McLellan Hall announced co-leader for National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

In a press release today, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention announced that McLellan Hall, founder and Executive Director of the National Indian Youth Leadership Project was name co-leader for the task force on suicide prevention - American Indian/Native Alaskan.

Extend your stay in Albuquerque - Wilderness First Aid 2.12 and 13, 2011

Attending the Intro to PV Programming in Albuquerque on Feb. 9, 10 and 11? Extend your stay and participate WFA - an important training for all PV facilitators.

REI is collaborating with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS February 12 & 13, 2011 to offer a comprehensive two day course that will teach participants the wilderness medicine skills needed to recreate with confidence in the backcountry.

If you know of anyone interested, feel free to direct them to http://www.rei.com/stores/30 to register.

Thank you all!

Sincerely,

Clare Stevens

Clare Stevens

Outreach Specialist

csteven@rei.com

1550 Mercantile Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87107

T 505.247.1191

F 505.345.8416

W rei.com/albuquerque

http://www.nols.edu/

Matt Baker, Project Venture and Tataskweyak Cree First Nation

by Cassie Landrum

Imagine leaving home on a plane that will take you to a cold land a thousand miles away. It’s your first time leaving the country, and you’re traveling alone. That’s what Matt Baker did when he flew to Manitoba Canada to reconnect NIYLP with a Tataskweyak Cree First Nation Tribe that had adopted Project Venture, NIYLP’s flagship program months earlier. Although the Tataskweyak Cree already had previously been introduced to Project Venture, they had such a fun-filled learning experience that they allocated their remaining funding for the year to bring Matt for another workshop of activities and experiential exercises.

Matt, a trainer and consultant for NIYLP, did more than lead activities and share information with the Tataskweyak Cree —he exchanged culture in a way that redefined experiential learning for both parties. Matt said his plan for the trip was to observe their progress since their first training and “refine what they have learned.” He hoped to help the Tataskweyak Cree further integrate the experiential learning model, which Matt explains “focuses on how the experience becomes a learning experience.” An example of experiential education is service learning, in which students enrich their communities through service projects while gaining self-confidence and bonding with their peers.

Matt also gave the group a chance to learn new activities that they didn’t have the opportunity to do in the initial training program. A group favorite, Stepping Stones, was a group-oriented task requiring two groups to make it across six stepping stones, or islands, using a narrow board—all without interfering with the other team, or falling off their islands. A defining moment, Matt explained, came when they saw how the activity related to the Full Value Commitment they had learned, which encourages the group to be here, be safe, speak your truth, care for self and others, set goals, and be able to let go and move on.

Matt was able to interact with both the students of the Tataskqeyak Cree’s Project Venture program and the staff. This was a welcome occasion to bring the concept of experiential learning to life for the students, an added motivation for Matt. “When you’re working out there away from home, or when you’re all alone, working with kids gave me a boost,” he explained.

In the freezing Canadian temperatures, the students could hardly imagine the hot arid deserts of Mexico, where they believed Matt was from. “They were really receptive and really curious about where I came from,” said Matt. “When I say New Mexico, they leave out the ‘new’, and think old Mexico.” Using their knowledge as an opportunity to illustrate experiential learning, Matt had the students map out the United States, using their bodies to represent the states that they knew. He found that New Mexico was one of the least known states, and began to change that, sharing aspects of New Mexican culture with the Tataskweyak Cree. Matt explained that New Mexico, being on a high desert plain can get snow, though it can indeed get hot. He explained what chili was and that “we eat a lot of it—red or green.”

The group had a piece of culture to share with him, too. While the thermometer hovered around -12° C/10°F during the day, and dipped to -26°C /-15°F at night, the locals stayed warm with mittens and boots made of moose hair and moose skin. In addition to their stories, they shared a delectable part of their own tradition— fresh moose. This was Matt’s first time trying moose, which was sautéed and prepared traditionally, and he described it as “tast[ing] gamey, a bit like Elk.”

This week, Matt will have company as he returns to Canada, accompanied by his wife, Tasha, the Direct Service Manager and a trainer at NIYLP. NIYLP employs ten trainers who travel the country and share the Project Venture program. Matt’s next trip to La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada will be one of several to First Nation groups that have received grants for preventing substance abuse and alcoholism in Native Indigenous communities.

The groups that Matt and Tash are training have limited experience with Project Venture, though some have already developed a basic foundation of experiential education. Trainers typically lead a two-and-a-half day training, to immerse program leaders an immersion in Project Venture Model and in the theory behind it. The training is rich with interactive activities and initiatives that drive home the principles that guide Project Venture. Project Venture has upcoming trainings in New Mexico, Hawaii, New Hampshire, California, Nebraska Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and elsewhere in Canada.

Where ever they go, NIYLP’s trainers are sure to share, and receive, a taste of other cultures.

To learn how to bring Project Venture to your community, contact NIYLP at info@niylp.org.

Cassie Landrum is an outdoor adventure and experiential educator living in Texas and volunteering for NIYLP. Cassie has been interviewing NIYLP staff to help us document and share the experience of being a Project Venture training and educator. When she's not writing or facilitating an outdoor ed program, Cassie also enjoys mime, improv, juggling and fitness.

Employment Opportunities at NIYLP

Web of Life - Program Manager (Teen Pregnancy Prevention) -FT

The WOL PM will be responsible for management of a 5-year cooperative agreement with the Office of Adolescent Health. Based in Gallup, NM, the successful candidate will have 5 years experience in public health or as a health educator. A Bachelor's Degree is required for this position. Experience working with Native American youth is strongly desired and preference will be given to Native American candidates. Experience with outdoor education, experiential education, positive youth development, understanding of curriculum, budgets and the ability to develop strong community relationships is desired. $40k plus benefits. Must have valid drivers license and ability to pass local, state and federal background checks. Anticipated start date is January 17. Evenings, weekends and conference travel is required.

To apply: submit your resume and cover letter to hr@niylp.org Include your first initial, last name and the words "WOL Project Manager" in the subject line. Example: B Wonson, WOL Project Manager . Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Licensed Independent Social Worker or Licensed Eligible Therapist

The ideal candidate for this position will be a Native American clinician with training and experience working with Native American youth in an outdoor, experiential education program. The incumbent will be working at New Sunrise Regional Treatment Center in Acoma, NM with Native American youth from all areas of the Southwest Region. This position will coordinate and lead a team of Experiential Educators, Recreational Therapists and Probation Officers in the implementation of NIYLP's program model. This position requires in-school, after-school and weekend and overnight wilderness trips. Experience in Adventure Based Counseling is strongly desired. Required: Master's Level degree or higher within fields of Social Work, Psychology or Counseling. Valid NM Driver's License, ability to pass state and federal background checks. Clinical supervision is available by a Licensed Psychologist. Position requires strong leadership, flexibility, organization, desire to learn Project Venture model and strong interest in skill in outdoor education activities. Salary $46k and benefits. Anticipated start date: asap. This position is funded for approximately 18 months.

To apply: submit your resume and cover letter to hr@niylp.org Include your first initial, last name and the words "LISW" in the subject line. Example: B Wonson, LISW . Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Project Venture Community of Practice On-line Learning

Congratulations to the 14 communities who finished the first ever Intro to Project Venture on-line training series. Sponsored by SAMHSA and the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health, the training happened over eight 2-hour sessions. Participants learned about the history of NIYLP, the Guiding Principles of Project Venture and the Full Value Commitment. They practiced creating PV Activity Plans and began developing year-long program plans.

Starting in December, the 20 participants will come together one time per month for technical assistance and consultation.

The sessions were facilitated by NIYLP Director of Operations, Beth Wonson. Presenters from the NIYLP team included Mac Hall (founder & Executive Director), Bart Crawford, Dr. Susan Carter, Devin Seowtewa, Ben Soce, Raelynn Cachini, Neal Ferris and Beth Wonson.

NIYLP is deeply appreciative to the NNED and to SAMHSA for support of this project.

To learn more about the NNED Community of Practice contact Rachele Espiritu respiritu@changematrix.org .

CDC identifies "Connectedness" as Strategic Direction for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior

The Center for Disease Control has determined that promoting and strengthening “connectedness” is important in the prevention of suicidal behavior.

Suicide is the 3^rd leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds. For Native youth, the death rate is 1.8 times higher than the national average. For every 1 person who takes their own life, a minimum of six survivors are struggling to cope. In 2007, there was an equivalent of 94 suicides per day in the US.

Components of Connectedness as identified by the CDC:

· BBetween individuals: Greater degrees of social integration (number of friends or social interactions; lower levels of social isolation).

· BBetween individuals and family/community: Positive attachments fostering a sense of belonging and value and access to larger support group.

· BBetween community organizations: Collaboration and partnerships between youth servicing agencies.

The National Cross-Site Study of High Risk Youth Demonstration Programs, funded by SAMHSA, indicates that Project Venture ( an evidence-based program NREPP) focuses on “Connectedness Building” through outdoor education, team building, trust building, service to community and nature, meaningful relationships, caring and cooperative community building, connection to culture and tradition.

In addition to supporting the implementation and sustainability of PV programs, NIYLP’s consultation team is a resource to communities to build capacity/collaborations for readiness to implement evidence-based prevention approaches.

PV is currently being implemented as a component of a community wide suicide prevention program. A new PV implementation is being planned in Thoreau, NM and funded through OptumHealth New Mexico, a small community which has suffered a high number of teen suicides in 2010.

NIYLP founder and PV developer McClellan Hall has been appointed to the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Executive Committee.

For more information, info@niylp.org

NIYLP Awarded HHS 5-year Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grant

NIYLP received official notification that we have been awarded the Teen Pregnancy Prevention grant from Health and Human Services. This funding, approximately $550k per year for three years will support NIYLP to further our mission of empowering Native American youth to realize positive futures.

The project, Web of Life, provides for six months of planning. During this time, NIYLP will be hiring new staff, developing an advisory council, selecting implementation sites and preparing evaluation resources.

NIYLP Executive Director, McClellan Hall, received congratulations and a message of support from the office of Senator Tom Udall (NM) yesterday afternoon. A representative from the office stated that Senator Udall views NIYLP has having a significant role in prevention through out the state including suicide prevention, teen pregnancy prevention and substance abuse prevention.

To read more information and the HHS announcement, click here.

NIYLP seeks Experiential Educators

NIYLP is seeking applications for Experiential Educator positions. One will be based in our Albuquerque office and work primarily in Laguna and surrounding areas. At least one other position will be based out of Gallup NM and work in schools and agencies in that region.

Qualifications include:

• Experiential education.
• Outdoor education.
• Positive Youth Development approach.
• Wilderness First Responder and/or CPR/First Aide.
• Education and/or counseling background experience.

Native American strongly encouraged to apply. Back ground in Project Venture programming a plus. Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and overnights. Must be able to pass back ground check and have valid drivers license.

Send resume and cover letter to info@niylp.org. Write "resume" and your last name in subject line.

Applications will be accepted until appropriate candidates are selected.

Introduction to Project Venture Facilitation Workshop in Feb. 2011

Save the date. Introduction to Project Venture Workshop in Albuquerque, NM.

Feb. 9, 10 and 11 2011

Spaces are limited.

Registration fee includes: PV Implementation Guide, 2 lunches.

$500 tuition

Hear what youth and facilitators are saying about PV!

On-line registration begins in October!

Questions? info@niylp.org or 505-554-2289

Alice King Public Service Award 2010 goes to Mac Hall

Congratulations to McClellan Hall, founder and Executive Director of the National Indian Youth Leadership Project, for being named the recipient of the 2nd Annual Alice King Public Service Award, announced yesterday. See attached flyer and text below for more details. Mac will be honored at the NM Voices for Children 2nd Annual Spirit of Hope Celebration on Saturday, September 25 at the Albuquerque Museum (tickets required).

About Alice King

Alice King was New Mexico’s beloved First Lady during Governor Bruce King’s three terms in office. As an advo- cate, she not only had the governor’s ear, she also captured the attention of the entire state with her deep commitment to the health and well-being of New Mexico’s children. She passed away in 2008.

She was a visionary with an open heart and a determination to make New Mexico a better place for children. In her work, she gath- ered people together from all over the state and, in doing so, brought collaboration to the forefront as a means to achieve her goals.

Among her many accomplishments, Alice is credited with persuading lawmakers to create the state’s child welfare agency, the Children, Youth and Families Department. She also founded the New Mexico Girls Ranch and the New Mexico Children’s Foundation, was chair of the New Mexico Children’s Trust Fund, and was a major supporter of the Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital.

The 1st Annual Alice King Public Service Award in 2009 went to New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Petra Jimenez- Maes. The two finalists were Second Judicial Court Judge Maria Monica Zamora and Director of the State Office of African American Affairs, Dr. Harold Bailey.

About the Award

This award honors a New Mexican involved in elected, appointed, administrative or volunteer public service work, with a proven record of exceptional community and public service, who demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose actions and leadership encourages others to take public leadership roles at the community, national and/or international level.

Intro to Project Venture Workshop - without leaving your desk!

Join us for an 8 week on line workshop. Sponsored by the NNED and SAMHSA, this workshop is offered to you at no cost. Participants will receive a copy of the PV Implementation Guide as well as follow - up consultation and technical assistance.

Final day to apply is Friday, Sept. 17, 2010. Space is limited.

For more info

To learn how to bring a Project Venture Introductory workshop or any of our other trainings to your site, contact us at info@niylp.org .

Staff Development: The importance of Mental Health First Aid

NIYLP's Experiential Educators and Coordinators have taken part in mental health first aid workshops. Emotional safety for our participants and our staff is part of our Full Value Commitment.

The All Faiths Receiving Home is offering a free two-day Mental Health First Aid workshop in Albuquerque on June 9 & 10.

12-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

For more info: Contact Donna Lucero at All Faiths Receiving Home: (505) 271-0329, 3001 Trellis NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 or email dlucero@allfaiths.org.

Wilderness First Aid Course - Albuquerque

NIYLP recommends that Project Venture facilitators are Wilderness First Aid certified! Certification is part of a solid risk management plan!

Here is a great opportunity to participate in a course in Albuquerque!

Wilderness First Aid Course

REI Albuquerque

Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13

9am-6pm

REI is partnering with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS to offer a comprehensive two day course that will teach you the wilderness medicine skills you need to recreate with confidence in the backcountry. From the Patient Assessment System through traumatic, medical, and environmental emergencies, you'll experience a wide variety of topics designed to prepare you to act if an accident occurs. This is a 16 hour course over two days. You will have both in store classroom time and hands on practice scenarios. This course can be used to recertify a Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Advanced First Aid or the Wilderness portion of a wilderness EMT. No prerequisites required. Cost is $200 for REI members, $220 for non-members. Register at www.REI.com/albuquerque or through REI customer service, (505) 247-1191.

For more information, e-mail Dara Johnson at darjohn@rei.com.

Traditional foods, gardening and service to community

An informative and thought-provoking article for anyone considering incorporating gardening, healthy eating and wellness into their Project Venture service learning component. Author: Craig A. Hassel, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Associate Professor and Extension Nutritionist.

Learning to Bridge Different Ways of Knowing: The Dream of Wild Health American Indian Seed Garden Project as Mentor.

Upcoming Project Venture Trainings & Camp Schedule!

Introduction to Project Venture workshop: July 16, 17 and 18, 2010

Advanced Project Venture Programming workshop: July 16, 17 and 18, 2010

28th Annual Project Venture Leadership Camp: July 14-21, 2010

On-line registration

A limited number of scholarships are available for current and prospective PV implementation sites. info@niylp.org for details.

Into to Project Venture Training - Lander, WY and Acoma, NM

Join us for a 2.5 day workshop to learn how to implement Project Venture at your site.

April 13, 14 & 15, 2010 at the Wind River Casino in Lander, WY.

July 16, 17 & 18, 2010 at the Sky City Casino, Acoma, NM.

To learn more, info@niylp.org or register on line!