youths and adults
Recommendations School Based Risk Management Availability and Access Media Community Development Parent Education and Intervention
Risk Management Recommendations
SADD
Parent/Child Pledges
Harm Reduction Information on Alcohol
Availability Recommendations
Responsible Beverage Service Training
Enforcement Compliance Checks Social Host Ordinance
Media Recommendations
Media Advocacy
Awareness Campaigns
Community Development and Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Task Force
Friday Night Live Community Development Framework
Parent Education and Intervention
Parent Skills Training
Brief Intervention Training
Lessons Learned . . . . .
Payments important ($ minimal) Youth prepared ‘notes’ were problematic
Planning/scheduling is critical Recruitment
Diversity (age, student types) Conclusion:
Youth led Focus Groups can be an important way to gather information and involve youth
Status 5 of 6 Work Groups meet every month (5-10 members)
Special Projects (recommendations) are being pursued Youth media campaign Brief Intervention RBS Place of last drink survey Parents involvement—Family Resource Center
Implementation SADD Interest in a SAP
Next Steps . . . .
CPI will work with up to FIVE School Districts in developing / Supporting an Underage Drinking Planning Process
Evaluate and Monitor Process for Sustainability and Enhance as Needed
Wolf Project
Presentation to:IHS / SAMHSA Behavioral Health
ConferenceSan Diego, CAPresented by:Gary B. Neumann
Community Prevention Institute (CPI)771 Oak Ave. Parkway, Suite 2, Folsom,
California 95630June 6, 2006
Cherokee Wisdom
The Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil.
It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied,
"The one you feed."
Wolf Project
Dedicated to the Memoryof Michael Wolf and all otherfriends, family and community members that have passed onbefore their time.
Overview Getting Started
Leadership
Getting the facts Dimensions of the problem Resources
Developing the plan Forming a team Planning for meetings Action plan (resources/timelines)
Case study – St. Helena Other considerations – Anderson Valley Model – Local –
Video Review Montana Meth Project Case Studies / Flathead
Reservation Similar Community
Why The Concern?
Eighth graders in rural areas are 59 percent more likely than their counterparts in large cities to use methamphetamine.
44 percent of Montana teens report that meth is easy to get – second only to marijuana. The percentage jumps to 66 percent among young adults ages 18-24
It is estimated that 122 meth labs requiring decontamination and sanitation cost over $1,000,000.
On the Wind River Reservation, meth was rarely found a mere five years ago and now is described as steadily annihilating the reservation’s communities.
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center – 32 of every 100,000 people nationwide use meth.
Why The Concern?
In Round Valley meth was a contributing factor in 98% of the Child Protective Service placements in December.
Meth dealers sell it as a diet aide for adolescents girls, an energy supplement for overworked moms or an escape from everyday reality for bored young adults.
Many of the chemicals used to make meth are common items like lantern fuel, household cleaners, nail polish remover, swimming pool cleaner and diet and cold pills, and “lab” equipment can be purchased at a drugstore or hardware store.
On the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana meth busts have involved labs packed into duffle bags.
In Montana alone, meth related admissions to state approved chemical dependency treatment providers have increased by 70 percent in 5 years.
Why The Concern?
A recent article in the Denver Post dubbed Indian Country “meth’s new market”, as drug gangs from other areas move onto reservations, reportedly targeting alcoholic Native Americans as potential new meth addicts.
The close-knit nature of reservations aids in the rapid spread of meth use.
Why The Concern?
Methamphetamine Related Incidents in Round Valley 2002-17 / 2003 – 15 / 2004 – 23 / 2005 – 51 over 100% increase from the previous year (source)
Bookings with Gang Affiliation – Mendo County(source)
Bookings with Gang Affiliation by year – Covelo (source) conservative estimate as bookings do not get reported as “meth” specific
Current Partners Business – Bar Owner / Real Estate Broker Round Valley Health Center State Alcohol and Drug Program School District – Superintendent / Board of Education / Principal,
HS/MS/ES /Nutrition Coordinator, Youth Red Road NAIGSO Mental Health Dept / LCSW Mendocino County Supervisor – Hal Wagenet Private Citizens – Family and Concerned Citizens Domestic Violence Program Juvenile Probation Adult Probation Drug Court Juvenile Justice Commission Recovery Community / NA and AA Yuki Trails Health Center Law Enforcement – Tribal Police / MCSO Housing Authority – Building Horizons Ranching Community – FFA / 4-H / Rodeo
NEED TO BE Partners
Round Valley Health Center RVIHC Employees Need to Be Invited
State Alcohol and Drug Program School District – Parents / School Teachers/Staff – School Board Members – Principal of High School
Principal of Middle School / Principal of Elementary School / Alternative School
Round Valley Tribal Council Members / Individually
Housing Board Members
Getting the Facts (cont)
1. Outside Support Technical assistance –
Community Prevention Institute County Office of Education Grants Foundations White Bison
2. Compile resource Inventory
Project Member Tasks:
Meth related stats for RV – DONE
School Data – CHKSurvey – C C to administer in
Spring 2006 Youth Led Focus Groups – Initial Meeting Feb 1st / Youth Training – March
1st / Youth Recruitment efforts and Final Focus Group Training late March or April 1, 2006
Howard Memorial – RV Overdose AODP – Gene Price / Willits –C
C
Domestic Violence – DONE
Juvenile Probation – DONE
TASKS (continued)
Probation Dept – M H
Juvenile Hall – C C
MH – MA / LCSW / MB / AB
POMO Court – MS – LD – DR
VORP – C C / AO
DSS / CPS – LD
Law Enforcement - DONE
TASKS (continued)
FAITH COMMUNITY - AW
Round Valley Health Center – Yuki Trails – MB / AB
Fire Dept / EMT – LD
OTHER SOURCES – ICWA/ CAL WORKS OTHER – Lions Club / $25,000 Grant from County for Skate Rink
Develop and Implement the Action Plan (Notice what has already been accomplished)
1. Form a team Determine type of team Contact members
2. Collect and review ‘Facts’ Dimensions of the problem Potential resources
3. Conduct Planning meetings Introductory meeting Tasking meeting
Develop and Implement the Action Plan continued4. Conduct additional data collection
Example: Youth led focus groups Example: Social norm survey Example: CHKS in April/May
5. Present Findings and Recommendations1. Wolf Project Team Members to meet 1st Wed /
Month from 10-1 in Fire Hall2. Wolf Project Community members agreed to meet
1st Wed /Month for Community Report Card 6. Implementation
Identify work group areas (based on recommendations)
Solicit additional volunteers Develop process to monitor progress (Monthly
Report Card)
Meetings Structure : Work Groups
Membership 4-6 per work group Agreed to have each Meeting or Activity have Spiritual / Cultural Opening and Closing in a Good Way
Purpose Implement recommendations
Stories can help people feel more connected to the place where they live.
Feeling more connected to a place gives us a better understanding – not just a mental understanding, but an emotional understanding. An emotional understanding and connection helps us to feel we are more a part of the things and to care for a place. It’s easier not to care when you don’t have a connection to a place.
In recent centuries our home has become the legal possession of strangers. We have been restricted from approaching our places of power and spirit. We have become mute witnesses while others despoil the air, the land, the wildlife, the rivers, and the ocean waters. It is said that this world was created for original native people, not for wanderers. But it is the wanderers who have brought a different rule, saying that our ancient laws are of no value.
This may be one of the reasons why we are in a spiritual quandary: not knowing how to become a functioning part of the invading American society, not remembering how to sustain a strict connection with the “knowing” that is our origin – and trembling in the presence of both.
The Round Valley Community has taken the approach to “learn” who they are and educate themselves and their families as to “who are their ancestors and where do they fit” into the community, i.e., land ownership, who lived where, etc. to help youth connect and feel a sense of belonging
To that end they are utilizing a “fan” of eagle feathers or hawk feathers and holding “talking circle” sessions utilizing “respect” “honor” “dignity” when someone talks while holding the fan others see this as “their time” and give them honor to share from their heart.
Youth Led Focus Groups Process
Maggie Escobedo-Steele - Consultant Training Session 1
A deep inquiry into what is important for the community to know that can only come from the youth
Here are the kind of leaders we want to be Here are the monsters we want to slay
WE HAVE K N O W CHOICEN E P IO E T SW D I D L O O E N M D S G E
Youth Led Focus Groups Process (continued)
Trainers - Maggie Escobedo-Steele / Gary Neumann / Anne Oliver / Martin Martinez
Following Session 1 Group opted to present at evening Report Card Meeting –
“they spoke clearly and honestly, describing “the real monsters” in our community as being “alcohol, meth and heroin – and people forcing these drugs on others”. “Adults need to know that we’re tired of all the drugs and alcohol abuse – and the bad community it creates – we are ashamed to say we come from Covelo” (quoted from local newspaper article)
Youth Led Focus Groups Process (continued)
Youth learned about Monthly County AOD meeting and asked if they could present their issues and share their concerns about lack of funding for projects in their community – Gained commitment to present and be trained and prepared.
Youth Led Focus Groups Process (continued)
Session 2 – Focus Group Training (Planned)
Questions Developed by planning group Youth Volunteers paid - Role played the questions
Focus Groups Five Youth-led Sessions Approximately 60 participants(all paid $10/$20)
Report Prepared (CPI)
Questions . . . Suggestions for Focus Groups
How Common is drug use in Round Valley
Do you feel Safe in Round ValleyWhat do you know about meth, alcohol and drug use in Round Valley
Do you feel useful or important in your family
Does your family say they “love you”?
FINDINGS:
Report Focus Group Findings to Larger Community
Framework for Recommendations
1. Must address issues raised by teens
2. Must be based on approaches demonstrating prior success
3. Must be doable (low cost/minimum resources)
4. Must include community members5. Must involve youths and adults
Recommendations FOR EACH RECOMMENDATION WOLF PROJECT SHOULD MATCH
School Based Risk Management Availability and Access Media Community Development Parent Education and Intervention Cultural Aspects / Language / Sweats
Risk Management Recommendations Wolf Project Integrate Other Options -
SADD
Parent/Child Pledges
Harm Reduction Information on Alcohol
Availability Recommendations
Responsible Beverage Service Training
Enforcement Compliance Checks Social Host Ordinance WHAT COULD OTHER OPTIONS BE
Media Recommendations
Media Advocacy
Local regular Newspaper Update
Awareness Campaigns OTHER OPTIONS
Community Development and Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Task Force-Meet with County and do presentation
Friday Night Live Community Development Framework – 40 Assets Training
Red Road / White Bison – Bring HOOP to Covelo
UNITY ACOA Training at Wellness Day June 24th
Parent Education and Intervention Parent / Teacher Skills Training
Brief Intervention Training Brief Intervention For Parents Training (Being Developed)
OTHER OPTIONS
Lessons Learned . . . . .
Payments important ($ minimal) Youth prepared ‘notes’ were problematic
Planning/scheduling is critical Recruitment
Diversity (age, student types) Conclusion:
Youth led Focus Groups can be an important way to gather information and involve youth
Next Steps . . . .
Community Red Road Pledge
I promise not to teach your family how to get high -
AND you promise not to teach mine.
1 - WOLF PROJECT COMMITTEE2 - DRUGS/ALCOHOL IN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE3 - UNDERAGE DRINKING CRISIS COMMITTEE4 - MEDIA CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE5 - AWARENESS/TRAINING CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
NEXT MEETING Assignments
Responsibilities
WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO
Community Prevention Institutegary@emt.org
ca-cpi.org
LEM LMTS’Thank You in My Salish Language