Prahst, an AT-CURA co-investigator, shared some of her discoveries in a talk entitled “Seduced into Gangs: Youth and Alienation” at Langara College on Jan. 18.

Her presentation explored the causes for violence and joining gangs, and the role youth alienation plays in these issues. It was based on her work for one of AT-CURA’s qualitative studies which are intended to help shape future youth violence prevention efforts in B.C.

Prahst is also the chair for the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Langara College.

Punjabi Victim Support Worker(s)

Surrey Women’s Centre increases the safety and supports for victims of violence.

We are a charitable organization providing a range of critical supports and resources for women, children and men seeking safety from violence. We are often the first, and sometimes only, point of contact for those in crisis. We are seeking Punjabi-speaking Victim Support Workers to provide client-centered support, crisis intervention, accompaniment, emotional support and practical assistance to recent South Asian survivors of physical and/or sexual assaults.

Responsibilities:

• Establish supportive relationships with survivors of violence over the phone and in person; provide crisis intervention, emotional support and practical assistance.
• Perform comprehensive risk assessments; identify safety concerns; support individuals in reducing risks.
• Provide relevant information about the dynamics and impact of violence.
• Liaise between survivors’ criminal justice, health, income assistance, child protection, and other agencies.
• Provide accompaniment and/or transportation to Surrey RCMP, Crown Counsel, court and other appointments in accordance with SWC policies.
• Provide respectful service to highly marginalized groups (i.e. survivors with mental health or substance use issues, gender/identity issues, cultural or language barriers, physical or developmental disabilities, elder or male survivors, etc.).
• Keep and compile accurate up-to-date service delivery statistics.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other community service providers.
• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Exercise leadership and flexibility in a high demand environment.
• Complete additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Related post-secondary degree or diploma; and/or combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing support to individuals impacted by violence.
• Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Exceptional interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Relevant computer knowledge and administrative skills.
• Knowledge of local resources an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Clean driver’s abstract and proof of required auto insurance coverage.
• Clear criminal records check.

Positions are open until filled. Please email your resume and cover letter to mm@surreywomencentre.ca.

We regret that we are only able to contact short-listed applicants. No phone calls please.

Download the Punjabi Victim Support Workers job posting.

On-Call Mobile Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Response Workers

Surrey Women’s Centre is a not-for-profit charity providing counselling and support services to male, female and child victims of physical and sexual abuse. Our agency is extending its hours of operation to provide 24-hour crisis response services to survivors of recent physical and sexual assault. Mobile Assault Response Workers will provide hospital and police accompaniment to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault accessing the Surrey Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

The Surrey Mobile Assault Response Team (SMART) will launch in April 2012 and successful applicants must be available for training in March 2012.

Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention including risk assessments and safety planning, emotional support and practical assistance to victims of recent physical and sexual assault.
• Provide information about and accompaniment to Surrey Memorial Hospital for medical treatment and the collection of forensic evidence.
• Provide information about the legal system including reporting options, rights and remedies as well as police accompaniment.
• Facilitate Third Party Reporting for victims of sexual assault who do not want to report to the police.
• Facilitate access to resources in Surrey and surrounding areas.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other members of SMART including hospital personnel.
• Compile accurate up-to-date service delivery statistics.

Qualifications:

• Victim Services Practitioner Certificate and/or a combination of education, training and experience providing support to victims of crime, preferably domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.
• Experience providing crisis intervention including risk assessments and safety planning, emotional support and practical assistance to victims of violence.
• Knowledge of and experience working with feminist, trauma and harm reduction models of intervention.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal justice systems as well as legal reporting options.
• Ability to work with diverse clientele including marginalized victims who experience multiple barriers (e.g. youth, sex workers and Aboriginal women and girls).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Must be able to travel to Surrey Memorial Hospital in 30 minutes.
• Preference to applicants with a Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal records check and Driver’s abstract required.

Please email your resume and cover letter by Friday, February 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. to ca@surreywomencentre.ca.

We regret that we are only able to contact short-listed applicants. No phone calls please.

Download the SMART – Response Worker job posting.

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Task Force (SHHTF) brings together a broad range of community and government organizations that provide services to people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Task Force members meet monthly to share information, knowledge, concerns and solutions.

The SHHTF received a grant from the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society for coordination services and they are seeking applications from individuals with the skills and experience to assist the task force achieve its goals.

The deadline for proposals is February 10, 2012.

Please review the position description provided below and submit your proposal, including your résumé, what interests you about the position, and your proposed fees, by email to the Task Force Co-Chair David Poulette at david.poulette@fraserhealth.ca.

Position Description: Task Force Coordinator
20 hours/month

PURPOSE:

The successful candidate will be responsible to provide ongoing support including meeting coordination, preparing meeting agendas and recording meeting minutes. In addition, the position will act as a Task force support to achieve specific goals about homelessness, its causes and solutions.

A. General Responsibilities

Assist Task Force Members to:

• Identify and establish subcommittees of the task force
• Identify community resources and assets, as well as gaps in services
• Develop strategies to address gaps
• Build capacity of member agencies to access government and non-government funding
• Encourage and strengthen collaboration among members and with other agencies
• Develop partnering strategies among agencies that serve homeless people
• Raise community awareness about homelessness

B. Accountability

The position reports to Task Force co-chairs

C. Specific Responsibilities

• Organize and facilitate monthly task force meeting
• Produce and circulate meeting minutes
• Circulate relevant information to task force members
• Coordinate meetings of task force committees
• Maintain and draft correspondence on behalf of the task force from time to time
• Assist with planning and organizing Connect Day and other events during Homelessness Action Week in October 2012
• Develop an orientation package for new SHHTF members
• Prepare and present information about the Task Force to Surrey-based organizations
• Work to raise the profile of the Task Force in the broader community
• Prepare a final report upon completion of contract

D. Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in related field, or comparable work experience

Experience:

• Interest in homelessness, its causes, solutions
• Excellent communications skills
• Computer literacy skills (e.g. MS Outlook, MS Word, Excel)
• Community development experience
• Familiarity through work experience, direct personal experience and or the experience of family and friends in living with a risk of homelessness.

E. Other

• This is a 12 month contract position, with possibility of extension depending on funding
• Subject to satisfactory performance and meeting all administrative contract requirements
• Flexible working hours is a requirement
• Some limited travel is expected
• Working in a variety of settings or in partnership with other agencies may be required

Download the SHHTF – Coordinator job posting.

Job Title: All Nations Youth Safe House (ANYSH) Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Wage: TBD based on education and experience (salary)
Term: Full Time- min 37.5 hrs per week
Closing Date: February 2, 2012 @ 4:00pm

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director the manger is responsible for administering the Youth Safe House program in compliance with MCFD contract, host agency Kla-How-Eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS and the Fraser Health Community Care and Assisted Living Act.

The Safe House Philosophy is that we believe in and respect the basic human dignity and universal rights of all individuals, and provide equal and non-judgmental support to youth. Through a youth-centred practice of mutual respect and trust, we encourage and empower youth to make healthy life choices and transitions.

The mission of the Youth Safe House is to provide high-risk youth a safe place and assist them in making successful transitions to healthier circumstances.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of ANYSH
• Adhere to the Safe House policy and procedures manual for clients and staff, and ensure COA/CARF standards and Licensing Standards are met.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise ANYSH staff
• Submit monthly and quarterly statistics and reports to Kla-How-Eya and funding agencies.
• Manage the budget
• Manage work schedules to ensure proper staffing levels are maintained at all times. Provide shift coverage on an emergency basis.
• Provide consultation, follow up and follow procedures regarding all Critical Incidents, Abuse and Assault Reports and Reportable Incidents and ensure proper authorities are notified.
• Review case files weekly, and authorize all intakes and discharges
• All other duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in a related field
• Experience working with youth in prevention, education & addictions
• Certification and/or diploma in Life Skills, Conflict Resolutions, Human Resource, Project Management and/or Mediation is desirable
• Minimum of five years experience supervising and supporting program staff in a multi-cultural and multi-service environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of community support systems and resources in the areas of drug, alcohol and sexual exploitation prevention
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a community setting with non-profit/volunteer based organizations and groups as well as independently or in a team environment
• Demonstrated strong research, organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills both verbal and written
• Basic Computer skills
• Valid Class 5 BC Drivers license and have own reliable transportation.
• A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of all employees of Kla-How-Eya.
• Self motivated and able to work under minimal supervision.

Number of Positions available: One (1)

Aboriginal applicants are encouraged to apply. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Submit resume by email to jobs@sacsbc.org by mail to PO Box 280, 10688 King George Blvd, Surrey BC, V3T 4W8.

Kla-How-Eya would like to thank all applicants; however, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. For more information or other employment opportunities, please visit our website at: www.sacsbc.org.

Download the ANYSH – Manager job posting.

Why are some kids more violent than others? The preliminary findings of a local study has revealed some answers, after conducting a survey of 400 grade 8 students.

Researchers at Kwantlen and Simon Fraser universities discovered boys between the ages of 12 and 14 who have high self-esteem and a sense of gratitude are less likely to fight.

Lead researcher Dr. Roger Tweed says the challenge now is to find ways to build those traits in all children. “We don’t want to go on to blame these kids now and say ‘ok, the kids who are violent are lacking in these things.’ The thing we’re starting to find out is that these traits matter, and the next step is to look at what builds these traits. What can we do for kids to help build these things up?”

Continue reading this article on News 1130′s website

“Academics and community: Two solitudes” speaks to the value of collaborations as Acting Together continues its community-based research aiming to help prevent youth violence. An excerpt is reprinted below.

The boatman, though not book-smart, was found to possess valuable knowledge of his own.

Academics and community: Two solitudes

There is much to be learned from the Indian story about the boatman and the arrogant mathematician

By Gira Bhatt and Charan Gill, Vancouver Sun

‘Once upon a time, there was a mathematician.” So starts a children’s story in India.

The mathematician was a genius, but he was also very arrogant. Once he needed to cross a river. He found a boatman sitting idly in a weathered boat, who agreed to take the mathematician across the river.

Once the boatman started to row, the mathematician looked around, pondering, and asked the boatman: “Do you know how deep this river is?”

“It’s quite deep, sir” replied the boatman.

“How many feet deep?” asked the mathematician.

The boatman shook his head and said, “I don’t know.”

The mathematician was taken aback by this answer. He rolled his eyes and thought to himself: “Oh, the poor illiterate boatman.” With his arrogance, the mathematician expressed his consternation: “You don’t even know that? And you are a boatman? – tsk tsk … Your life is … wasted!”

Continue reading this article on The Vancouver Sun’s website

The boatman, though not book-smart, was found to possess valuable knowledge of his own.

By Gira Bhatt and Charan Gill, Vancouver Sun

‘Once upon a time, there was a mathematician.” So starts a children’s story in India.

The mathematician was a genius, but he was also very arrogant. Once he needed to cross a river. He found a boatman sitting idly in a weathered boat, who agreed to take the mathematician across the river.

Once the boatman started to row, the mathematician looked around, pondering, and asked the boatman: “Do you know how deep this river is?”

“It’s quite deep, sir” replied the boatman.

“How many feet deep?” asked the mathematician.

The boatman shook his head and said, “I don’t know.”

The mathematician was taken aback by this answer. He rolled his eyes and thought to himself: “Oh, the poor illiterate boatman.” With his arrogance, the mathematician expressed his consternation: “You don’t even know that? And you are a boatman? – tsk tsk … Your life is … wasted!”

The arrogant mathematician continued to quiz the poor illiterate boat-man about the precise measures of the boat, the river, and the rowing speed, to which the poor illiterate boatman had the same answer and the arrogant mathematician had the same conclusion.

“Tsk tsk … Your life is wasted.”

While they were halfway on the river, the wind blew hard. The boat tilted on its side and started to take in water. The mathematician looked terrified as he clung to the side of the sinking boat.

Now it was the poor illiterate boat-man’s turn to ask;

“Sir, do you know how to swim?”

Continue reading this article on The Vancouver Sun’s website

The privacy of students who participated in The Powerful Teen Study was ensured in part through these cardboard desk covers, provided by AT staff and student assistants at the time the high school surveys were conducted. Photo illustration.

By Sheila Reynolds, Surrey North Delta Leader

Self-esteem, gratitude and parent involvement put teens at a lower risk for violence, according to preliminary findings from a survey of local youth.

The Powerful Teen Study by the Surrey-based Acting Together project, which involved a survey of more than 400 Grade 8 students, indicate character strengths and connections with adults lead to a reduced belief in violence.

“Schools and some youth programs already seek to build character strengths,” said Dr. Roger Tweed, one of the project’s co-investigators. “These findings confirm the relevance of character strengths and suggest there may be value in additional efforts to build gratitude, humility, self-esteem, and authenticity.”

The project involves Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey School District and Simon Fraser University. Participating students, with support from teachers and administrators, filled out confidential 22-page surveys that asked questions about things such as their social connections and beliefs about crimes and gangs. The young people were surveyed twice during the 2010-2011 school year, with a follow-up survey scheduled to take place in 2012-2013. Some parents and teachers were also surveyed.

Continue reading this article on the Surrey North Delta Leader’s website

The privacy of students who participated in The Powerful Teen Study was ensured in part through the use of these cardboard desk covers, which were provided by AT staff and student assistants at the time the high school surveys were conducted. Photo illustration.

(SURREY) A study of hundreds of local high school youth has linked gratitude, self-esteem, humility, authenticity, and parental monitoring to a lower level of violence.

The preliminary findings are from the Powerful Teen Study, one of several studies undertaken by the Surrey-based Acting Together SSHRC-CURA project involving Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey School district, and Simon Fraser University. Preliminary findings suggest that character strengths and connections with adults are related to lower risks for violence.

Dr. Roger Tweed said, “Schools and some youth programs already seek to build character strengths. These findings confirm the relevance of character strengths and suggest there may be value in additional efforts to build gratitude, humility, self-esteem, and authenticity.”

In youth ages 12 to 14, findings so far reveal that:

• Gratitude and authenticity (i.e., belief in being true to oneself) are associated among boys with lower rates of fighting and fewer beliefs justifying violence.
• Self-esteem and humility are both associated with fewer beliefs justifying violence.
• Youth can have both self-esteem (belief that oneself has value) and humility (belief that others are as important as oneself).
• Involvement in adult-directed leisure activities (arts, community groups organized by adults, religious activities, school clubs, and volunteer work) is associated with self-reported authenticity.

• Students who reported that their parents generally know where they are and who they are with, have both fewer delinquent beliefs and higher life satisfaction.
• Most students agreed that a teacher or other adult at school shows concern for them.
• Most students do not see many benefits to gang membership, but some are aware of only one or two of the many costs of gang membership.

With an extensive support from teachers and school administrators, over 400 eighth graders participated in the study by filling out confidential 22-page surveys that asked questions about their character strengths, social connections, and beliefs about crimes and gangs. The students were surveyed twice in the 2010-2011 school year, with a follow-up survey tentatively scheduled to take place in 2012-2013. Some parents and teachers were also surveyed.

These findings are preliminary and are based on data collected in the initial youth survey. As such, results are subject to change with further analysis including the later surveys. Results are also based on a selected subsample of students because some students chose not to participate. The study does not provide conclusive evidence of cause-and-effect factors for violence, but, rather, identifies associations that deserve further consideration within youth violence prevention efforts.

The Acting Together project is federally funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), through a $1 million federal Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) grant. As a CURA project, it is comprised of four post-secondary institutions, 12 community partners, and numerous prominent individuals.

To learn more about Acting Together, visit www.actingtogether.ca.

To learn more about Kwantlen Polytechnic University, visit www.kwantlen.ca.

Media contacts:

Dr. Roger Tweed
Lead Researcher of the Powerful Teen Study
Acting Together SSHRC-CURA project
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
roger.tweed@kwantlen.ca

Rob Rai
Assistant Manager: Safe Schools Department
Surrey School District #36
rai_r@sd36.bc.ca