Committee Meeting Minutes: November 2024

Nov 30, 2024

by Skylar Washington

DE BEST COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

November 26th, 2024, 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

Cindy Salmon

Adele Abrams

Nishelle Hines

Wade Jones

Kim Huynhba

Ficus Gyasi

Marianne Baker

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) Introduction: "We are celebrating Thanksgiving soon. The Mayflower had 102 individuals aboard. Due to malnutrition and disease only 53 individuals survived until that first Thanksgiving with only 5 women among them. As we prepare to give thanks this year we should include our thanks that our year has allowed us to have those we care for able to celebrate with us." Article: Grieving at Thanksgiving Word.docx (Skylar)Thank you to participants devoting their time and efforts toward the program. Our corps depends on you all, and you've exceeded the purpose of the team and met the needs of our community because of it. (Volunteers) Introductions
3) Recruitment	(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	(Anthony) Two-Day Training Held at State Preparedness Training Center to Help Mental Health Professionals Prepare to Help Those Affected in an Active Shooter Situation: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/news/dhses-hosts-disaster-mental-health-response-team-exercise-0 (Skylar) Mentioned we are planning an upcoming Volunteer Potluck for February. Asked for volunteer feedback regarding date, time, and recommendations for volunteer development training. (Volunteers) Pointed out that the Dover location is a far travel for some volunteers. Also mentioned that choosing a weekend date may be a better option. Requested the previous attendance patterns of previous potlucks to present in next meeting.	Action Item: Pull attendance records from previous Potlucks to present to team in next Committee Meeting.
5) Engagement Opportunities	Reviewed Upcoming Activities. (Skylar) Gave a recap of outreach covered this year and emphasized the importance of recruitment and and increasing training completions for all volunteers. (Skylar) Reminded our volunteers that we will be supplying Hopelline recourses for independent distribution if needed. Volunteers can reach out to either Skylar or Celeste via email to set up a supply drop off.
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)