Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence

JOHNS HOPKINS CENTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH VIOLENCE:

ITEMS OF INTEREST

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR RESPONSIBITY; WAGING PEACE

May 28, 2008

Of Special Note

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT OTHERS INTERESTED IN REDUCING YOUTH VIOLENCE SHOULD KNOW? PLEASE SEND INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE INCLUDED IN OUR ITEMS OF INTEREST TO .

·  Baltimore, MD:The Open Society Institute–Baltimore presents a forum series: Getting Kids to School: Truancy and School Engagement. Taking Attendance Poorly: Baltimore’s School Absence Epidemic. The presentation will be held on May 29, 2008, 10:00 am -11:30 am, at Open Society Institute,Baltimore, 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 1300, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Presentation and discussion with Robert Balfanz, Ph.D. Dr. Balfanz is a research scientist at The Johns Hopkins University and Co-Director of the Talent Development Middle and High School Project, which is working with more than fifty high-poverty secondary schools to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school reform. Dr. Balfanz’s work focuses on translating research findings into effective reforms for high-poverty secondary schools. In his presentation, Dr. Balfanz will discuss the issue of student attendance and a recent study on seven years of attendance and student performance data from the Baltimore City Public Schools. This research shows how important student attendance is for subsequent grade promotion and graduation. Dr. Balfanz will also share his experience working on attendance problems in other cities and will outline a set of action steps for Baltimore. Space is limited. Contact Molly Farneth at or 410-234-1092 ext. 215 to see if seating is still available.

·  Baltimore, MD: State of the Youth Forum – Your Life, Your Choices. May 31, 2008, 10:00am – 2:30pm at University of Baltimore Business Center, 1420 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD. Special Invited Guest: Jamie Hector (Marlo Stansfield) from HBO’s The Wire. Presented by Youth Empowerment Movement. This free admission forum will include workshops, discussion forum and planning session. At 7:00pm, there will be a block party for peace at Gordon Plaza at the University of Baltimore (corner of Mt. Royal & Maryland Ave.) For more information call 410.494.1588 or visit www.myspace.com/yembaltimore

·  Baltimore, MD: Mayor Shelia Dixon hosts Mayor’s Night In. June 2, 2008, 6:00 – 8:00pm at the War Memorial Building, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore. Mayor Sheila Dixon invites youth and adults to join her for a discussion about what we can do to better engage our young people in their communities. We will hear from youth leaders as well as community leaders on a variety of topics, including: Why young people do not get involved in their community. What we can do collectively to encourage young people to play an active role in strengthening their community. What we must do to sustain youth involvement in all of our communities.

·  Baltimore, MD: Breaking the Chains 2008 – Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. June 5-6, 2008 at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St., Baltimore. Presented by Making Connections, this conference is for you and anyone you know who wants to address the impact the War on Drugs has had on our community. OnThursday June 5, 2008, the conference will open with a Town Hall Meeting entitled: The Drug War in Baltimore – on the Streets and in the Media. HBO’s The Wire cast members will participate in this opening session to discuss media portrayals of issues regarding drugs in Black communities, the political consequences and how they compare to real life experiences of community residents. The conference will continue on Friday, June 6, 2008. A special event will specifically be held for young people to address the connection between education, employment and public safety as well as the relationship between the drug culture and hip hop.

Whether you areformerly incarcerated, ayouth provideror youth,inrecovery from drug addiction or a drug treatment provider, a city officialconcerned about these issues, or a community based organizer or civil rights advocate, then you should register today. More information and registration at http://breakchains.org/. Advance registration is required to reserve your space, and space is limited. For more information you can directly contact Rashid Shabazz at

·  Baltimore, MD: A Call to Action: 5,000 Event. A call for 5,000 men to be proactive throughout the city of Baltimore in establishing or restoring relationships. This begins first in their homes, then in their communities, out of which accountability will flow. On June 15th, Father’s Day, men are being called to the Baltimore Convention Center from 3p.m. - 7p.m. in an act of solidarity to express their commitment to modeling what “being a man is, and doing the things men do. Also, men are being called to volunteer (to act) by joining an existing community based organization, which will result in the fulfillment of the mission of reducing homicides, minimizing crime, and creating peace in our communities. Over 100 community based organizations primarily serving or consisting of men and boys are being recruited to be present at the C2A- 5,000 Our Community, Our Responsibility event, to sign up men volunteers to have a more positive presence throughout Baltimore City. More information www.c2a5000.com/

·  Allegany County, MD: Independent Living Preparation Services 14th Annual Teen Conference: “GET HYPE: Helping Youth Plan for Emancipation”. This year, the Social Services Administration, Independent Living Preparation Services will host its annual teen conference July 11-13, 2008 at Frostburg University. The goal of this conference is to provide learning opportunities that will “Help Youth Plan for Emancipation” by developing and/or enhancing their life skills enabling them to make more effective and informed decisions. The conference is designed to assist participants to “Get HYPE”, by providing information that encourages youth to plan for their future by set long and short-term goals. This will be accomplished by providing presentations and workshops that consist of a variety of topics and formats for youth ages 14 up to 20 years old. Proposals are being accepted through June 4th. For more information regarding proposal submission or more information about the conference, contact Dianne Timmons-Himes, 410-767-7114 or

·  “Breaking the Cycle” Radio Dialogue. Sunday, June 1, 2008 2:00-4:00 p.m. Brother Bey, the founder of the Fraternal Order of X-Offenders (F.O.X.O), hosts a weekly radio show on W.O.L.B (1010 am) that presents community-based, ex-offender driven efforts in Baltimore and elsewhere that are helping to break the cycle of violence. The primary focus of the F.O.X.O.’s “Breaking The Cycle” Radio Dialogue is to extend discussion, increase consideration of community-driven alternatives, and initiate and expand the collective action needed to deter, decrease and prevent the pandemic of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality gripping Baltimore and many other communities. The radio show provides a voice to those attempting to change their thinking and behaviors, informing ex-offenders, their families, and others of opportunities, increasing access to strategies that work, and exposing those that don’t. You are invited to call in to the radio program at 410-481-1010. To learn more about FOXO, visit their website at http://www.foxo.org/ email: or call 410-262-4456.

·  On January 11, 2008 Mayor Dixon was at 4601 Park Heights Ave along with representatives from the Prisoner’s Aid Association of Maryland (PAA) and the Fraternal Order of X-Offenders (F.O.X.O.) to officially open the doors of Project P.E.A.C.E. (Proper Education Always Corrects Errors), a collaboration between PAA and F.O.X.O. that will connect thousands of ex-offenders each year to services provided in its crime prevention and recidivism avoidance program. The P.E.A.C.E. program, developed and implemented by ex-offenders, connects other ex-offenders with needed resources and uses the power of peer influence to facilitate the cognitive restructuring and personal supports needed for successful re-integration. “In order to truly make Baltimore safer, we need to help ex-offenders become productive citizens,” Mayor Sheila Dixon said. “Project P.E.A.C.E. is going to help a lot of people fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to those around them.”

The P.E.A.C.E. program addresses a variety of social and behavioral issues confronting ex-offenders, including: short term and long term housing, emergency shelter, transitional housing, substance abuse, parenting, GED services, employment and job placement, financial literacy and HIV/AIDS information and education. In addition to the 12-Step Lifeskills Workshops and services such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, and linkage to other services, the P.E.A.C.E. project provides individual supports from individuals who have turned around their lives and who serve as mentors and positive role models. For additional information or referrals, call Project P.E.A.C.E. at 410 367-8393 or Brother Bey at 410 262-4456.

Quick Glance at this week’s Items of Interest

New Events/Conferences/Trainings

Up-Coming Events/Conference/Trainings

Noteworthy

Reports, Research & Recent Publications

Resources

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Funding Opportunities/Scholarships/Awards

For Youth

Job & Volunteer Opportunities

Previously Posted Events/Conferences/Training

New Events/Conferences/Training

Baltimore, MD: 2008 Recreation Explosion - an Entertainment, Fun and Fitness Expo, Druid Hill Park, May 31, noon-6pm. Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and Magic 95.9 to kick off the summer season with carnival rides, sports clinics, food and more. 410-396-7900.

Webcast - Taking Action for Children: Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success. June 5, 2008, 10:00am ET. Join Chapin Hall and the Urban Institute for a Thursday's Child public policy forum to discuss school-success initiatives that support newborns, toddlers, and their parents. Panelists will analyze the complexities of enacting effective school-readiness policies and programs. The conversation will address what's behind the latest interest in such initiatives, the social and political environments needed for successful early learning centers and home visitation efforts, and the lessons states can draw from Illinois' recent experience. Registration at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=48739.

Baltimore, MD: Mental Hygiene Administration’s (MHA) 5th Annual Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference “Focusing on Trauma and Resiliency, with a Special Track on Early Childhood”, June 24-25, 2008 at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244. More information and registration at http://trainingcenter.umaryland.edu/Pages/default.aspx.

Springfield, IL: 2008 Community Leadership Institute September 21-24, Leadership Seminars September 25, 2008. In Community Leadership Institutes, participants explore themselves as leaders, learn current theory and practice of leadership, work on a current leadership challenge and create a commitment to action. The three available seminars topics include: Culture & Diversity in Leadership, Leadership – Policy and Sustaining Change, and The Science and Art of Grant Writing for Leadership. Learn more and register at http://www.centerforcommunityleadership.com/static/centerforcommunityleadership/institutes.php

Baltimore, MD: 10th Annual Youth & College Leadership Summit, "Transforming Youth to Ignite Change", November 14 - 15, 2008. Presented by New Light Leadership Coalition (NLLC). http://www.nllc.org/home.html

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Upcoming Events/Conferences/Training

New Orleans, LA: White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference. May 29-30, 2008. The conferences will provide an understanding of the President’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative and information about the Federal grants process, funding opportunities, and the responsibilities that come with Federal funding http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/

How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression at School – free webinar. May 29, 2008, 2:00pm EST. Learnto stop bullying and social aggression with proven strategies you can put into action right now. Mike and Steve will answer your questions and provide resources to increase friendly behavior throughout your school. From Balance Educational Services. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/407772019

Baltimore, MD: The 12th Annual Charles Village Festival, May 31 - June 1, 2008. Wyman Park Dell, Charles & 29th Streets, 10am-8:30pm Saturday, 10-6pm Sunday. The festival in the Dell will feature vendors, artisans, terrific food, kids’ games and activities, beer and free live music. vendors selling food, crafts, and adult beverages. Festivities begin Saturday morning with the 5K Fun Run at 8am, followed by the Charles Village Festival Parade. Sunday features The Annual Garden Walk from 11am-4pm. www.charlesvillage.net

Portland, OR: The National Center for Victims of Crime 2008 National Conference, "Responses, Rights, and Resources for Crime Victims." June 2-4, 2008. Conference will feature more than 130 leading experts and 70 skill-building workshops on a wide range of issues for those supporting victims of crime. Among those are workshops that focus on several aspects of the trauma of victimization. Featured Workshops on Child and Young Adult Victims: When Authorities Fail to Investigate Child Abuse Allegations; Death is Not Like Sleeping: Talking to Children about Living and Dying; Cyberspace Safety: Online Social Network and Second Life; "Snitches Get Stitches": Youth, Gangs, and Witness Intimidation; Child Molesters, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders: Who They Are and How They Operate; Engaging Our Youth. For more information on these and other workshops, our plenary speakers, and registration, visit the conference Web page http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbID=DB_Training_Institute1160

Washington, DC: The 2.0 Nonprofit- How Technology Tools & Trends Meet Human Services. June 3-4, 2008. The nation's technology gurus are gathering to divulge the inside scoop on the latest online solutions for nonprofit. Expert panels and small-group workshops are just a few of the unique learning opportunities you’ll encounter at The 2.0 Nonprofit: How Technology Tools & Trends Meet Human Services, hosted by the National Assembly and Idealist.org. Discover how today’s technology tools (most of which are free!) are changing and improving the way nonprofits increase visibility, connect with constituents and drive in the money. http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=eacf66e6-8d28-427a-9896-c0d3bfec075c

Washington, DC: Mental Health America 2008 Annual Conference & National Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Summit. June 4-7, 2008. More information at http://www.nmha.org/go/conference/

Baltimore, MD: Family Fun Fair. June 7, 2008, 1:00–4:00 pm at Druid Hill Park. The Fair will take place at the Chinese Pavilion located between Swann Drive and Druid Hill Park Drive.
Free parking will be provided around the Druid Hill Park reservoir. Please enter from Druid Hill Park Drive. Along with Mambo Combo and Black Cherry Puppet Theater, there will be free entertainment, activities, giveaways and valuable information for the entire family. For more information call (410) 889-2300, or visit http://www.familytreemd.org

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NOTEWORTHY

Call for Proposals: 10th Annual Youth & College Leadership Summit. New Light Leadership Coalition (NLLC) is soliciting proposals for workshop presenters for the 10th Annual Youth & College Leadership Summit, "Transforming Youth to Ignite Change", November 14 - 15, 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland. They are looking for workshops pertaining to leadership, personal, social, educational, economic, political, technological, and organizational development. Preference will be given to youth presenters ages 16 to 25. If you are interested, please submit a proposal no later than July 28, 2008. More information at http://www.nllc.org/home.html