Purpose: Address structural, systemic, and institutional racism negatively impacting youth and young adults of color in local communities through the expanded implementation and evaluation of youth violence and teen dating violence (YV/TDV) prevention activities. This is a continued effort to focus the largest percentage of our Health Department’s efforts on the outer levels of the socio-ecological model (community and societal levels) using strategies that create protective community environments and promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity.

Goal: Recruit & Retain BIPOC youth to experience an increased level of comfort and safety in nature-based activities, which are known to reduce crime and violence, and build self-confidence, a deterrent to unhealthy peer pressure

Engaging with BIPOC Voices Panel Discussion & Training

Purpose: Increase awareness of adult mentors/outdoor guides at planned outdoor events as to how their words and actions may be perceived as racism and potential bias by BIPOC participants.

Goal: Address barriers to BIPOC participation in outdoor/nature events and develop a plan for mitigation of such barriers in Outdoor Event

Date: June 16th, 2021

Panelists:

• Dana Bivens, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Nate Moreland, Business Owner; LIFTS LLC
• Ted Johnson, Founder and Executive Director, Ten Penny Foundation (TPF)
• Mauricio Valadrian, Director/Founder, Creative + Consulting LLC
• John Wolfe, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Horizon Counseling Services, LLC
• Rakeem Washington & Kasia Rutledge, Managers; ENGAGE TO CHANGE, LLC

Participants:

I’M Hooked Great Outdoor Experience – “MAKE IT HAPPEN” – Location Horning’s Hideout

Date: July 13^th and 14^th 2021

Our purpose and goals are that participants will experience less stress and experience with a positive contribution to cognitive social and emotional development. We hosted an outdoor event where youth and families experience an increased level of comfort and safety in nature-based activities, which are known to reduce crime and violence, and build self-confidence, a deterrent to unhealthy peer pressure. Also, participants expressed increased confidence in performing a skill and describing the steps; expressed “WOW “moments with plans to share with peers in their communities.

Developed PSA:

Youth connect to nature, safety, wellness, and opportunity through I’m Hooked

Date: August 30^th, 2021

https://www.multco.us/multnomah-county/news/youth-connect-nature-safety-wellness-and-opportunity-through-i%E2%80%99m-hooked