SEPTEMBER 18, 2003 MEETING SUMMARY

On September 18, 2003, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley hosted the kick off meeting for developing an overall violence prevention approach for the County. It was the first of three Alameda County violence prevention advisory board meetings that will take place between September and March. Forty-five members representing a diversity of departments, agencies, and local governmental entities participated.

During the advisory board meeting Supervisor Miley underscored his commitment to working towards a solution to violence. Supervisor Miley described the recent town hall meeting that took place in April 2003 in East Oakland to get community input and involvement around developing solutions to violence in the county. He added that he is looking forward to working with the advisory board to develop a blueprint so that Alameda County can effectively prevent violence.

Funding: In regards to funding, Supervisor Miley has raised $25,000 for Prevention Institute to develop the preliminary report describing the problem of violence, findings from in-depth interviews, and broad recommendations, which will be shaped and refined to meet the needs of the county. This funding provided staffing for the first of four phases, which are described below. Supervisor Miley is raising funds for the remaining phases, which is projected to be $300,000. Thus far, Oakland Police Chief Word has contributed $15,000.

Project Phases: The development and implementation of the violence prevention blueprint has been conceived in four phases. Phase one defines the problem of violence in the county, specifically in regards for the need of a system/structure that will ensure accountability while fostering appropriate coordinating and communication. To complete this, Prevention Institute interviewed more than fifty people in local and state government and community service providers and reviewed relevant documents and data. Phase one was completed in September 2003. Phase two will delineate the solution specifically addressing the recommendations that were put forth in phase one and will be completed by the end of March 2004. This will be accomplished by working in partnership with Supervisory Miley's office, the advisory committee, and a smaller core group (described later). Phase three will define the roles different sectors can play in the solution. These will be incorporated into a blueprint for the county, which is expected to be complete in Fall 2004. Phase four represents implementation of the blueprint. Prevention Institute team includes Larry Cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW, Howard Pinderhughes, Ph.D., (UCSF), Danice Cook, and Jessica Gould.

Defining the problem with data: Dr. Sandra Witt, Community Assessment Planning and Education Director, Alameda County Public Health Department and Olis Simmons, Children's Services Coordinator, Alameda County Health Care Services Agency presented data about the problem of violence in the county, how it compares to other counties in the state, and the overall risk and resilience factors in the county. A copy of the presentation will be forwarded to those interested.

Findings and recommendations: Prevention Institute presented the overall findings from the information gathering stage as well as a set of preliminary recommendations. These are delineated in a report, which will be forwarded to the advisory board and are synthesized in the report's synopsis, which was distributed electronically in advance of the meeting, as well as by hard copy at the meeting.

Advisory board input: The advisory board provided input, which focused on the importance of involving youth early on in the planning process, as well as involving business and faith-based groups. In addition, participants supported the notion of a holistic, environmental approach and suggested that the effort should also address the highest priorities and most urgent issues by coordinating intensive efforts in the most needed areas. Several members pointed out the need for a strategy that is sustainable.

Roles and responsibilities: The advisory board will meet two more times to provide overall direction and vision. There will also be a core group that will meet five times to do more shaping and refining in developing a blueprint that will be effective in the county. Roles and responsibilities were presented for each of the parties involved:

Supervisor Miley's Office: Provide overall leadership in shaping the violence prevention strategy, Chair advisory board, and subgroup, Ensure framework becomes implemented (grant applications, partnerships, city activities), Secure funding to support efforts, and Oversee Prevention Institute contract

Prevention Institute: Manage overall project, Conduct in-person interviews to collect information to inform the strategy, Bring knowledge of best practices and effective collaboration to the strategy development process, Facilitate the process, Present drafts to all involved parties to solicit input and recommendations; synthesize findings from meetings, interviews, and report review, and Revise and finalize documents and present to Supervisor Miley's Office and advisory board

Advisory Board: Attend all three meetings in phase two, Provide input on project at meetings and to the subgroup, Critique draft strategy, Share the potential of the project with other community representatives, ratify and implement recommendations

Core Group: Attend all five working meetings, Provide insight and perspective to planning process, Shape and own the blueprint, Share documents and resources that will add to blueprint, Offer thorough feedback on drafts, and Serve as active ambassador of the project.

Preliminary criteria for inclusion on the core group were proposed, and the advisory board provided input. In particular, many members suggested that several youth be included. If people have suggestions about specific youth or youth groups, they should contact Prevention Institute directly. A preliminary core group was established through a volunteer process and includes the following individuals and departments:

Public Health representative, Oakland Police Chief Word, Claire Greenfelder, Behavioral Health representative, Bill Riley, Iris Marrions, Dean Chambers, Saundra Andrews, Chet Hewitt, Simeon Gaut, Probation representative, County Office of Education representative, Parole representative, District Attorney's Office representative, Tony Iton, Camp Sweeney Youth representative.

Supervisor Miley underlined that this effort is different than previous efforts in that it requires a long-term commitment towards preventing violence in Alameda County.

The next core group meeting will be on October 30, from 3-6 pm.

The next full advisory board meting is on Thursday, January 15 from 4-6 pm.

Enclosed/attached is a copy of Prevention Institute's power point presentation.

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