LHENA Talks Speaker Series
LHENA Talks is a monthly speaker series that takes place on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Each talk features a guest speaker and focuses on community issues of interest and is sponsored by a local business. LHENA Talks strives to bring together residents, businesses, and community members alike to foster a space for fruitful discussions while highlighting the amazing work being done in our communities. Interested in being a speaker or sponsor? Take a moment to fill out this form.
LHENA Talks #9: Dr. Remi Douah and Cynthia Prosek -- Restoring Hope and Trust in Minneapolis
Speakers: The speakers for this LHENA Talk were Dr. Remi Douah and Cynthia Prosek. Dr. Remi is the executive director of 846s.org, a nonprofit organization that brings mental healthcare services to "the streets" for people who have experienced trauma in marginalized and underserved communities. Dr. Remi works with youth ages 18-24 in George Floyd Square and other Minneapolis communities, bringing together residents, organizations, faith-based groups, healthcare professionals and law enforcement to build stronger and safer communities in the city. Cynthia is the executive director of Restorative Justice Community Action, a nonprofit providing community-based restorative services throughout Hennepin and Ramsey County. With over 20 years of experience in restorative practices, she collaborates with a network of volunteers, leaders, and agencies — drawing on the knowledge and wisdom of the community, through a racial equity lens — to create a more just criminal legal system for all people.
Topic: This talk focused on how we can restore hope and public trust in Minneapolis through mental healthcare services and restorative practices. What is the work Dr. Remi Douah and Cynthia Prosek are doing with their organizations, 846s and Restorative Justice Community Action (RJCA)? How can their innovative approaches to mental healthcare and social justice make a difference in the lives of our youth and community and transform Minneapolis into a thriving city? Dr. Remi and Cynthia will answer these questions and explain their work, the services they provide, and the impact they have seen from mental health assessments, community building, circle trainings and more. Then, Dr. Remi and Cynthia will take questions from the community.
Other talking points for Dr. Remi and Cynthia in their LHENA Talk included:
Other talking points for Dr. Remi and Cynthia in their LHENA Talk included:
- Restorative practices. What are the facts and myths about mental health and restorative practices? How could we use Native American circle practices to build trust in the community?
- What are new ways we can think about and promote mental health and overall wellness?
- How should we address our community's public safety needs and challenges? How can our whole community — business owners, employees, customers and residents — work together to create more connected, inviting and prosperous streets for everyone?
- The power of peace. What impact have they seen on and in the communities of Minneapolis through 846s, Restorative Justice Community Action and their work?
- What are the biggest challenges for mental health and wellness today?
- What are the biggest challenges for public safety and community building?
- What encouraging signs have they seen with regard to community building and public safety in the community?
- What are effective ways to engage the community and build trust?
- What types of partnerships could help reduce and deter crime? How do these relationships create a sense of community?
- How important is mentorship for youth today? What are some success stories?
- What are the biggest challenges of working with and mentoring youth today? How do we reach people in need, especially young people, who don't want any help?
- How can communities help build strong foundations now and for generations to come?
- How do we break the cycles of violence and trauma?
- Working with the community. How has 846s and Restorative Justice Community Action been received by the community and by the city? How could we get more of the community involved in support your organizations and pushing for mental health, community transformation and racial equity?
- Community building. What have you learned by listening to the needs of the community? Why is it important to be responsive to the needs of the community as the community sees them, not as they are prescribed for them?
- Building trust and staying power. What lessons have you learned from your on-the-ground community work?
- The role of family and public safety. How has the community changed its relationship to peace? What are the most immediate changes we need to make the community safer? How can the community work together to help the community alleviate some of its fears and turn fear into positive actions? How can peace and justice issues promote optimism and spur people to take action and create change?
- Finding practical solutions to the challenges communities face. How can 846s and Restorative Justice Community Action scale their community-focused approach and reach more people? What are some steps people could take in their daily lives and lifestyle to promote mental health, build community, push for peace and start seeing positive changes in their lives?
- Why is it important for all of us who live and work in a community to unite and focus on investing in our communities and supporting local businesses as we grapple with social pressures and change? How can the community support local businesses and help them thrive?
- How can people get involved with your organizations?
- The future of communities and peace. What are the fundamental building blocks for systemic change and societal growth? How can people inside and outside communities advance real social change that benefits everyone in the community? What steps can we take now to spur community growth and development? Where do we go from here?