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Prevention Works! Minutes |
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Clallam County Prevention Works! Community Coalition Shaine Schramling (Parenting Matters Foundation),
Cynthia Martin (Parenting Matters Foundation), Mary Jacoby (West End
Outreach), Ida Carroll, Sandi Heinrich, Berlinda James (QVSD), Jan Laine,
John Beitzel, Glen Wiggins, Joanie Matter, Bev Ludwig, Pat Perreault,
Lacey Cooper, Jody Jacobsen, Jim Borte, Tom Anderson, Pete Peterson, Alice
Blackwell (Citizen), Carol Flinn, Debra Sharp, Rachel Anderson, Florence
Bucierka, Carol Huard, Fiona Hert, Nita Quan, Nancy Martin, Carol Cooper
(Parent), Kim Kettel (Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe), Mike Doherty, Niki
Elofson, Cherie Reeves-Sperr, Norma Turner, Lindsay Buxton. Jane Shefler called the meeting to order. She
explained that the first part of our Prevention Works meeting would be a
presentation pertaining to cultural diversity. We have several guest
speakers. Cynthia Martin discussed that throughout Clallam
County and the nation there are great many cultural sensitivity issues.
What is happening and what are we doing to resolve some issues related to
cultural sensitivity in Clallam County is what we are here is discuss as
well as how does this impact us as part of Prevention Works! PRESENTATION Glen Wiggins, Mayor of Port Angeles – Expressed appreciation at being invited. He discussed the formation of a multi-cultural task force as a result of challenge by Coast Guard with racial incidents in Port Angeles and surrounding areas. The task force includes people from school, government, private people with good representation on committee. When we got into this thing – with Swasticas five years ago – the task force asked “are we going to do the same thing as last time or do something with some long lasting effects?” The task force has defined 3 goals: 1) to open communication as to what causes racism, 2) educate people about those issues, and 3) celebrate and appreciate diversity among all of us. Captain Peterson (on committee). The group also decided to review what has already been done by groups in the community. A lot has been going on in city, Coast Guard, schools. Some good things have happened but there is a need to increase activity in this area. Task force is trying to decide what to do. (National League of Cities; Bridge Builders in Anchorage, Alaska is coming on June 17 to explain what has happened in Anchorage. He thought that Anchorage is being given an award is because of this Bridge Builders. Unsure if it fits for Clallam County. Good idea. Eye to eye contact with people of different races.)
Concerned with how to approach the tougher elements of society.
Rush from the Chamber – said if we can create an opportunity for peers
to pressure other people. Yesterday they went to Elwha Tribe. The tribe is
interested in the overture. 50% unemployment, 78% unemployment in Hoh
Tribe (Forks). Discussion about the June 20 event at Longhouse. Prejudice
is carried on from generation to generation. Association of Washington
Cities is coming to PA today – Stan Fineklstein and Megan Elliott – PA
is considering making a statement on where we are on this issue and
possibly joining statewide group Bev Ludwig – North Olympic Human Rights Network – Jefferson & Clallam. Pat Perreault from Jefferson County also present. Met on May 16 and city on May 22. In their meeting, discovered that most of the interest lay around the issues of the schools. Set up committees (anti-bullying bill; long-term school curriculum committee). Haven’t really paid attention to pre-school age range. They are meeting with Gary Cohn this afternoon to get some type of action in the schools. Meeting on June 16 (3rd Sunday) PA Library 7:00 p.m. – Billings Montana “Not in our Town” Brochures to join organization and other handouts were brought. With monthly programs, use for public education. A lot of the tings the city is doing are related to police force, city staff. For general grass-roots people there is no opportunity to learn about these issues and not just related to racism. In our case, we look at human rights issues including everybody. Using video as initial and then follow up with discussion. For young children, they have been researching what is available – Southern Poverty Law Center – Starting Small. Will provide 2 schools – 4 free kits (video, study guide, teachers kit). Another series done by Mr. Rogers – 9 videos geared toward young children about different aspects of diversity. How does it feel to be left out, language, disability, racism. 15 minute videos. Accompanied with teachers materials. Jan Laine asked about availability. On web – Mr. Rogers. Bev asked if anyone say “The In Crowd” on t.v. last night and showed how even as young as Kindegarten – bullying and other issues are present. Video said that what needs to be done is adults need to supervise and kids in the group stand up as well. Have list of school programs that build up respect for all kids in the schools. And they start with Kindergarten. Nita Quan told about “That’s a Family” video that is from children’s voices what their families are like. Nita is quite willing to share this inclusive video. Lacey Cooper, Sequim High School Student –
Was acknowledged at Sequim School Board meeting for competing in 3A State
golf championship and was named 1st team All-League. She
mentioned a few examples of what has occurred to her in terms of racism.
She stated that she hasn’t experienced that much because her native
family is traditionally light-skinned. However, when she is out in the
sun, she darkens up quite a bit. She recounted an incident when she was in
the store with some Caucasian friends. They split up and store clerk began
to follow Lacey around. She mentioned that there have been incidents where
people think she is recognized for an award simply for being Native
American, not because she has met all the requirement. This recently came
up as she became the first Native American in 72 years to receive a golf
award. She should be acknowledged that she met the requirements but
unfortunately, some people felt like she received the award because of her
background. She talked about exchange students at school students who are
not referred to by name but by country. She also stated that the Hispanic
population is not well liked at school and there is a great animosity. She
mentioned that she felt like a lot of people have a strong dislike for
people of color who have more material items and it becomes a jealousy
issue. She also mentioned the few alternative lifestyle kids at school who
other students don’t want to sit by at school and are treated quite
poorly. The issue of how to solve the problem is to deal with the
ignorance and not understanding cultural differences, also with a root in
jealousy. Sandy Heinrich, Quillayute Valley School District – with Readiness to Learn there are Family Service Advocates who are liaisons between schools and families who work with different cultures in community. Berlinda James is Native American FSA as well as Quileute Tribal School. Hispanic family FSA – Manuela Velasquez. Something that RTL has been working on is cultural differences, prejudice against families living in poverty. There are attitudes coming from teachers. Focusing on providing information to teachers through workshops so they are more sensitive to financial situations that these children are coming from. Sandy passes along literature and other material so there is understanding about issues these children face when developing educational programs for the students. Berlinda recently came across a racial situation: at end of last month in car eating lunch in school lot. Teen car with swastikas painted on – message: “if it ain’t white, it ain’t right.” And a bumper sticker “White pride, nation white.” She talked with the QVSD Superintendent and the Forks Forum also gave it coverage and took a tough stand against it. The importance of adults taking a stand that it is not acceptable behavior was something she saw as vital. Recently also saw a Bumper sticker with “White pride . . .” Need to be alert, vigilant and outspoken. Joanie Matter, Olympic Community Action - Head
Start – Answer to these problems is education. Starting to educate
adults and teachers understand what “culture” means – Hispanic,
White middle class, poverty, Native American. Just by believing that what
we do and think – impart values to children without realizing it. It is
worked with Head Start staff. The book Roots
& Wings examines multi-cultural education for young children.
Research into different multi-cultural education. Fell into 5 styles:
human relations approach (what differences are); single-group studies (not
widely thought of – tourist approach); multi-cultural education (broad
based – ECEAP in Forks does great with multi-cultural classroom with
families of all skin colors; signage in English and Spanish; materials in
both languages – very much of a model classroom); anti-bias curriculum
(Starting Small – teach about human rights, justice, being fair –
teach children how to handle situations); Bilingual/Bicultural (can either
be done well or poorly; ESL kids – negates value if culture is taken
away or language is not spoken – allows kids to learn both cultures
simultaneously). Cynthia – handed out an article – how to approach
other cultures. Discussed purchase of cultural sensitivity books by
Parenting Matters Foundation that are available for checked out (pmf@olypen.com).
She mentioned that we must assume that all sorts of people don’t come to
these meetings and that we have an obligation to take information to
friends, relatives and that is how we get out information and change our
community. Shaine Schramling handed out an evaluation from the
June 1 training “Working with the Latino Population” in Forks. There
were 85 attendees, with 59 remaining at the end of the day. The
evaluations are glowing and the need to replicate the training in other
parts of the county was mentioned several times. Business portion Nancy Martin suggested Tom Anderson from PASD, speak
to issues in the school district. Tom Anderson: Mentioned that Dr. Cohn
(being new to community) had a strong interest in working in this area
prior to issues of racism, cultural bias, and has also picked up with
where George Woodruff left off on a cultural committee. Dr. Cohn feels the
Native American (Lower Elwha) are a really important piece of what is
going on in PASD. Peninsula College/PASD/Lower Elwha/City University have
entered into an agreement to train students to become educators. Something
like this hadn’t happened before. Dr. Cohn has made sure Lower Elwha has
been involved in as many activities as possible. He has expanded
multi-cultural committee. Has gone directly to high school and has led
groups. Michelle Reid (PAHS) was involved in legislation on anti-bias,
anti-bullying. In Forks, the police department trying to encourage youth
(Latino and other) to get involved in law enforcement. Cynthia Martin also
mentioned a teacher who asked superintendent Frank Walter to be able to
flex her hours to work later in the day with kids who otherwise had
dropped out. Cynthia encouraged us to be creative. Treasurers
Report: Jane – Profit and Loss sheet and balance sheet in comparison
with a year ago. We have $3700 in CD that just rolled over for 6 months,
$1500 in checking. Last regular meeting – won’t meet again until September. There are a couple activities we should pay attention to in summer. There has been a lot of discussion about Big Event for next spring. Angie Graff has discussed that there is offer from Olympic Medical Center for co-sponsor – Terry Tafoya. OPAEYC together (Joannie Matter said OPAEYC would be very interested). The importance of earlier planning - in the summer – was discussed. The Big Event Committee will once again come together. Committee Reports Child
Care/Family Friendly Business (Nancy Martin) – As a result of first
presentation, they have received 7 new nomination. Board of Directors
suggested Family Friendly Business come up with budget to pay for awards.
They will meet within next month or so. Board discussed giving quarterly
awards so that it remains special and keeps our name out there.
Stickers and plaques for businesses. Home Visiting – May 7 met funded by Collaboration Works (grant through DCFS) focusing on issues of depression in mothers. Well attended – Marian Birch and a colleague did the presentation. Offered seat time to agencies to be able to send staff. Grand follow up where people can present cases where people can consult with professional. Meeting June 5 – people who are involved in CPS system – looking at different providers and how we can work better together. Diana Assumpcao has taken a job with Head Start. More information to come on if she will be involved. Fall training to have more information. Keys – Planning to meet in August Membership – Had a good meeting last week on ways to expand membership of Prevention Works! Susan Surprenant was absent today but anyone who would like become a member should let us know and Jennifer has packets. Publicity – Jim Borte is recruiting people to help in any way. He said not a whole lot new going on. He mentioned the Methamphetamine Awareness conference coming up. Rock N Roll – Met last Thursday of month – Teen Scene presentation about projects they are trying to do for summer. Web site – Washington United Teens – organizations that offer teen services, calendar of events, online resource guide for teens – PA, Sequim, Forks – Clallam County can register for free. Next meeting 4th Thursday of June – Pete Peterson (Legislative stuff). Break for summer. Strategic Planning – Last week (Carol, Florence, Connie) they met. Norma mentioned she needs to meet with Jan. Thoughts: after working on plan – board approved it, but maybe hasn’t been approved by membership. This needs to be addressed. They have tentatively committed to plan meeting in July on non-profit issues and Prevention Works. West End – Ida Carroll mentioned that we need to be inclusive on cultural issues – where people tend to have mindsets AnnouncementsTrainings (See PW Web Site – History) – Grant Writing Training (June 18): Grant Objectives Mary Ann LaFazia & Louie Thadie. Methamphetiamine – Brad Owen Offer from Bob McCartel – Washington State Western Center for Applied Prevention Technologies – one day workshops – environmental approaches to prevention – Tobacco costs, social norms. In August – 2 or 16. 16th is the fair. Presentation
about Prevention Works! – Florence was invited to be part of for
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Florence read notes she had
received – invitation from head of Prevention from CSAP. Institute was
about best practices and model programs and how a community starts to
implement some of that. How to do it on a community level. Florence
talking about PW and the success we’ve had. Lindsay Buxton – new to PA. Native American
from Alaska. Raised in Seattle. Involved in civil rights in the 60’s.
Has worked on mayor’s commission for Senior Housing Task Force, United
Indians of all Tribes Foundation (Fort Lawton, Duwamish). President of
Alaska Native Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Looking for Alaska Natives. Saw
article in paper about Prevention Works and was impressed. She mentioned
that she is also a Buddhist – and that we should keep in mind religious
philosophy in talking about cultural diversity. Discussed that in the
future that with publicity we add phone number along with e-mail. Cherie Reeves-Sperr thanked everyone for their
help with teen pregnancy prevention month and getting proclamation from
Commissioners. On KONP. Very successful. Only a couple groups got money to
promote the month. Joanie Matter announced that National Association for Education of Young Children is changing their structure and needs to get up to 50 members to remain. www.NAEYC.org after July 1 to join OPAEYC (Olympic Peninsula). $45/year 6 issues of their journal. Gets a cheaper entrance into state and regional conferences. Shaine will check into getting a like on NOLS -
Community Services. |
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