Listening Circles

listening circle September 2020

Friday September 25, 2020 5pm - 7pm

Sonoma County Peer Council Listening Circle
Fri, Sep 25, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (PDT)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/578651197

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Access Code: 578-651-197

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/578651197

Advocacy Issues:

Register to Vote: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/Register-to-Vote/
YES on Measure "O" https://www.yesonoforsonomacounty.org/
SB 803 Peer Certification...On the Governor's Desk ...Letter Writing Campaign sb-803-grassroots-template-letter-1 DOWNLOAD

Listening Circle July 2020

Friday July 24, 2020 5pm -6pm

Sonoma County Peer Council- July 2020 Listening Circle

With potentially drastic budget cuts on the horizon...How do we build a robust , meaningful Community Participatory Process? (CPP)

Fri, Jul 24, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PDT)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/525796941

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 525-796-941

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/525796941

listening circle june 26 2020

JUNE 26 2020 5-6 online Go to Meeting

Sonoma County Peer Council

Listening Circle: Mental Health and the Justice System

Fri, Jun 26, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/753527613

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412

Access Code: 753-527-613

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/753527613

What is your experience with the Sonoma County justice system ? Has your or a loved one's mental health been a factor? If so how?

If you have story you would like to tell and are willing to share in writing please email to: sonomacountypeercouncil@gmail.com We will be collecting personal first person accounts over the next two months as the mental health board meeting on Wednesday September 16th 5-7 pm will be dedicated to a conversation with Sonoma County Law enforcement.

Listening Circle MAy 2020

Fri, May 22, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (PDT)

Please let me know if there is anything you want on the agenda

Feed back MHB Retreat ACES, "Resilience" and "Bedlam" documentaries
MHSA 3 year plan
Open positions on MHB

Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/441719573

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112

Access Code: 441-719-573

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/441719573

MHSA Annual Updates and Reports

Public meeting May 27, 2020 5-7pm ( Link to follow when available)

http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Behavioral-Health/Mental-Health-Services-Act/

Sonoma County MHSA Draft Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan for 2020-2023 (PDF: 13.3 Mb)

Listening Circle April, 2020

Fri, Apr 24, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PDT)

Sonoma County Peer Council: Listening Circle
Fri, Apr 24, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PDT)

Check in and peer support ( What are you doing to stay well in these extraordinary times?)
Update on letter from Dr Steinberg and Tom Insel to Gov Newsom asking for changes to MHSA implementation that will potentially severely curtail public input; community participatory process (CPP)
Letter from Consumer coalition
Opportunity for advocacy ( template letter included)
Update from MHSOAC meeting

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/252898677

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 252-898-677

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/252898677

Listening Circle March 2020

March 20,2020 5pm - 7pm

Corona Virus Social distancing ordinance implemented March 16 precludes us meeting in person

As we navigate our new, hopefully temporary, reality of social distancing and do our part to slow the transmission of the corona virus you have probable figured out for your selves it is not possible for us to meet in person on Friday for our scheduled Peer Council listening circle
Here are some ways that you might like to keep in touch and involved with the Sonoma County Peer Council

Friday March 20, 2020 5:00pm - 7:00pm Online Virtual Listening Circle https://www.facebook.com/events/213910503051372/

Q: What are you doing to remain busy and calm during the shelter in place order for corona virus response?

The Peer Council have been meeting in person on the third Friday of the month in Santa Rosa from 5pm -7pm. Since the "Shelter in Place" response to corona virus has temporarily prohibited us from meeting in person, this is our first attempt at meeting online. Please join us as we support each other and share ideas for keeping busy and reducing fear and anxiety during this time of unprecedented emergency

NEW Sonoma County Peer Council Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Sonoma-County-Peer-Council-100501104929076/ You are able to leave a message, idea or comment
Explore Sonoma County Peer Council website https://sonomacountypeercouncil.org/
You can also reply to this email...

Thinking of you all

Sincerely,

Carol

Meeting moved to go to meeting

Please join Virtual Listening Circle from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://www.gotomeet.me/CarolWest

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311

Access Code: 483-735-789

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/483735789

If this is your first time using go to meeting here is a link to what to expect

https://www.gotomeeting.com/meeting/resources/gotomeeting-quick-and-helpful-guide-for-attendees

Peace and health to you and yours in this time of uncertainty,

Carol

Listening Circle february 21, 2020

Q: How can we reach people in the shadows and on the margins?

Agenda

Q: How can we reach people in the shadows and on the margins?

How do we reach people who do not attend the peer centers

People with different languages and cultures

Divergent geographical locations

Notes

Attendees ( 5)

Heart Circle Check in

Peers at peer centers are exhausted, anxious and focused on Peer Center RFP decision due March 3

Importance of meeting people where they are at

In their own language

By someone they trust

Ideas for outreach

SCIHP
Board and Cares
Libraries
Faith based organizations
Library
Farmers Markets
Latino Service Providers
Buckelew
Catholic Charities
Health Centers
NAMI
VOICES
Living Room
DAAC
Peer Center Advocacy groups
Morgan Street
COTS Mary Isaac's

Special Interest Groups

Peer Center RFP decision due March 3rd
Organizational development
Event Planning- Talked about recognizing how far we have come and who the Sonoma County Heroes are... (Date TBD Aug/ Sept?) Remember tributes to those that have died Opportunity for election of Peer Council Board
Policy: SB 803 Peer Certification Senator Jim Beall and CAMHPRO

Next Listening Circle

March 20, 2020

5pm -7pm

55 Ridgway Suite A Environmental Center Santa Rosa

email suggestions for topic question to sonomacountypeercouncil@gmail.com

Please help us widen the circle by talking to your circle of family, friends and neighbors...

Listening Circle: January 17, 2020

What are the peer council goals for 2020?

Agenda

Q: What the goals of the peer council for 2020?

Notes

Attendees(8)

Continue to Support the Sustainability of Peer Centers

SCBH Request for Proposal(RFP) #20-002

Consumer Peer Support/Recovery and Training Services Issued January 14,

Contractor Bids Due: 2:00pm Feb 2020

Here is the link for RFPs postings:

https://esupplier.sonomacounty.ca.gov/psc/FN92PRD/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/SCP_PUBLIC_MENU_FL.SCP_PUB_BID_CMP_FL.GBL

Organizational Development of the Sonoma County Peer Council

organizing around just and egalitarian principles

Peer Jobs ( Career Development)/ integration into all aspects SCBH services

Need for New Peer Specific job descriptions SCBH HR catalog ( Five year Process)

Interim measures Current jobs that may be open to people with peer life experience and additional training/ qualification

Extra Help positions have been used but have low salaries, no benefits, and no job security ( 2018/2019 lay offs)

c/f MHSA Capacity Assessment calls out need for inclusion of peers in all aspects of service delivery

MHSA Peer Leadership Familiarity/ Learning Opportunities

Community Planning Process (CPP) : Allowance by law 0-5% of MHSA up to $1Million

Sonoma County Current budget: $ Zero

Advocate for a robust community planning process with a designated budget

Peer Definition

For the purposes of this council

For the purposes of allies and mentors advocating on our behalf

Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Including peers in the development and outreach for surveys behavioral health

c/f successful efforts in the past

Collect data and research to show the importance of trust and outreach benefits

Homelessness and Mental Health (JRT)

The homeless encampment on the Joe Rododa Trail has attracted a lot of attention. Highlight the link between mental health struggles and lack of affordable appropriate housing

Opportunities for Action

Peer Services RFP

Peers will be included in the Scoring Team If you are interested on being on this team contact: Bill Carter Phone: (707) 565-4850 (Any one who is currently working under the current contract with goodwill is not eligible)

MHSA

MHSA Steering Committee Applications
MHSA Cultural Competency Committee Applications
Contact Melissa Ladrech 707.565.4909 • Work
DRAFT Sonoma County MHSA Steering Committee Description (PDF: 271 Kb)
MHSA Steering Committee Roster (PDF: 89 Kb)

Mental Health Board Open Positions

http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Mental-Health-Board/Members/
District 2 ( one Position)
District 3 ( two Positions)

Mental Health Board Meetings ( Third Tuesday )

January 21, 2020 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
La Luz Center
17560 Greger Street
Sonoma, CA

Listening Circle: December 20, 2019

What does a just and egalitarian structure look like to you?

Notes:

Attendees (3)

Discussion about equality versus equity. This was a small circle and so we had a chance to talk more deeply on a personal level about the question of justice and equity and what that has looked kike in our lives. We talked about some the history of behavioral health care and how it has changed over time with funding cuts to institutional care and no funds for community based care " The unfunded mandate" that may be the root cause of some of the barriers to accessing care in a timely manner and the severe lack of supportive housing and transportation.

Listening Circle: November 22

Meet and Greet: Why are we here?

So Co Peer Council Draft Agenda 11.22.2019

Date November 22nd 2019

Time 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Place 55 Ridgway #A, Santa Rosa, CA ( Environmental Center of Sonoma ,West side of 101 )

Website: https://sonomacountypeercouncil.org/

Contact: Carol West carolwestchw@gmail.com (707) 481-7965

Agenda

1. Socializing and refreshments (5:30pm -6:00pm 30 min)

2. Start 6:00pm Welcome: to the first listening circle of the Sonoma County Peer Council

Internal silent visualization of the journey we have each taken to be here tonight (1 min )

3. Grounding:Deep Breathing (2 min )

4. Introductions + quotes: (10 min)

Please introduce yourself by saying your name say/read and inspirational quote. The circle is invited to respond with “..…..we welcome you”

5. Thank you (1 min Carol)

6. Sonoma County Peer Council Vision and Mission (2 min )

PPT /Website

Vision

“A world in which the inherent worth and dignity of every person is valued and respected”

Mission

“Build a sustainable peer advocacy voice in Sonoma County”

7. Intentional Peer Support Framework - Shery Mead (2 min )

Three Principles

· Move from helping to learning together

· Move from a focus on the individual to focusing on the relationship

· Move from fear towards hope

Four Tasks

I. Connection

II. Worldview

III. Mutuality

IV. Moving towards

8. Brief History of the peer movement in Sonoma County (5min )

9. Listening Deeply: Getting to know each other ( 60 min )

Listening Circle: Why are we here?

10. Special interest groups SPIGS ( 2 min )

· Organizational development of SCPC

· Mentors

· Friends and Allies

· Outreach, diversity inclusion, widening the circle

· Sustainability of Peer Centers

· Understanding the MSHA

· Peer training and employment

· Other

11. Sign-ups for special interest groups SPIGS ( Circulate Clipboards)

12. This Evening’s Accomplishments (index cards)

What did you get out of this evening?

13. Next Steps ( 2min)

Next general listening circle

o Date

o Time

o Place

14. Closing ( 1 min)

“Coming together is a beginning;

Keeping together is progress;

Working together is success.”

Edward Everett Hale ( Often attributed to Henry Ford)

Notes from Listening Circle November 22, 2019

Meet and Greet: What brought you here tonight?

Short History of the Sonoma County Peer Movement (Amy Breckenridge’s recollections)

o Corrine Camp

o Teresa Romero (Bruton)

o Client liaison to Mental Health Board (MHB)

o Peer Newsletter

o Alternatives Conference

o 1996 Interlink SAMHSA funded

o Advocacy for MHSA Prop 63

o 2004 MHSA passed

o Advocacy for Wellness and Advocacy Center

o 2007 Wellness and Advocacy Center opened

o Peer Self Advocacy meetings funded by SCBH

o Speakers Bureau funded for a period

o Client Networking meetings hosted at Interlink

 Advocated for two paid SCBH positions

1. Consumer Affairs Position ( Amy Breckenridge, Kate Roberge)

2. Patients Rights position ( Tamara Winer, Lauren Petersen)

o At Teresa Romero request and in memory Corrine Camp (1946-1999) an early survivors movement advocate in CA, the advocacy group came to be known as the Corinne Camp Action Network (CCAN)

o Linda Picton (ANT Biddy) advocacy for the marginalized people with mental health challenges- outreach to disability community in particular the blind and homeless community

o Susan Standen and Kalia Mussetter advocated for system change at Aurora Hospital

o Advocacy for a warmline (funded under GIRE contract ( …..) and unfunded 2018 )

o Speakers bureau

o Storage space for people’s belongings when they are in hospital (Became paid position GIRE contract )

o Peers involved in writing and outreach for client service feedback to SCBH (2012?)

i. Peer center participants

ii. Board and cares

iii. Individuals ( personal connections, word of mouth)

iv. Speakers bureau

o Advocacy for Mobile support Team ( funded initially with MHSA innovation funds- successful and expanding hours and geographical area funded as part of MHSA Client Support Services (CSS)

o 2010 Sash Tuttelman and Edward …. With help from the peer community advocate for a peer center in Petaluma

o 2012 Petaluma Peer Recovery Project (PPRP) is funded

o 2017 PPRP Becomes Petaluma Peer Recovery Center

o 2017 SCBH Fiscal crisis Mike Kennedy SCBH director replaced by Bill Carter

o MHSA Administration Amy Faulstich replaced by Melissa Ladrech

o Peers have to begin relationship building with SCBH from scratch

o 2018 MHSA funding for Wellness and advocacy Center and Petaluma Peer Recovery Center is cut by 100%

o Advocacy efforts result in temporary onetime general funds being made available by Board of Supervisors (BOS)

Additional input to History

• Claire Newman

• Vivian Sedney

• Lana Zientek

• Sasha Tuttelman working on Hx of PPRC to follow

• Website Link to Peer movement in CA presentation

Draft agreements

· Bring our best selves to the listening circle

· Deep listening

· Assume best intentions

· Respect each other’s worldview

· Quiet our internal conversations

· Examine our own assumptions

· Be mindful of our own blind spots

· Practice compassionate curiosity

· Listen for deeper understanding

· Pause: suspend assumptions, judgment, emotions - then respond

· Value and protect relationships

· Speak to the issue

· Step forward step back ( share time and space)

· Allow trust to grow

Listening Circle: Why people came (paraphrased)

Curious

Concern that the loss of peer centers means loss of jobs

Peer centers are where I feel accepted

Wellness and advocacy is a place that is important for people who are homeless or living in their car to be able to take a shower and do laundry

Concern about the peer centers upcoming request for proposal (RFP)

Change of peer center management from Goodwill to a new management organization

Feelings of abandonment at being let go from Goodwill

Fear about which new agency will be awarded the RFP

Concern about lack of opportunities for staff and participant input to writing the RFP

Concern about lack of opportunities for staff and participant input to selecting RFP winning contract

Very tight time line RFP to be written between now and beginning of January 2020

RFP needs to awarded and confirmed before end of fiscal year June 2020

Importance of sustainable funding for peer centers

· Wellness and Advocacy Center and Petaluma Peer recovery Center open only because of BOS general funds which is a onetime only amount for 18 month; July 2019 - December 2020

· Importance of advocating for reinstatement of MHSA funding

· Grants ( eg OSHPD, WET)

· Frustration that grant application dates open and close without action ( clock is ticking)

· Feelings of helplessness that those of us who are most impacted do not have a way to participate

Need to understand MHSA especially the mandated CPP Community Planning Process

MHSA(CPP 0-5%) Sonoma County has spent $ zero on this process

Importance of peer values

Recovery perspective

“Nothing about us, without us”

Importance of social justice and egalitarian framework for

· peer council organizational structure

· relationships with policy decision makers in Sonoma County

Want to be part of empowering peers

Build a strong voice for people with lived experience

Want to be involved pre-crisis to be part of healthy collaborative planning process

Where do I fit in?

What can I do to make the people making decisions in the SCBH system listen to our needs?

Worried about our centers and the peer education program

Excited about this new effort to get peers together

To be able to be part of the solution not always seen as the problem

I am not a peer but I am here to support this effort in any way I can

Champions are essential to helping to open doors to peer leadership

It is important that we educate ourselves about the political process

Mental Health Board (MHB) is currently looking for peers to serve in open positions

Peers have not always felt heard or successful on the MHB

We need training for peers to be successful in leadership positions (MHSA dictates training should be made available)

Social and environmental issues that impact mental health

Stigma is still a very real problem and prevents people in professional positions “coming out”

Stigma and retribution is a real fear for those of us who speak up

Many peer leaders experience compassion fatigue and exhaustion

We have a lot of anger and frustration at the system that is often expressed in a way that hurts and alienates each other; this can make staying together for the long term very difficult

Democracy and collaboration are important

Fidelity to the recovery movement and strength based language

System transformation

What are things we can do now?

Optimistic and eager to see what we can create together

Special Interest Group (SPIG )Sign Ups

Organizational Development
Just and Egalitarian Structure
Peer Center Sustainability
Leadership Education and Training