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Greetings fellow alumni and friends!
I hope this latest issue of our newsletter finds you all well and enjoying the Fall season. As I write this, the BACCHUS Network is putting the finishing touches on this year's General Assembly in Anaheim, California. As a Network, we are excited to be returning to California. Shortly after the General Assembly we will be sending to all of you a survey asking your thoughts on the Alumni Friends Program. The survey will be asking what you like, what you would like to see in the future, and what suggestions you have not just for this newsletter, but for the program in general. I want to recognize the Alumni Friends Leadership Team for all that they do and especially to all of those that contributed to this article and especially Valerie Mendralla, who continues to work tirelessly on these newsletters issue after issue.
I wanted to take a moment and publicly thank my friend and fellow BACCHUS Alum, Michael McNeil, who has generously donated a registration to this year's General Assembly for a student. It is this type of generosity Michael has shown that illustrates the opportunities that we have with our Alumni Friends program. Michael has made it possible for a peer educator on one of our campuses to attend the General Assembly. This student will attend Anaheim and learn from many of the great speakers and programs that will be featured. This peer educator will then return to his or her campus and implement one or more of the ideas or programs from the General Assembly. I have long been a believer that the power of peer education has a ripple effect. I am confident that in the long run, dozens, if not more, students will be positively impacted because Michael stepped up and decided to make a difference.
What about you? Can you make a difference? I know that many of you can. Whether it be donating a registration for the General Assembly or perhaps a Spring Conference, to simply making a monetary donation. Maybe, you or your business can donate a prize to the Silent Auction. Whatever it may be, I would encourage each of you to consider what you can do to help our current peer educators. It is these current peer educators that will be future alums and working in the world in our companies, our businesses, and on our campuses. If you, like Michael, are interested in making a difference, please contact me at tumbaret@uww.edu, so we can discuss ways for you to be involved.
Thanks and have a great Fall season and please be on the lookout for the survey that you will be seeing in a few weeks.
Terry Tumbarello
Alum Highlight
Tim Howley
Alma Mater:
James Madison University, B.S. 2004
Major: Kinesiology, Health and Physical Education
Minor: Substance Abuse and Intervention
James Madison University,
M.A.T. 2005
Health and Physical Education
Former Peer Education
Group:
REACH (Reality Educators Advocating Campus Health)
Current Position or Job:
Coordinator
for Peer Programs
James Madison University Health Center, Office of Health Promotion
Story:
I was in a five-year graduate program for my teacher certification and because of my undergraduate experiences, I was offered a Graduate Assistantship for my fifth year. I jumped at the opportunity because not only did I love working in the Office of Health Promotion, but they were going to pay for the majority of my graduate level classes. As a graduate assistant I facilitated a health practicum class that published Potty Mouth, a bi-monthly health newsletter that is posted in campus bathroom stalls.
After a National Championship year for our football team, I had to leave JMU and enter the real world. Because of some Alternative Spring Break experiences I knew I wanted to teach in a diverse school setting. I found my first teaching job in Chesapeake, VA working in a very diverse middle school. While this was a great experience, and it probably taught me more than anything else I had ever done, I missed JMU tremendously. Last spring a position in the Office of Health Promotion opened up. I applied for the Coordinator for Peer Programs, the REACH advisor, and I started in my new role in July 2006.
What drew you to this profession?
The people! JMU became a second home to me and I absolutely love it! Even when I was 3 ½ hours away I came up for every home football game last year. The people that I get to work with everyday are amazing and I learn something from them each day. Since our office is small we also know each other really well and act like a family. I had an inkling that JMU was a special place when I was here for the first time as a student, and now I know that it is. This position gives me the opportunity to make a difference while enjoying the process!
Do You Know of an Alum We Can Highlight??
We are looking to highlight a BACCHUS Alum each newsletter. If you know of someone, or would be comfortable in being interviewed yourself, please contact Valerie (valerie@bacchusnetwork.org) We want to hear about your accomplishments! :-)
General Assembly 2006 in Anaheim
Alumni Help Needed
We are still looking for alumni help at this year's General Assembly. GA will take place in Anaheim, CA, November 9-12. We are looking for any BACCHUS Alum in the Anaheim or greater L.A. area who are willing to come and help with part of the Alumni activities taking place at General Assembly. The activities that we need the most help with include the Alumni Program break-out session and the Senior Reception.
Please email Valerie (valerie@bacchusnetwork.org) for more details and information.
Can we build it? Yes we can!
Article by Tim Howley
I will be the first to admit that team-builders can be silly, corny and sometimes just plain cheesy! But I will also be the first to admit that I love them! Maybe that is because my peer group describes me as a “cornball.” Regardless, I enjoy team- builders and I think they are essential for the success of a peer education group, or any group for that matter. We include a team-builder in each meeting we have.
By having a team-builder in each meeting we are able to make sure that our meetings are interactive and fun. While it is important to get things done at meetings it is also important to use the time to get to know one another and build on our relationships. If we build on our relationships we are able to be a more effective peer group.
By making time in your meetings to have a team-builder you show your peer group that creating a cohesive group is one of your values and priorities. Overall, I think my group appreciates the time I take to help them form positive relationships.
My ability to lead team-builders has been enhanced by my experiences as a peer educator. I have gotten lots of great ideas from a number of trainings, workshops and conferences that I have been to as a peer educator. I was able to observe a number of people lead team-builders and see a number of different styles and methods work. As student coordinator of my peer education group I was given the opportunity to lead a number of the team-builders. This was great because I would choose team-builders I thought were important and lead the group in them. After the meeting I would receive useful feedback from our advisor. This helped me to improve my facilitation skills.
Now as the advisor, I facilitate many of our team-builders but I also give the opportunity to our current student coordinator. She has done a great job in creating and facilitating team- builders and I give her feedback to help her improve. Next semester my plan is to have different peers in charge of team- builders so that they have the opportunity to present and receive feedback. I am hoping that this will also give the students more ownership in their meeting and their group.
A lot of times after presenting a team-building activity you will hear the question “What was the point of that?” This is a very important question for the facilitator to answer. College students are very busy and we should be cognizant of their time. It is important to tell them why we did an activity and “debrief” the activity with them. Sometimes the debriefing is simple, like “that was to get to know you better.” Other times it is a little more complex. My favorite question to ask after a team-builder is “How does that relate to peer education?” I think you will be surprised by the very intelligent answers you receive!
I want to leave everyone with an easy team-builder. You may have heard of it before, but it is my absolute favorite!
Hi-Lo:
Hi-Lo is probably the easiest and in my opinion the most fun team-builder to
facilitate! Sometime during your meeting (we usually start the meeting
out with our team-builder) you have each member share their low point of the
day or week and their high point of the day or week. I’m not sure about
your peer group but with ours you are always in for a treat! Many times
you will have nonstop laughter that can make your stomach hurt.
While I was a graduate student, I used this team-builder to start each class I facilitated. This was a great way for the group to get to know each other really well. In one instance a student shared a low about her health and how she was worried about a doctor’s appointment coming up. I emailed her after class to let her know that if she ever needed anything to please let me know and that I would be thinking about her. She was very appreciative of the email and said it was nice to know that people at JMU cared. This activity really gives the students in your group a chance to share what is going on in their personal lives.
Job Postings
The HERO House (Higher Education Recovery Option) is the first recovery house specifically designed to help college students in early recovery learn the skills necessary to maintain long term sobriety and academic success while living in a safe and sober environment.
House managers are needed for the men's and women's programs. House managers live in the house with the residents, but are expected to have a job or be in college themselves. This is not a full time job, but all living expenses are paid for. There will also be many opportunities to grow with this company. Plans are underway to open houses in other parts of the country and to expand services in Atlanta. Full time positions will be available when the program expends. A job description is available upon request.
For more information about the program, go to www.theherohouse.org
The University of Virginia (UVA) announces a General Faculty/ Health Educator Position opening in the Center for Alcohol and Substance Education (CASE).
This full-time, NCAA grant-funded position coordinates two national conferences for athletics departments (the APPLE conferences), co-advises the UVA Student Athlete Mentor program, and represents CASE and the Office of the Dean of Students on internal and University-wide committees and projects.
Go to http://www.virginia.edu/case/apple for more information on the conference.
Applicants must have a minimum of a Master's degree in higher education administration, health education, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include: substance abuse prevention experience in a college setting; understanding of the unique needs of student athletes; demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations; experience in program planning; and excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Applications received by November 13, 2006 receive priority consideration. Electronic submission is highly preferred. E-mail a cover letter, current resume, and contact information for at least three professional and one student reference to dsr3g@virginia.edu, fax to (434) 982-3671 or mail to:
CASE Health Educator Search
Committee
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 800139
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0139
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
Health Fitness Corporation has full-time opportunities available for Health Advisors at our corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. As a component of HFC’s comprehensive health improvement programs the Health Advisor provides telephonic health education, coaching, and triage to participants based upon information provided by health risk appraisals. Successful candidates for this role enjoy and excel at working independently and are passionate about helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle.
HEALTH ADVISOR
Responsibilities: This key position performs telephonic at-risk education,
enrolls participants in risk reduction programs and refers participants to external
health improvement resources, and assists participant progress in their readiness
through the stages of change for at-risk behavior. This position also
performs coaching calls to further progress participants along through goal
setting and reinforcement of positive changes. Additional responsibilities
include record keeping data tracking, report production, delivery of health
related materials to participants, and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Job requirements include a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion, Public Health or related discipline; excellent customer service skills; strong telephonic and written communication skills; and attention to detail. Additional requirements include comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current health education practices and guidelines, and the ability to apply the principals of The Stages of Change Model. Prior experience with sales, health coaching, and health risk and needs assessment preferred.
HOW TO CONTACT US
The success of HFC is largely dependent on the quality and service provided
by our employees. As such, HFC offers its employees a competitive salary
and a comprehensive benefits package. If you are interested in a career opportunity
with HFC, please forward your resume (including your position of interest and
salary requirements) to jobs@hfit.com or fax to (952) 897-5096.
Are you an experienced Health Coach who is truly passionate about improving the health and well-being of others? Do you have proven leadership and staff management experience? Are you focused on achieving measurable results for program participants through high quality programs and services? If the answer to these questions is yes, Health Fitness Corporation has an excellent opportunity for you to consider as a hands-on Health Coaching Manager with responsibility for the operations of the HFC Health Advisor and Health Coaching Programs.
Responsibilities
Located at HFC’s Corporate Office in Bloomington, MN, this key position is responsible
for overseeing the operations and delivery of telephonic and web-based health
advising and health coaching programs. Primary areas of responsibility
include recruiting, managing and training health advisors and coaches; developing
and monitoring account specific processes and procedures for quality and effectiveness;
program and outcomes reporting; identifying needs contributing to the
continuous development of health education and behavior change program content;
and participating in the delivery of health coaching services.
Requirements
Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor’s Degree in health promotion, health
education or related discipline (Master’s Degree preferred); a minimum of 7
years industry-related experience that includes 5+ years individual and group
health coaching experience and 5 or more years staff management experience;
comprehensive knowledge of behavior change and health education specifically
related to physical activity, weight management/nutrition, tobacco cessation
and stress management; and technical proficiency with telephone and computer
systems. Prior call center experience and health coaching certification
are strongly preferred.
How to Apply
HFC offers its associates a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits
package. If you are interested in growing professionally within an innovative,
fast-paced industry leader, we invite you to explore this excellent opportunity
by sending your resume and salary requirements to HFC Human Resources - HCM
via eMail to jobs@hfit.com or via facsimile to (952) 897-5096.
To learn more about HFC
visit our website at www.hfit.com.
HFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Director of Programming
FT position for national
organization of school-based chapters dedicated to empowering and supporting
teens in positive decision-making. Primary responsibilities include development
of federally-funded campaigns geared toward decreasing underage drinking, other
drug use, impaired driving, and other destructive decisions as well as work
on major prevention project with national consulting firm. Other duties include
collaboration with national partner organizations, assistance with national
conference planning, and supervision of support staff working on programming
projects. Serves as a member of the management team.
BA or BS degree with 2-4 years’ experience in the field of education, prevention, youth advocacy, substance abuse, or program development required. Strong research, writing, and organizational skills a must, as well as effective interpersonal skills. Proficient Microsoft Office and Internet function familiarity. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Please send resume, cover letter (incl. salary requirements), and writing samples by November 17, 2006, to SADD, Inc., 255 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. Fax: 508-481-5759; e- mail: info@sadd.org. SADD, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Program Director for the American Lung Association of Ohio
Responsible for the development, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of community programs and initiatives that prevent lung disease and promote lung health. This position requires partnership building and community organization skills and the ability to recruit, train and manage volunteers effectively.
Qualified applicants must have a Bachelors degree in health education, healthcare or a related field, 3-5 years experience working in the community, especially in managing and building relationships. Candidate must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills including presentation skills for small and large groups. Ability to work as part of an integrated team and willingness and ability to travel throughout Southwest Ohio is required.
Please email dfoster@ohiolung.org or fax 513-985-3995 your resume, cover letter and salary history. No phone calls will be accepted.
THANK YOU for helping us to build a legacy of leadership.
Please feel free to contact any of the leadership team members for more information on the Alumni Friends Programs.
Terry Tumbarello
Coordinator of the Alumni and Friends Leadership Team
Director of Community Development University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Email: tumbaret@uww.edu
Scott Shields
Student Trustee 2002-2003
Email: scott@bacchusnetwork.org
Valerie Mendralla
Student Trustee 2002-2003
Email: valerie@bacchusnetwork.org
Nikki Finch
Student Trustee 1999-2000
Email: nikkifinch@studentleadership.net
Bob Ruday
Dean of Students
University of Tampa
Email: bruday@ut.edu
Tom Goodale
Executive Director Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Board of Trustees
Email: tgoodale@sae.net
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Sincerely,
Alumni
Friends Program
The BACCHUS Network
email: valerie@bacchusnetwork.org
web: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/alumni.asp
The BACCHUS
Network | Alumni Friends Program | PO Box 100430 | Denver | CO | 80250-0430