let's hear it for Play Marin and Paul & Tenisha!

Recognition for Play Marin usually comes from the kids, parents, and coaches through their sports outreach. But recently Play Marin received Congressional recognition and was featured by CBS.

We’re thrilled to share their success with you!

Congressional Recognition
 

On MLK Jr Day, Paul Austin, CEO and Founder of Play Marin, and his wife, Tenisha Tate-Austin, CEO and Founder of Critical Friends, were recognized with a “Beyond the Call of Duty” MLK Community Service Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

Both Paul and Tenisha work tirelessly to ensure diversity and equity in the community in our schools, with housing practices, and access to sports and activities for our children.

Play Marin in Black in the Bay

Vern Glenn at CBS shared the story of Paul Austin who saw a need to make space for diversity and excellence in sports in his hometown of Marin City.

 This 7-minute video features the experience of the Butler family, and how they – like many others in Marin - found community with Play Marin through sports and activities.

You can help stop the stigma of drug overdose

In 2021, almost 7,000 Californians died from drug overdoses.

Thousands of Californians are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD).

Stigma is hurting our family and friends as it keeps them from reaching out for help.

Unshame California is bringing our community together by shining a light on the stories of people impacted by SUD. Unshame California invites you to treat people without judgment, because no one should struggle alone.

Unshame CA is calling for new Community Impact Committee (CIC) members right now! Please get in touch if you are passionate about reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders! They are looking to get as many diverse perspectives and encourage anyone who identifies as belonging to a historically marginalized community or to a special stakeholder group to apply.

In return for their time and commitment to the campaign, CIC members will be compensated with a $250 stipend every 2 months. Serving as a member can also be a great professional development opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience by serving on an advisory board! 

The CIC is an integral part of the Unshame California campaign and it is a great way to hear from diverse communities throughout the state. Members agree to a one-year commitment, attendance at meetings every other month, and various outreach and strategy tasks to promote the Unshame CA campaign. If you know someone who is passionate about the substance use disorder space, has strong communication skills, and has solid decision making abilities, nominate them (or yourself) today! 

Spread the word!

Feel free to share this email or the nomination form with your networks! If you have any questions, please email us at unshameca@shatterproof.org

Bust the Bias in Marin!

Did you know that Mill Valley community members call the police about Black people at nearly 20 times the rate they do about White people? In most of these calls, police find no cause for citation or arrest.

None of us wants to believe we are influenced by racial bias, but all of us have implicit biases. Living in a community where one race predominates can reinforce unconscious assumptions based on race. Police in Mill Valley have seen many instances of this where, for example, a neighbor sees a person of color out for a walk and reports them as suspicious or dangerous solely because of their race. In law enforcement, we call this Bias by Proxy. 

Bias by Proxy is unlawful, it is dangerous, and it hurts everyone.

Read more on the City of Mill Valley site

Pre-loved Formalwear Donations Needed!

Attire from this decade preferred, but vintage welcome, too

Is your formalwear gathering dust in the nether regions of your closet?

Give it new life and donate to the Tam High Prom Pop-Up!

Every spring, the Tam High Closet hosts a Prom Pop-Up event, open to all Tam High students.

At the Pop-Up, students can browse the racks of donated items, try on their finds, and take home something special—for free!—to make them feel elegant on their big night.

Plus it’s better for the planet to Reuse, Recycle, Reprom!

Now through March 27, we're taking donations for formal and semi-formal attire and accessories for men and women. Clean, gently worn dresses, suits, shirts, shoes, jewelry and handbags all appreciated!

Please drop items in the donation box at the Mill Valley Community Center, or contact Stephanie Young for more info.

Friend to friend - helping those you care about during challenging times

Right now, most of us know someone who is struggling—friends, family, colleagues—but we’re not always sure what to say and how to help.

Let’s learn together!

Support from a friend, also known as Peer-to-Peer Support, has been touted as “the future of mental healthcare” and can be invaluable for people experiencing mental health challenges, helping them feel better, reducing stigma, and improving outcomes. And studies show social connectedness is the primary protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.

Tuesday, February 7th at the Mill Valley Community Center, you’re invited to get the tools you need to support a friend who is going through a difficult time, and learn about resources right here in our community that can make the difference between struggling and thriving.

REGISTER HERE FOR FREE!

We’ll hear from a panel of mental health experts as well as people with lived experience and high school student Wellness Ambassadors. 

We’ll also learn practical communication and life skills anyone can use for better relationships, whether you are supporting someone now or just want to be a better friend and partner.

Teens 8th -12th grade, young adults, parents, guardians and caregivers welcome! (Service hour credits available for high school students who attend.)

 

5:30pm - 6pm: Welcome and Connect

Meet community wellness partners, chat with friends, and get free Narcan/Naloxone info and training.

 

6pm - 7pm: Panel Discussion + Q&A

Expert speakers include:  

o Tawny Strotz, Senior at Redwood HS

o Sammy Lee, - Junior at Marin Academy

o Talia Harter, Senior, San Rafael HS

o Jessica Mendieta, Junior at Novato HS



This event is a co-presentation of Heart of the Village,

 Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative and OD Free Marin

 









 

COMMUNITY SURVEY! Respond by 11/25

Taking Positive Action Together with Our Teens

Join us in helping to rebuild community and support each other with love and kindness.

We want to hear from everyone - teens, parents with kids of all ages, and everyone interested in supporting families and fostering our community.

Tell us what YOU want to see & learn, and how you'd like to take action. We can do this together.

xo Heart of the Village

PS - Please respond by FRIDAY 11/25