Addressing the Gendered Dimensions of Harassment and Bullying    

This paper clarifies the distinctions between bullying and harassment and the priorities and responsibilities of school districts, explores the unintended consequences of ignoring the gendered dimensions of bullying and harassment in K-12 schools, and suggests helpful strategies for advocates collaborating with school personnel and students.  Full brief.

Using Therapeutic Moving Stories in the Sand Tray  

Children love sand, stories and play.  This article explains how the Moving Stories therapy method, an "intermodal expressive art tool", may be used by any clinician at any stage of therapy to present healing messages and and needed skills to children.  Read more.

As someone who is intimately familiar with overachieving, I recognize the angst behind the questions I hear from men and women who have accomplished so much professionally but struggle to stay connected personally. Questions ranging from "Why am I so engaged at work, yet I feel increasingly disconnected from my wife and children?" to "How do I turn off the self-critical instincts that serve me as a leader? I don't want to be that kind of mother."  Many of us have spent the majority of our adult lives in jobs that train us to outrun and outsmart the experience that underpins love and connection - vulnerability. We wake up in the morning, put on our armor, and march into the office thinking, "I will protect myself. I will not let you see my self-doubt or my fear. I will put on my 'boss' face."  Read more. 

Ten Signs of a Doomed Leader    

Why do leaders fail? . . . While it's often assumed that leadership crashes, like those experienced by Bill Clinton and Jim Bakker, and more recently John Edwards and Ted Haggard, are the result of a lack of character or competence, it isn't necessarily the case.  Learn the 10 signs of a doomed leader by keynoter and author Dr. Stephen Read more.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been found to have profound effects in adulthood (physical and mental illnesses, reduced quality of life).  For the purposes of the Wisconsin study, ACEs are defined as:

1. Recurrent physical abuse

2. Emotional abuse

3. Sexual abuse

4. An alcohol and/or drug abuser in the household

5. An incarcerated household member

6. A household member who was chronically depressed, mentally ill, institutionalized, or suicidal

7. Violence between adults in the home

8. Parental separation or divorce

The effects of ACEs are cumulative.  That is, the more an individual has, the more likely they are to experience illnesses and reduced quality of life in adulthood.

The national and Wisconsin studies serve to validate the work school social workers and other mental health professionals do to prevent ACEs and support students living in homes with ACEs.  The Wisconsin report also speaks to the importance and effectiveness of fostering resiliency in children and youth living in homes with ACEs.  Information on the national study, which has now been replicated in Wisconsin, can be found at National Study Data.  The Wisconsin report (Adverse Childhood Experiences in Wisconsin:  Findings from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey) was released recently and can be found at WI Study Data.   

Evaluation of an Early Detection Tool for Social-Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Toddlers: The Brief Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment    

What do young black males say about what stands in the way of their academic success? Rather than rely on scholarly researchers to answer this question, we talked with a number of black males between ages 13 and 22 in Washington D.C., and Milwaukee, Wis., to learn what they had to say. We did not approach this as a rigorous academic study but as a series of conversations to learn more about the perspective of this important group of learners.  As you'll hear, these young men rarely talked about schools or teachers as the cause of the gap. Rather, they attributed it to cultural, family, and community factors.  All of these young men want and understand the importance of a good education. They also talk about the importance of cohesive families, attentive parents, and positive male role models, as well as the dangers of the rap culture, poverty, and low expectations.  Hear their voices.

Child Abuse Changes the Brain, Study Finds, Similar to Soldiers

In a study in the journal Current Biology, researchers used brain scans to explore the impact of physical abuse or domestic violence on children's emotional development and found that exposure to it was linked to increased activity in two brain areas when children were shown pictures of angry faces.  Previous studies that scanned the brains of soldiers exposed to violent combat situations showed the same pattern of heightened activity in these two brain areas -- the anterior insula and the amygdala -- which experts say are associated with detecting potential threats.  Complete article.

More Older Kids Diagnosed with ADHD         

The Foundation for Youth Investment, an initiative of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council created to provide greater resources to connect children, youth, and young adults to nature via parks and outdoor spaces, is inviting Northern and Central California nonprofits to apply for Catalyst Fund program grants to support work designed to get youth outdoors. 

Applicants must be a federal and California tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization; or a public agency, school district, or federally recognized tribe; or have an eligible tax-exempt organization serving as fiscal sponsor.  Deadline:  March 1, 2012.    More information.  Complete RFP. 

First Nations Development Institute: Native Youth and Culture Fund       

The Native Youth and Culture Fund through the First Nations Development Institute will provide up to 20 grants to fund projects that address social issues related to youth such as drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and mental health. Proposed applicants should incorporate culture and tradition (e.g., preserves cultural practices, increases youth leadership, increases access to cultural customs, and engages elders in activities). Tribal governments, tribal programs, and Native nonprofits in or near Indian lands are eligible to apply. Deadline:  Letter of Intent, March 2, 2012; application, March 30, 2012.  Info and application. 

Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program

Every year, Kohl's recognizes and rewards young volunteers across the country for their amazing contributions to their communities. Maximum award: $10,000. Eligibility: legal U.S. residents of a state in which a Kohl's store is located, between the ages of 6 and 18 and not yet a high school graduate as of March 15, 2012. Deadline: March 15, 2012.  Info and application.

Typical or Troubled? APF School Mental Health Education Grants   

For those who work in or with two or more middle or high schools, you are eligible to apply for a grant sponsored by the American Psychiatric Foundation to implement the Typical or Troubled? ™ School Mental Health Education program. Grant awards include: a grant of $1,000 or $2,000, innovative educational materials, brochures, evaluation tools, technical assistance, and connections with many of your colleagues across the nation. Typical or Troubled? ™ is a school community program designed to educate teachers and other school staff on: the warning signs of emotional and behavioral health issues; how to talk to students who may be experiencing problems and engage family members; and help connect students to appropriate resources within the school or community.  Implemented in 45 states, the program has resulted in critical interventions with students in need, ignited positive dialogue and collaboration among the school communities, and resulted in establishing or improving referral systems for treatment and services.  Deadline:  March 30, 2012.  Info and application.  

ING Unsung Heroes Award  

ING Unsung Heroes began in 1995as a way for ING to demonstrate its commitment to the education community. Grants are given to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning.  Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its:

innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence the students.  All K-12 education professionals, whether or not they are clients of ING, are eligible. Specifically, these individuals must be:  (1)  Employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States, or (2)  Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, orclassified staff with effective  projects that improve student learning.  Deadline:  April 30, 2012.  Details here.  

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes    

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, founded by author T. A. Barron in honor of his mother, celebrates outstanding young leaders. Each year the Barron Prize honors 25 inspiring young people who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.  These outstanding young leaders have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. Maximum award: $2,500. Eligibility: youth 8-18. Deadline: April 30, 2012.  Nomination information here.