FROM JUDITH'S DESK

My life has been full of new experiences lately.

Commuting to work took on a whole new meaning when I flew in a 6-seat airplane in 35 mile per hour winds in order to conduct training on the island of Tinian.

And I tested my risk tolerance by going on my first ever ATV ride in January. Interestingly, on Saipan, safety gear (helmets and pads) are required for children and tourists, but optional for local adults. Me – I’ll take all the safety gear you have to offer. I follow the advice on airplanes about keeping my seatbelt fastened at all times. Especially after encountering that unexpected turbulence and watching a man hit his head on the ceiling of the plan on one flight.

Our youth are faced with new experiences and challenges as well, and we need to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills that help them make safe and healthy decisions about their lives. That’s why Hawaii Youth Services Network advocates for positive youth development programs and evidence-based, culturally relevant, prevention education in areas such as substance abuse and sexual health.

RESOURCES

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS ART CONTEST

WHO: Contest is open to all students in Hawai`i, grades 6-12
WHAT: Enter for a chance to win prizes! Create a drawing, painting, collage, graffiti piece, or digital art around the theme “Speak Up.” Dimensions should be between 8.5 x 11 – 11 x 17 inches. Art will be judged on creativity and how well the artwork sticks to the “Speak Up” theme. It is your choice if the artwork includes words; if it does not, please provide a caption describing how it is related to the theme “Speak Up.”

Examples –
• Speak Up against victim blaming- we know that abuse is never the victim’s fault
• Speak Up to create safer communities & `ohanas- why is this important? how can it be accomplished?
• Speak Up about the importance of healthy relationships- what might this look or sound like?

WHEN: February 1 - March 20, 2015

WHY: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Through your artwork, we want to see why ending dating abuse is important to you.

SUBMIT: Submit your art by taking a photo of it and emailing it to us at Teen@stoptheviolence.org by March 20. Submitting artwork gives us permission to post it online. TAP will arrange to pick-up original artwork for judging.

QUESTIONS: Contact us at Teen@stoptheviolence.org or 808-447-3549 with questions

PRIZES!!! Oh, and did we mention PRIZES?! Prizes include a GoPro Hero3+ Silver and awesome gift cards!

FUNDING SOCIAL CHANGE

Hawaii People's Fund will be accepting funding proposals for the spring grant cycle.

Grassroots organizations throughout the island that are working for justice and positive sustainable change may be eligible.

Applications are due by 5 pm on MArch 2, 2015. Details and application instsructions can be found at CHangeNotCharity.org.

Grant size ranges up to $5,000.

Call Darlene Rodrigues at 593-99679 or email HPFgrants@lava.net for further information.

TRAINING

SAFETALK TRAININGS AVAILABLE

You can be trained to become a “Safe Talk-trained Suicide Alert Helper” here on O‘ahu, on Big Island (Kona), and on Kaua‘i.

Contact person: Jennifer Lyman at JmLyman@dop.hawaii.edu or at sptrainings@dop.hawaii.edu

Please register at:

On O‘ahu for Feb 4, 2015 at 8-12pm: http://oahu-safetalk-feb4.eventbrite.com

On Big Island (Kona) for March 6, 2014 at 1-4:30pm: http://Kona-Safetalk-Mar6.eventbrite.com

On Kaua‘i for March 10, 2014 at 8-12pm: http://kauai-safetalk-march10.eventbrite.com

WEBINAR: ADVANCING EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES - KEY PRACTICES IN STRENGTHENING PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THEM

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - 1:00pm - 2:30 pm ET

How can youth services providers support youth in developing and achieving goals related to their education and employment? What services need to be included in order for programs to have successful outcomes? As we prepare for the release of federal funding opportunities for education and employment programs, these are some of the questions that youth services providers are asking. This webinar will examine the key practices of effective education and employment programs for youth in high risk situations and the practical considerations for implementation. You will also get first hand insight into federal funding opportunities to support this work including a breakdown of how MANY can help you implement these practices and successfully vie for funding. Trainers: Megan Blondin, Executive Director of MANY & Susan Spagnuolo, Senior Technical Assistance Manager of MANY.

Event rates: This webinar is offered free of charge.
Please note that space is limited. Register early by clicking here.

INSIDE HYSN

KATHLEEN JOHNSON, HYSN'S NEWEST INTERN

HYSN is pleased to welcome Kathleen Johnson as its newest intern. Kathleen is a Registered Dietitian and has worked in both clinical and community nutrition settings. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Public health at the University of Hawaii part time while continuing her work with the Children’s Healthy Living Program for Remote and Underserved Populations. Upon graduation Kathleen hopes to find employment that utilizes both her nutrition and public health education. When not at work or studying she enjoys taking her golden retriever for walks and enjoying good food with friends and family.

Kathleen selected HYSN for her practicum because of her interest in health policy and grant writing. She also has experience with event planning and training. Kathleen looks forward to working with the HYSN team and helping them and their partners with securing future funding through grants and skill development workshops.

RECENT HYSN INTERN'S PAPER PUBLISHED

HYSN congratulates Tamara Smith, HYSN's recent intern, on the publication of her article in the January edition of the Hawai’i Journal of Medicine & Public Health entitled “Building Support for an Evidence-Based Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program Adapted for Foster Youth”. To read this article, go to http://www.hjmph.org