MCEC Podcast

Past Student 2 Student® Linda shares her journey from S2S™ to Now

Linda tells her story from Student 2 Student® in Harker Heights High School to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.  Linda shares stories of empathy, finding herself and helping others belong at one of Texas’s largest universities.

“I knew how it felt not to belong and because I did I wanted to help provide that sense of belonging to others.”

Students

MCEC provides support to military-connected and civilian students through our student-led, peer-to-peer mentoring programs at the K-12 levels.

Student 2 Student® (S2S) is a student-led and faculty-advised program with the mission to take care of new students. An S2S program shows students their new campus, and introduces them to their new community. It provides fun ways for new students to get to know other students, to build new peer groups, and encourage new students to perform better in school. S2S impacts the entire student body by uniting the campus to build a culture of inclusion. The results are improved academic performance and positive peer to peer interactions.

https://www.militarychild.org/audience/students

 

This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.

 

 

Past Student 2 Student® Sierra shares her journey from S2S™ to Now

Sierra shares her journey from Washington State to Ukraine and back.  She explains how the disappointment of cancelled summer 2020 plans taught her what is truly important.  

Then “My journey in becoming a part of Student 2 Student started when I was ten and went to the Military Child Education Conference in Washington, D.C. with my active duty Air Force dad.”

 Now“It is great to do things in big numbers…but what makes the biggest difference in the is the one on one interaction you have with individuals…”

This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.

Learn more about S2S here: https://www.militarychild.org/audience/students

 

Transforming the Lives of Queer Youth—Oasis Youth Center

Matthew Wilson, the Executive Director of Oasis Youth Center, talks about how this center and others like it across the country transform the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place ​to ​learn, connect, and thrive.  Envisioning a world where queer youth are valued in the community, they are committed to creating an affirming space for LGBTQ youth to be proud of who they are. 

http://www.oasisyouthcenter.org/

Oasis produces activities, programming and advocacy that:

• Supports and empowers youth
• Creates healthy community
• Provides essential resources
• Promotes cultural diversity
• Advocates for civil rights

Oasis Crisis and Victim Support Services 24-hr Crisis Hotline: 1.800.346.7555

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Military & Civilian Spouses' Club of Fort Irwin.

Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) believes every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education.  We are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this a reality. https://www.glsen.org/

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) offers direct support to people

It’s incumbent upon parents, families, friends, and allies to make schools safer for ALL students. PFLAG chapters work directly with schools and stakeholders in their communities, providing support, resources, training, creative programs, and even model policy to create an environment of respect.  https://pflag.org/cultivating-respect-safe-schools-all

 

You are not alone!  If you’re looking for a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions or explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more please go to the Trevor Support Center at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/

If you or someone you know are thinking about suicide, you deserve immediate help - please call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386 or by Text START to 678-678 

Trevor Project Trainings for Professionals include in-person Ally and CARE trainings designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/education/

The Human Rights Campaign has resources to help you come out and live openly at home, at work and in your community.

https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out

 

CentreLink develops strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities. Serving over 250 LGBTQ community centers across the country in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. https://www.lgbtcenters.org/

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators’/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.  https://jasonfoundation.com/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm

Past Student 2 Student® Bailey shares her journey from S2S™ to Now

Bailey Shaw shares her amazing journey from Student 2 Student® at Falcon High School in Colorado Springs to college at Arizona State University leading to her ambition and drive to be a teacher and hopefully future Student to Student Sponsor. She explains how she reached back through the core values learned in her S2S club and the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program to help her transition to college and assist her through a rocky start to her Sophomore year due to Covid. 

 

Frances Hesslebein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) is a highly selective leader development workshop for exemplary S2S students. This week-long experience is conducted in partnership with the US Military Academy in West Point, New York and US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. https://www.militarychild.org/programs/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program

This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.

Veteran’s Day Special: Transitioning Out of the Military—Child of a Newly Retired Veteran

"Breathe through the process" suggests one veteran-connected college student to families retiring from the military. As the daughter of a recently retired Army Officer, Hannah understands transition can be unpredictable and concerning. Listen in as we talk together about how she's handling this new chapter in her life as the child of a new retiree.

 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Tidewater Officer Spouses’ Association.

Hannah is an 18-year-old college student, at Middle Tennessee State, where she's working on a degree for Speech Pathology.  She has spent the last 18 years living all over the world with her military family. Her father recently retired from the Army after serving over 20 years. 

 

Bolster Family Readiness with United Through Reading

Chief guardian and spokesperson of United Through Reading, CEO Dr. Sally Ann Zoll shares how the organization is finding ways to support connections during COVID-19.  In this episode hear more about their new initiative Readiness 365 that uses reading to bolster family readiness.

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Fort Wainwright Community Spouses’ Club.

unitedthroughreading.org

 

Post about incorporating UTR in the school year: https://unitedthroughreading.org/5-techniques-to-incorporate-united-through-reading-in-school-days/

 

UTR articles with book recommendations and reading tips here: https://unitedthroughreading.org/category/reading-recommendations/

 

Information on READiness365 is on our website as well: https://unitedthroughreading.org/r365/

 

To listen to our other MCEC podcast with United Through Reading Molly Haskin from our pilot year check this out. Significance of Literacy for Military Kids with United Through Reading and Renee Bostick

As the multifaceted leader of United Through Reading, Sally serves as the chief guardian and spokesperson for the organization’s vision and mission, builds and sustains relationships with stakeholders and partners, and leads programs, finances, and internal team. In her distinguished career, Sally’s values for education are always evident.

Sally has a doctorate in educational leadership and management, a master’s degree in special education from the University of San Diego, and a BA in elementary education from Purdue University. From her first position as an elementary school teacher to her present leadership role, Sally has integrated her knowledge of education and educational technology with her talents for building and leading organizations of all sizes in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Sally is an Army spouse of more than 30 years and her son, an Army reservist, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. https://unitedthroughreading.org/staff/sally-ann-zoll-ed-d/

Post Traumatic Growth

Listen with us as Jenny Lynne Stroup shares her family’s experience with mental health and military life. She discusses the importance of changing the narrative when it comes to discussing mental health and how she calls her experience Post Traumatic Growth.

"Sometimes it just takes one friend holding your hand to take the first step to help"

Jenny Lynne is the Outreach Coordinator for the Cohen Clinic at VVSD. She comes to this role as a seasoned military spouse who has spent her time at each duty station fostering community. She is also a freelance writer who uses stories to bridge the gap between the civilian and military communities. She is passionate about being a bridge-builder and sees her role as a military spouse as an opportunity to reach both communities.

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Military Spouses' Association 29 Palms.

Website: www.jennylynnestroup.com

Instagram: @jgsalias

Facebook: @jennylynnestroup

Twitter: @Jenny_Lynne_S

 

SD Cohen Clinic

https://vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego/

Facebook: @cohenclinicvvsd

Twitter: @cohenclinicVVSD
Headshot.jpeg (3.5 MB)

 

Cohen Veterans Network:

https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/

Facebook: @cohenveteransnetwork

Twitter: @CohenVeterans

                                                                   

 

Stressors and Coping Techniques for Remote Learners

Today we discuss some of the stressors our children are experiencing today with remote learning with licensed clinician social worker, Marla Monk. On staff at the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego, Marla works with military families on developing various coping techniques not only for parents but also for military children.  As a military spouse herself, Marla, truly understands the military community and offers practical advice on empowering children during this unique time.

Marla Monk from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego. The Cohen Clinic at VVSD is one of 16 mental health clinics nationwide under Stamford-based nonprofit Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) which focuses on providing targeted treatments for a variety of mental health challenges facing post-9/11 veterans and military families, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, transition challenges, and more. 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Naval Officers' Spouses' Club of San Diego.

Last Week to Participate: Blue Star Families 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey

Please join us as we chat with Dr. Kim Hunt, Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families, about their annual military family lifestyle survey. Dr. Hunt shares important topics identified in last year's survey, how they affect our military community and also highlights the focus and importance of completing this year's survey.

 

Show Notes:

The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until October 16, 2020!

Blue Star Families, in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, analyzes trends related to major shifts in military life issues and helps local and national government leaders better understand the realities that military, veteran, and National Guard/Reserve families face. 

Participate here: https://bluestarfam.org/survey/

 

Dr. Kim Hunt is the Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families and has been active in education and the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years. She has completed multiple research and evaluations projects for military and veteran service organizations and has served on the Coordinating Council for the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. Together with her husband, a retired Navy officer, and their two daughters, Dr. Hunt moved 16 times throughout the US and Europe and has taught and run reading programs  for multiple age levels at a variety of public and private schools. These experiences prompted her interest in researching the experiences of highly mobile military children. Dr. Hunt holds a PhD from the University of San Diego in Leadership Studies with a dual focus on Nonprofit Management and Education Leadership.

 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Fort Campbell Spouses' Club and Scott Spouses' Club.

Findings of MCEC Military Kids NOW 2020 Education Survey

The President and CEO of MCEC, Dr. Rebecca Porter, and Helen Mowers, Instructional Systems Design Manager, share the impact and key findings from the Military Kids NOW 2020 Education Survey, as well as plans for how MCEC will continue to listen to the voices of the military-connected students, parents, and professionals who serve them.

To see the full report visit our website at: militarychild.org/mcecsurvey

To learn more about Purple Star School Programs visit https://www.militarychild.org/purplestarschools