Committee Meeting Minutes: January 2025

Jan 31, 2025

by Skylar Washington

DE BEST COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

January 28th, 2025, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Virtual via Zoom Meeting

Attendees:

Skylar Washington, DE BEST Admin Assistant

Anthony Policastro, DE BEST Volunteer Committee Chair

Nadiyah Fisher, DE BEST Team Engagement Lead

Jim Deel, DE BEST Volunteer Committee Co- Chair

Janice James-Webb

Joanne Plescia

Candace Evans

Marianne Baker

Vincenza Fabber

TOPIC	QUESTIONS	ACTION ITEMS and NOTES
1) Welcome	(Anthony) called to order at 6:30 p.m.
2) Introductions/Review Mission Statement	Reviewed purpose and role of DE BEST Committee. (Anthony) Volunteer Introductions: Name, Occupation/ Life Experience (Anthony) "DE BEST Mission Statement: The purpose of the committee is to act as a volunteer-run, volunteer-attended engagement of volunteers with intention to provide direct feedback to DE BEST leadership for identifying and meeting community needs, networking/recruitment/engagement/outreach opportunities and other recommendations for team development and programming) (Anthony) Gave an update on New York State Mental Health Mass Casualty Scenario. Anthony and DE BEST Staff will set up a meeting with them team in New York to aid ours in creating our own scenario/activity.	Next Steps: Coordinate 8-9 DE BEST volunteers to role play a PFA scenario by next Committee Meeting.
3) Recruitment	(Skylar) Emphasized the importance of inviting colleagues, friends, family to join DE BEST. (Skylar) Reiterated the Mentorship ("On-boarding Support") Project began in June and volunteer support is much needed. Your role is to call other volunteers, sparking more volunteer qualification completions and activity sign ups. (Skylar) Provided feedback that would be a great idea and easy way to receive volunteer hours if you are unavailable for outreach opportunities.	Volunteers interested in mentoring other volunteers are encouraged to email DEBESTvolunteers@gmail.com
4) Volunteer Development	(Skylar) Introduced PFA Break-Out Scenario rules. Mentioned this will be a frequent exercise conducted in Committee Meetings moving forward. Activity Instructions: One person will be the PFA helper One person will be in distress One person will observe and give feedback Each set can be divided like this: • 1 minute for role allocation and preparation. • 3 minutes for PFA practice • 1 minute for feedback When giving feedback follow these steps: What did the helper do well? What can they improve next time? End with an overall positive comment. (Anthony and Jim) Both Anthony and Jim led the following scenario in two break-out groups of 4. Scenario: An adult has seen some traumatic things and is acting withdrawn and unresponsive, appearing stunned / numb / overwhelmed. Survivor seems to mumble the same thing over and over expressing self-blame.	Action Item: Pull attendance records from previous Potlucks to present to team in next Committee Meeting.
5) Engagement Opportunities	Reviewed Upcoming Activities. (Skylar) CHS Research & Innovation Day, 3/20 DSU Health Fair, 4/9 (Skylar) Reminded our volunteers that we will be supplying Hopeline resources for independent distribution if needed. Volunteers can reach out to either Skylar or Celeste via email to set up a supply drop off. (Skylar) Be on the lookout for outreach dates to be posted on Portal. More outreach will arise in the Spring. Any Outreach suggestions, feedback, and questions are welcomed.
6) Knowledge Sharing/Reminders	Flexible Shift Opportunities: Volunteer Mentorship for DE BEST Onboarding (via Phone) SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP): Independent study (online self-led) SAMHSA CCP Data Collection Training: Independent study (online self-led) Psychological First Aid (PFA): Independent study (online, self-led)
8) Closing / Adjourn	(Anthony) called for adjournment at 7:25 p.m. Next Committee Meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 26, 2024, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Zoom)