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  • Evidence-Based Strategies: Effective Youth Violence Prevention through Community-University Collaboration
    2024/03/05
    Dr. Beverly Kingston is a distinguished figure in the field of violence prevention, known for her expertise and commitment to community empowerment. With a background in political theory from Michigan State University, Dr. Kingston's early career began in Houston where she spearheaded community initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence. Her personal experiences and academic pursuits propelled her to seek a deeper understanding of societal issues, leading her to graduate studies in sociology. Dr. Kingston is currently positioned at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she directs the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV). Her proactive approach has been instrumental in creating collaborative, evidence-based strategies with communities for lasting change.Episode Summary:In this episode of the Credible Messenger podcast, host Jonathan McMillan welcomes Dr. Beverly Kingston – a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the realm of violence prevention. Dr. Kingston’s journey from personal challenges to academic accolades reflects a steadfast dedication to promoting safer communities and better societal systems. Engaged in both the theoretical underpinnings and practical solutions to violence, she shares insightful narratives from her life’s work.Dr. Kingston explains the significance of unpacking societal values and their impact on issues like youth violence and bullying. The conversation delves into the compelling story of her career, highlighting her transformation from a political theory graduate to a respected voice in the public health approach to violence prevention. Offering a glimpse into their comprehensive, data-driven collaborations, Dr. Kingston and Jonathan discuss the nuanced relationship between academia and grassroots community initiatives. They further discuss the effectiveness of community-led strategies, the challenges of research funding, and the paramount importance of involving the community in framing the research questions and interventions.Key Takeaways:Community coalitions play a pivotal role in violence prevention, with their effectiveness measured through data analysis and evaluation of local interventions.The partnership between researchers and communities leads to comprehensive solutions for violence prevention, blending scientific evidence with lived experiences.The meaningful involvement of communities in research processes combats the traditional 'hit and run' approach, fostering trust and ensuring relevance.Dr. Kingston emphasizes a model for future work that combines community activation with university research partnerships, advocating for equitable funding and representation.CSPV's initiatives, such as Youth University and Game Changers, are key in engaging young people and providing them with diverse career pathways within violence prevention.Resources:CSPV website: https://cspv.colorado.edu/Beverly Kingston beverly.kingston@colorado.edu Chapters:0:00:00Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Beverly Kingston'0:02:06Dr. Kingston's personal experiences and motivation to work in violence prevention0:04:51Dr. Kingston's involvement in community mobilization and violence prevention in Houston0:08:07Decision to pursue graduate school and study program evaluation'0:09:36Discovering the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado0:11:45Discussion on the relevance of political theory in understanding societal issues0:13:41Exploring the relationship between broader social forces and violence0:15:29Importance of evaluating the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies0:16:38The effectiveness of community-led strategies can be tested through scientific methods.0:18:16Research strategies to measure the impact of interventions and the challenges. 0:22:39The importance of measuring impact and documenting results to secure funding for community initiatives.0:24:49The history of the partnership between CU Boulder and the community coalitions in Denver.0:26:48The importance of building trust and long-term commitment in the university-community partnership.0:29:45Highlighting the collaborative nature of the research projects, with the community having a significant role in determining the interventions.0:30:44The importance of partnership and elevating the lived experience and knowledge of the community in addressing violence.0:31:25The impact of racism on risk and protective factors in communities.0:32:07The importance of community involvement in research and problem-solving.0:33:38The empowerment of individuals with lived experience in shaping research and funding.0:35:13Matching evidence-based programs to community-identified risk and protective factors.0:36:50The need to develop evidence-based programs that fit the context of communities of color.0:37:45Building the evidence base for community-rooted programs and securing funding.0:39:16The future of partnerships between universities and communities ...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Community Violence Intervention Solutions for Gun Carrying Youth: A Conversation with Joe Aragon
    2024/02/25

    The Struggles of Addressing Youth Crime in Denver Public Schools

    Joe Aragon discusses the challenges Denver Public Schools is facing due to the increasing issue of youth involvement in serious crimes within the Denver Public School system. There is an alarming number of students facing charges for gun possession and even attempted murder creating a dangerous environment within the schools.
    Key Takeaways:

    Building authentic relationships with at-risk youth is crucial in helping them navigate away from a life of violence and crime.

    Positive male role models play a vital role in the development of young men and can help shape their identity and purpose.

    It is important to help young people understand the consequences of their actions and guide them towards making positive choices.

    Motivational interviewing techniques can be effective in helping young people recognize their potential and make positive changes in their lives.

    Personal and professional growth and development are essential for outreach workers to effectively support and empower at-risk youth.

    Notable Quotes:

    "We have a lack of alpha males in the home, a lack of godly men raising boys to be young men and then to be men." - Joe Aragon

    "Choose life. Let me help you. Let me help you figure it out, and let's choose life together." - Joe Aragon

    Resources:

    Tha Myx website: https://www.thamyx.org/

    00:00 Intro

    00:22 Meeting Joe

    04:30 Who Is Pastor Joe?

    07:54 The Importance of A Strong Male Presence

    14:28 Starting His Intervention Career

    16:22 Chaging Futures With New Experiences

    20:25 Peventing Death Through Credibilty and Collaboration

    28:39 Joe's Faith

    30:22 A Day In The Life

    33:10 5 Roads of A Gangster

    33:38 The Process of Helping Them Help Themselves

    34:04 Success Through Credibility

    39:39 Self Care

    44:09 The Intersection of Self-Care and Professional Development

    47:03 What It Means To Be Humble

    48:11 Connecting Youth To Resources

    55:31 The Story of Abraham

    01:04:50 Protective Factors In Practice

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    1 分
  • From Loss to Leadership: Implementing Best Practices in Youth Mentorship for Violence Reduction: A Conversation with Troy Grimes
    2024/02/15

    Troy Grimes is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Legacy Foundation for Family and Community Development. He has been involved in direct services and community work for over 20 years, focusing on serving fathers, families, and youth. Troy is a Master Fatherhood Practitioner and has credentials in family development. He is dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals and communities through his work.

    In this episode, host Jonathan McMillan interviews Troy Grimes, the Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation for Family and Community Development. Troy shares his journey in the field of direct services and community work, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and authentic relationships. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working with youth and families, and highlights the need for self-care and personal growth in order to effectively serve others. Troy also explains the mission of the Legacy Foundation and its commitment to dismantling the barriers that impact children and families.

    Key Takeaways:

    Building authentic relationships is crucial when working with youth and families. Listening and making individuals feel heard and seen can empower them and strengthen the connection.

    Self-care and personal growth are essential for those working in the community. Taking care of oneself allows for better service to others and helps maintain authenticity and resilience.

    Developing a strong network of resources and allies is important for providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Building trusted relationships with resource providers ensures the best outcomes for those being served.

    Understanding one's "why" and staying true to it is vital in the field of community work. Knowing the purpose behind the work helps navigate challenges and provides motivation to continue making a difference.

    The Legacy Foundation for Family and Community Development focuses on empowering individuals and communities by providing resources, trainings, and support in areas such as fatherhood, mental wellness, and literacy.

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    1 時間 3 分
  • Mental Health Approaches to End Youth Violence with Riley Cochran
    2024/02/09
    About the Guest(s):Riley Cochran is a professional deeply embedded in the realm of mental health, particularly focused on youth well-being and violence intervention. With a background marked by personal challenges and resilience, Riley found his calling in helping young people navigate through the complexities of life. His methods deviate from the conventional 'office-bound' therapist model, favoring a community-based approach that includes meetups in schools, homes, and even casual settings like a basketball court. Riley is recognized for his authentic interactions and commitment to offering real-world solutions, which have solidified his place as a credible figure in his field.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of the Credible Messenger podcast, host Jonathan McMillan engages in an in-depth dialogue with mental health professional Riley Cochran. Touching on personal experiences and professional insights, they explore the intricate panorama of mental health support, community safety, and the profound impact of building genuine connections for effective violence intervention strategies.The narrative dives into the pragmatic aspects of mental health work beyond traditional settings, emphasizing the importance of meeting youth where they live and breathe. Discussions extend to the critical role of therapy in the context of firearm violence. Riley unveils his strategies for approaching mental health in practical terms, reinforcing the criticality of relationship-building and self-reflection in facilitating behavior change. The discourse also delves into reimagining mental health support in the face of firearm-related crises and the potential evolution of the field.Key Takeaways:Mental health work's evolution: The field is moving towards more authentic and real-world engagement, focusing on establishing connections in an individual's natural environment.Prevention over intervention: Proactive conversations and forming trusting relationships can prevent crises from escalating.Trauma and behavior: Riley underscores the pivotal link between trauma and protection-related behaviors, advocating for approaches that address the core rather than symptoms.Hope as a catalyst: Instilling hope and exposing youth to opportunities can be more transformative than focusing solely on risk prevention.Community's role: Everyone can contribute to the mental health and well-being of society by addressing their own issues and modeling healthy behaviors.Notable Quotes:"I'm here for court… But to be honest, I'm here to figure out what's going on with you and figure out something with you." - Riley"Hurt people, hurt people." - Jonathan, quoting a common phrase."Trauma isn't just losing somebody, it's losing these experiences." - RileyResources:Riley Cochran's Instagram: @Mr.MindflexRiley Cochran on LinkedIn: Riley CochranRiley's company (name subject to change): Resolute Youth ServicesJoin us in this insightful episode to delve into the practical application of mental health strategies in preventing violence among youth and uncover the value of relationship-building and authenticity in effective intervention. Stay tuned for more profound conversations on the Credible Messenger podcast.0:00:00Introduction to the Credible Messenger podcast0:01:05Riley's background and passion for working with young people0:04:53Personal experiences that motivated Riley's work0:08:09Path to becoming a mental health professional and therapist0:11:52Importance of building meaningful relationships with young people0:13:08The evolving field of mental health and the day-to-day work of Riley0:13:46Jonathan asks Riley about his work and what a day in his life looks like0:14:24Riley describes his day, which includes driving to schools, checking in, and having deep conversations0:15:13Riley talks about the importance of understanding a person's support system and creating a safe space for meaningful conversations0:15:54Riley challenges the traditional approach of therapy and emphasizes the need to meet people where they are0:16:39Riley explains how young people have deep conversations in casual settings like cars or parks0:17:53Riley shares examples of different approaches he uses with different individuals, such as shooting hoops or meeting in a room0:19:04Riley expresses his preference for real-life connections and moments of crisis for meaningful conversations0:19:38Jonathan discusses the gap between academic theory and practical application in the mental health field0:20:15Jonathan asks if young people are more open to conversations about mental health0:21:05Riley explains that young people are open to mental health discussions once a relationship is established0:21:38Riley believes young people today have access to too much information and struggle to decipher what's accurate0:22:32Riley challenges the notion of resistance and emphasizes the importance of connecting with young people0:23:23Jonathan highlights the importance of building ...
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Supporting Gang And System Involved Youth
    2024/02/01

    This podcast episode tackles the challenges of working with youth with a high-risk of being involved in or by violence in urban settings, particularly focusing on trauma-aware intervention and systemic changes. The episodes showcase insightful conversations with Preston Adams, co-founder of Fully Liberated Youth (FLY), and discussions on systemic perpetuation of trauma. Tey delve into the transformative power of non-judgmental relationships, purpose-finding, and empowerment in initiating behavior change among youth. The importance of viewing youth as assets and unlocking their potential is stressed, with discussions spanning strategies for navigating systems and achieving success in interventions, the significance of collaboration, and the necessity of empathetic understanding. The series culminates in a plea for systemic reforms and acknowledging the value inherent in young people. 00:00 Introduction and Vision of the Podcast 01:56 Guest Introduction: Preston Adams 02:17 Preston's Personal Journey and Work 04:15 Preston's Organization: Fully Liberated Youth 08:10 The Importance of Non-Judgmental Approach 12:34 Challenges and Strategies in Community Violence Intervention 12:56 The Role of Humility in the Work 18:41 The Power of Relationship Building in Intervention 39:19 Addressing the Needs of Young People 44:06 The Impact of Survival Mode on Behavior 46:20 Understanding Behavior Change in Youth 46:45 The Role of Safety and Belonging in Youth Development 47:18 The Power of Genuine Human Connection 47:38 Addressing Misconceptions about Youth Gang Involvement 48:30 Navigating the System to Meet Youth Needs 49:41 The Importance of Collaboration in Youth Support 50:22 Challenges in Providing Comprehensive Support for Youth 51:05 The Role of Values-Aligned Partners in Youth Support 52:27 The Gap in Career Opportunities for Youth 53:18 The Importance of Relationships in Youth Support 53:42 The Struggles of Connecting Youth with Employment 55:11 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Youth Support 56:01 Maintaining Personal Health While Supporting Youth 58:49 The Reality of Trauma in Youth Support Work 01:02:05 The Importance of Community in Youth Support 01:10:12 The Vision for Fully Liberated Youth (FLY) 01:25:05 The Role of Credible Messengers in Youth Support

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    1 時間 32 分
  • Locked and Not Loaded: A Raw Talk on Firearm Suicide Prevention with Eric Jones
    2024/01/25

    Strength in Sharing: Tackling Mental Health & Suicidal Ideations

    Host Jonathan McMillon of the Incredible Messenger Podcast discusses men's mental health and suicide prevention with Eric Jones, a combat veteran and public health expert with his own personal experiences of these challenges. Bridging personal, anecdotal experiences with professional insights, the episode explores several pertinent issues and myths surrounding mental health, including the stigma of mental illness and how to identify signs of a suicidal crisis. Eric also shares about his current role at Grit Digital Health and the update of their platform, Man Therapy, which uses humor and relatable conversation to help men address their mental health issues.

    00:00 Introduction and Host's Journey

    01:10 Guest Introduction: Eric Jones

    02:42 Eric's Military Experience and PTSD

    10:24 Eric's Suicide Attempts and Turning Point

    13:26 Eric's Work in Mental Health Advocacy

    17:02 Man Therapy: A New Approach to Men's Mental Health

    24:42 The Future of Man Therapy and Mental Health Advocacy

    27:31 Teasing the Audience and Sharing Personal Interests

    27:59 Discussing Suicide Prevention and Recognizing the Signs

    33:47 Sharing Personal Experiences and the Importance of Checking In

    36:14 Addressing Myths and Discussing Gun Ownership

    44:26 The Importance of Community and Expressing Love

    49:16 What’s The Word?

    53:59 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Man Therapy

    Man Therapy website: https://mantherapy.org/

    eric@gritdigitalhealth.com.

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    56 分
  • Community Safety Strategies: A Conversation with Anthony Smith
    2024/01/11

    Credible Messenger Podcast with Anthony Smith of Cities United

    In this episode of the Credible Messenger, host Jonathan McMillan converses with Anthony Smith, Director of Cities United, an organization committed to reducing violence in communities across the nation. Anthony shares success stories, highlights of Cities United's comprehensive public safety plan, and dives into the complexities and intricacies of community violence intervention (CVI). He also details strategies on how to build better self-care practices and discusses the role of mental health in violence prevention. The conversation underlines Anthony's vision of how communities could be safer in ten years and his dedication to making communities safe, healthy, and hopeful.

    0:00 TCM S1E4 Anthony Smith

    13:05 What Is A Comprehensive Public Saftey Plan?

    21:30 Cities United's Strategy

    25:26 WHAT IS CVI?

    27:46 HVIP

    31:55 Building Ecosystems

    33:18 What's Working In other Cities

    58:39 What's the Word?

    Resources mentioned in the episode:
    Cities United: www.citiesunited.org
    The National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC): www.nnscommunities.org
    The Urban Peace Institute: www.urbanpeaceinstitute.org
    The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI): www.thehavi.org
    The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR): www.nicjr.org
    The Peacemaker Fellowship/ Advance Peace
    www.advancepeace.org.
    Peace For DC:
    https://www.peacefordc.org/
    Inner
    City Innovators: https://innercityinnovators.org/

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    1 時間 11 分
  • Navigating Community Violence Intervention with Norman Kerr
    2024/01/10

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:41 The Vision Behind The Credible Messenger 01:20 Guest Introduction: Norman Kerr

    02:12 Norman Kerr's Journey into Community Violence Intervention

    05:41 The Evolution of Ceasefire

    07:41 The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach 08:25 The Role of Humility in Violence Intervention 14:41 The Journey from Ceasefire to Trajectory Changing Solutions

    26:40 The Role of Women in Violence Intervention 29:27 The Politics of Violence Reduction

    32:08 Addressing Community Issues and the Importance of Transparency

    33:00 Experiences in Outreach and Violence Intervention

    34:49 The Challenges and Rewards of CVI Work 35:35 Promoting Self-Care and Balance in CVI Workers

    37:59 Personal Strategies for Maintaining Balance 40:08 The Future of CVI Work and Violence Intervention

    41:34 The Need for Community Involvement in Addressing Violence

    44:06 The Challenges of Funding and Implementing CVI Programs

    52:46 Personal Interests and Passions

    58:26 Final Thoughts and Messages

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    1 時間 1 分