Ryan Dowd is hosting his next live training Homeless De-Escalation 201: Nonverbal Tools That Eliminate Conflict.  If you can’t attend live the replay will be available on zoom for 4 weeks and in Niche Academy 5 days after the live training.  

 When: December 15 at 2 p.m. ET 

 Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4316469293825/WN_cTSCWhiOTFOONs1OUfZpAQ 

·         Why it doesn’t matter what you say (especially when working with vulnerable folks).  

·         How nonverbal communication drives conflict.  

·         The two parts of conflict (spoiler alert – you can only control one of them!).  

·         Five tools that eliminate most conflicts. 

The January live training will be a workshop where participants can apply what they learned in Homeless De-Escalation 201. The registration information for the workshop will be sent in December. 
 

Download the Next Live Training December 15, 2022 flyer (PDF – 8.5″ x 11″).

A former director of a Chicago homeless shelter, Ryan Dowd is the author of The Librarians Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone.  He travels all over the United States speaking to libraries about how to best help homeless patrons using empathy and respect.  He also provides training to police departments, nonprofits and other organizations on how to compassionately manage problematic behavior from troubled individuals. 
 

To access The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness core training on Niche Academy, go to the State Library of Ohio’s Training and Professional Development page and click the homelessness training link.  Once in Niche Academy, you will be prompted to login or create an account. Certificates will be issued within Niche Academy after the completion of the core training or webinar.  
 

If you have trouble accessing the training or upcoming webinar, email Erin Kelsey, Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio at: ekelsey@library.ohio.gov.   

The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness core training purchased by the State Library in 2019 and has been renewed through August 2022. The online training, authored by Ryan Dowd, is available for all Ohio public and academic library staff.  The four-part training is an empathy-driven approach that provides best practices for library staff on how to understand the homeless population and serve them better. There are also practical tips on how to deal with and de-escalate common situations and issues, and make staff feel empowered and safe.  Archived webinars are available as separate modules in Niche Academy.  

Groundwork Ohio, a statewide organization that advocates for high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies, announces the fourth annual Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship cohort.
 

If you have a passion for services to young children and their families, I hope you will consider applying for this statewide leadership opportunity.

Julia Shaheen, Literacy Manager at Stark Library, was part of the second Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship cohort. Emily Rozmus, INFOhio Senior Instructional Specialist, was in the inaugural cohort. They encourage other librarians with a strong interest in early learning to apply. Julia writes:
 

“Joining the Groundwork Ohio cohort this year has been a great experience. I have learned more about the legislative process and been able to understand a little more. It’s been great to share my work in the library world with those in childcare and other early childhood organizations who may not realize all that we do. It’s been interesting to learn we all struggle with similar aspects, and we all want the best for young children and their families. I highly recommend applying for the next cohort. It will give you a new perspective and a chance to work with people outside the library.”
 

And Emily writes:

“I am so glad I was chosen to be a part of the Groundwork Leadership Fellowship for 2020. Despite a shift in goals due to a worldwide pandemic, the team at Groundwork rose to the occasion, providing us with foundational knowledge and advocacy training to be a voice for the youngest citizens in Ohio... the Groundwork Leadership Fellowship was a bright spot where I was able to not only share my background in education and libraries, but also grow in my experience in the early learning sphere. I highly recommend this for public librarians who support youth programs in Ohio.“
 

Early Childhood Leadership Fellows participate in a unique curriculum designed to develop in-depth knowledge of early childhood systems in Ohio, build leadership skills, gain a better understanding on how to be a successful advocate for Ohio's infants, toddlers, families, and communities, and network with a diverse group of early childhood professionals.

This fellowship is a one-year commitment and there is a $1500 program tuition fee. Financial assistance may be available, and prospective applicants are urged to apply regardless of financial need.
 

Program benefits, learning outcomes, qualifications, time commitment and expectations, and application materials:
 

If you have any questions about the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, contact Amy Meade at ameade@groundworkohio.org.

The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at the Ohio State University offers many resources and supports for organizations, such as libraries, that are invested in family engagement.
 

Consider subscribing to their newsletter, which comes out every 1-2 months: https://ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu/newsletters/.
 

There is a simple subscription form at that link under the current issue. And while you’re there, take a look at the November issue of the newsletter, which is all about family literacy and includes a shoutout to Ohio’s libraries!