Wisconsin State Prevention Conference: Tell Your Stories to Change Lives
Everyone has a story to tell, an experience to share, an idea that just might work! But how do we implement change? That was the focus of the 2011 Wisconsin State Prevention Conference that was held this summer. Safe & Sound’s Community Partner Diane Kosarzycki attended the Conference on behalf of the Milwaukee Reality Check Coalition. The Milwaukee Reality Check Coalition is a strategy to reduce access of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana among Milwaukee youth by changing social norms through comprehensive prevention and health promotion strategies.
Hundreds of executives, coalition members, law enforcement, educators, and health care workers gathered to learn how to craft their local stories in a way that will create lasting impact on the health of their communities. The theme of the event was “Using the Power of Our Voices to Influence Change.” According to the Wisconsin Clearinghouse of Prevention Resources, the goal of this conference was to “help sustain and improve the effectiveness of local and state programs leading to a healthier Wisconsin.” To reach this goal, attendees were trained in impactful presentations, relaying personal experiences to tell a story, using social media to connect to a broader audience and leveraging local resources to promote one’s cause.
“It takes more to change a neighborhood than simply attending meetings and talking with residents,” Diane said. “I need to weave my presence into the lives of the community that I serve in a meaningful way. Sharing personal experiences and listening to others can bond individuals together, evoke emotions in neighborhoods, and call people to action. These are the tools that Community Partners need to implement to truly make a difference.”
Laura Christenbury, the Program Manager of Reality Check pointed out, “The way people view ‘Prevention’ has changed. It’s no longer a focus on individual behavior change, and what NOT to do to be healthier. Instead, prevention professionals are critically viewing communities as the catalyst for change. What do our built environments provide that inhibit or support healthy lifestyles and how can we leverage those environmental resources for healthier living.”
By attending this forum, Diane and Laura were able to participate in a variety of workshops that focused on prevention ideas, building community awareness, growing organizations and finding unique ways to market efforts. Diane stated that the discussions she heard during the three day symposium had revitalized her mission to help Milwaukee residents by reaching out to more people, one story at a time.
“Several weeks ago while addressing crime issues in a particular neighborhood, I came across a family that was in fear of losing their house due to foreclosure. They shared their story of being downsized, having medical issues and not being able to pay all of their bills. I listened to their concerns and worked with the family by providing resources to get them the help they needed. While it felt great to help out these folks, I realized that many other people in the community might be going through the same situation and don’t know where to turn. By using a forum such as Facebook, I can post information to educate a larger population and get the word out much quicker than simply knocking on doors. While nothing can compare to face to face contact, using technology to help reach a broader audience is invaluable.”
Many conference workshops emphasized the need for community professionals to update their communication efforts through better websites, tweeting, blogging, and utilizing social media sites such as Facebook. Safe & Sound as well as several of its staff members share their stories via Facebook to connect with youth, block captains, concerned citizens and other stakeholders in the Milwaukee area. (Place link to Safe & Sound’s FB page)
Diane shared that “The internet is a direct and inexpensive way to get information out to the masses. It’s a means for organizers to quickly coordinate efforts, share information, advertise events, and keep in touch when everyone is so busy. There is an abundance of material that I want to share with Milwaukee residents and Facebook is one new way to help me deliver my message. As we work together to mobilize efforts and build capacity in an electronic world, we have to remember that real change happens face to face when we take time to tell our story.”
To look into Diane’s world via Sherman Park, you can check out her posts on Facebook or find her through the Safe & Sound Facebook page.
