Guest - Dr. Namonya Soipan - "Sexual Vitality and Wellness" Center for Sacred Dialogue Conversation Questions - These are for reflection and guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy. We won’t get to all of the questions, yet useful for thinking in advance.The first two are asked of each guest as you recall from your last time. Perhaps there are deeper insights present since your last time on air with us and your work with Virgin Islanders. What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise.  ________________________________________________________________________ There are certain topics that are often challenging to talk about since they create strong responses based on our history and beliefs. These often include money, religion, politics and sex. Today we are going to have a thoughtful conversation about sex & sexual vitality. We will be mindful of our language use as this is a morning show and a wide range of persons listen in. So, Dr. Namonya, why is it hard for us to talk about sex, let alone sexual vitality?What is sexual vitality and why does it matter for adults?Share the benefits of sexual vitality that may be a surprise to some in the listening audience.When we’re young we often think of ourselves as having limitless vitality and yet we are just beginning to understand who we are as an individuals which has a great impact on our sexual experiences. What are your thoughts?Many persons, especially women have had experiences that are unhealthy, negative and or traumatic that have impacted perceptions of sex and vitality. Can you comment on that reality?Gender and culture have a part to play in our perspectives on sexual vitality. Sexual vitality may mean something different to a man compared to a woman. Share your insights on this dynamic.There is an assumption that persons in their 60’s, 70’s and beyond no longer have any sexual desire. Yes, the aging process and life stresses has a part to play in sexual vitality. What are your thoughts and guidance about aging and sexual vitality.Can you share briefly the impetus for recently offering a workshop that you provided on the female orgasm?How do wellness practices aide in increasing sexual vitality?Are there foods, herbs, supplements that can help, especially for those who have chronic health problems?What wellness services do you provide at the Center for Sacred Dialogue that may be of interest to members of the listening audience?Share your contact information. Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

Rotary Wellness Wednesday's Podcast

RWW November 20, 2019 Guest - Dr Namonya Soipan - "Sexual Vitality and Wellness"

Guest- Ivelices Linares Thomas, Esq- CEO, Human Resources & Beyond,A Strategic Human Capital Firm - “The Positive Benefits of a Healthy Workplace”BREATHING PAUSE - October was domestic violence awareness month. But knowledge, insight and ability to stop this horrible reality of human control and abuse is every day. Season of gratitude and ThanksgivingFocus on person you are most grateful for, what about that person, how they make you feel, treat you, teach you & love you Conversation Questions - These are for reflection in advance used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.We ask these two questions of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise.  ______________________________________________________________________Your background is in labor law. Talk about the role and importance of a work environment that adheres to health, safety and non discrimination laws.What contributes to creating and maintaining a healthy work environment?What is the role of supervisors in a healthy workplace?What can employees do to maintain a healthy workplace?Many of the persons employed in the Virgin Islands are in government or in small businesses. Please comment on the challenges present in those environments on a healthy workplace.Stress has been a part of our recovery journey post Hurricanes Irma & Maria. How do healthy workplaces deal with stress on the individual and in the organization?What is one thing that if done regularly can have a positive impact on the workplaces?Caribbean culture is distinct and special. Based on your experiences how may culture contribute to a healthy workplace?Many small businesses don’t have HR professionals to provide training, development and advancement. What can small businesses do to deal with this reality.Many people spend more time at work than with their families. What are some signs that work vs family balance are out of balance?What are the range of service that HR and Beyond provides?Share your contact information for follow up after our conversation today.. Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

RWW November 6, 2020 Guest - Ivelices Linares Thomas Esq. “The Positive Benefits of a Healthy Workplace”

Conversation Questions - These are for reflection in advance of our time on Wednesday. Used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests. 1.     What does wellness mean to you?2.     What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise?==================================================================1.     After two years post hurricanes Irma and Maria what is your biggest takeaway about your recovery & resilience as we move through this hurricane season? 2.     Tell our listening audience what Eco-schools USA is and why is it now being implemented in the U.S.Virgin Islands?3.     Why did you get involved? Describe your role as the USVI Coordinator.4.     Please explain briefly the seven steps framework.5.     What schools are included in the start of this initiative?6.     I was struck by the step that describes integrating into the curriculum. I thought about the challenges and expectations that are put on teachers to have important content areas added/ integrated in the midst of a full plate. Please talk about that challenge. We had Tyler Rice recently on the show who talked about the Yoga in the Schools Program. Children need much and yet there is a finite amount of time to get it all done especially with mandated aspects of the instruction day. Your thoughts?7.     What has the response to this program?8.     What is most encouraging?9.     What is most challenging?10.  There is community component of the framework. What has worked in other US areas that are good examples of dynamic community involvement?11.  Climate is changing, and we are feeling the destruction impacts as well as the subtle shifts. How can eco-schools be a vehicle / transformative initiative that meet that reality for the present and future?12.  What are some tangible examples of the roll out of eco-schools VI?13.  Are there any upcoming activities?14.  How can the listening audience learn more and/ or get involved? Share your contact information. Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

RWW October 30, 2019 Guest Pamela New/Valerie Peters "The Transformative Potential of Eco-Schools in the VI"

Rotary Wellness Wednesday 10/16/19 Guest- Anya Stuart, Executive Director, Family Resource Center - “Increasing Awareness of Domestic Violence in the VI”Conversation Questions - These are for guidance only the conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. ________________________________________________________________________ It’s been two years since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, what have you learned about yourself and its impacts as we move through this hurricane season.You became the Executive Director after many years of working on behalf of women & families impacted by violence. Share briefly your journey from consumer to Exec Director.What is domestic violence?Please talk about the cycle of abuse?What creates violence in a domestic environment?Are there warning signs that are helpful to pay attention to when in a relationship?How much of a issue is Domestic Violence in the U.S. Virgin Islands?At times there has been concern that law enforcement doesn’t take these cases seriously. Please comment.Talk about the cultural and for some religious beliefs that influence how an individual’s thinks about Domestic Violence?Was there a spike in services after IRMARIA? Has that changed as we have moved into the recovery period?October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Why is it important to have a month devoted to increasing awareness?Take Back the Night will occur on Thursday. Talk about the event and what inspired it and what will occur and why?If someone is listening and is concerned or fearful for his or her safety what can that person do?Share info about the range of other services provided at the Family Resource Center.Any other upcoming activities that would be of interest the listening audience?Please share your contact information.Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening? 

RWW October 16, 2019 Guest Anya Stuart - Executive Director, Family Resource Center "Increasing Awareness of Domestic Violence in the Virgin Islands”

Conversation Questions - These are for reflection and used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise.It’s been two years since Hurricanes Irma & Maria, what have you learned about yourself and the impacts of creativity on the recovery journey?Share with us the origins of the documentary Paradise Discovered: "The Unbreakable Virgin Islands".Loss is a part of recovery even as we move forward. I read that your father had passed shortly before the island screening of the documentary. My condolences to you and your family. What was the impacts of his death on your resolve to share the documentary?What has been the response to persons on island and Caribbean people in the states and Canada to your work?Often traumatic experiences are buried in non verbal parts of ourselves. How has the film helped people to open up to those places?“Don’t Be A Slave to Perception” I was intrigued by that statement by you. What does it mean?Creativity and story telling is part of the heritage of the islands and African culture. Talk about how others can use story telling in ways that control personal narrative that can  affirm culture and bridge understanding across many divides.What are your thoughts about Island Strong and the ways this can be a blessing and challenge for men.What advice would you offer for those who want to explore a career in film and arts on a global stage?How can someone watch the documentary?What are other projects that you have coming in the future?Please share contact information.Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

RWW October 9,2019 Guest Peter Bailey Film “Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders”

Conversation Questions - These are used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. It’s been two years since Hurricane Irma & Maria what have you learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and through this hurricane season?What is the ST. Thomas Long Term Recovery Group? Give some history and detail areas of focus. Do the other islands have a similar model for their long term recovery? Similarities &/or differences?Has a similar entity existed from previous hurricanes? If not why now?Are there stages of recovery? What does Long Term mean in time frames? Is there a finish line? Is the goal for you to be out of a job?What is your overall assessment of how a typical Virgin Islander is recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria?What are the most persistent areas of vulnerability or challenges that impact forward movement?Do you interface with mostly non profits or mostly governmental entities or both?What are you most proud of about the progress made since IRMARIA?I attended a community event sponsored by the St. Thomas Long Term Recovery Group that brought a cross section of the community. It recognized the two year anniversary of IRMARIA. Talk about that event and the role of community engagement.What are ways that the public can get involved in the Long Term Recovery Group?It is personally gratifying to see you leading in the Virgin Islands. There has been a gap in tapping millennial's to use their gifts & talents and expertise to support the forward movement of the VI. What are your thoughts about leading in the VI?Are there any upcoming activities to share with the listening audience?As hurricane season continues what’s your message to the public, parents & children?Please share contact information. Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening? 

RWW September 25, 2019 Guest Imani Daniel, Executive Director, "Long Term Recovery Group ST Thomas”

Conversation Questions for reflection in advance of our time on Wednesday. Used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.We begin with the first two questions for all our guests.1. What does wellness mean to you?2. What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise.Since there will be three persons sharing I ask that you share ONE  word that captures your definition of wellness. In addition share ONE practice or thing that you do to support wellness in your life.1. As individuals and as a community we are all still recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria. Hurricane Dorian came our way. The anniversary of Irma was last week. It is indeed hurricane season. Briefly share what you have learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and the start of hurricane season?2. The theme song to start the show every week is Three Little Birds sung by Robert Nesta Marley. Yet may listeners may not have good factual / basic information about Rastafarianism. Let’s start there. What are the central beliefs and practices? 3. What is a good estimate of the Rastafarian population in the VI?4. How does a person become a Rastafarian?  As with other religions and belief systems there are typically study processes, rituals and a community that one is received into? Please help us to understand the process as it currently exists.5. How long have you been practicing and living a lifestyle anchored in Rastafarianism? Why did you make that decision?6. My understanding is that over the years "Rastas" have received discriminatory treatment in various ways in the VI. Share some specific ways that treatment of Rastafarians has been present in the VI?7. From your perspective why did this exist and what has changed over time?8. The role of cannabis plays a central role in the religious practices of Rastafarianism. From those on the outside there is a perception that smoking weed is escape / fun activity and not a religious practice. Talk about that stereotype and that assumption. 9. Why does the Cannabis Council exist? What are its goals and objectives?10. How does the legalization of marijuana impact the Rastafarian community?11. Are there ways that the Rastafarian community will benefit economically from the expanding and evolving cannabis industry?12. Share any concerns about others profiting off an herb that is an essential part of the community and culture?13. There are many who have great concern about the availability of marijuana in the VI to teenagers and the impact it has on developing brains and ability to make good choices for the present and the future. Some say it’s a gateway drug. What are thoughts about this concern?14. On the other side of this issue there are persons who have discovered the healing benefits of cannabis (CBD) for a wide range of health issues and challenges. Please comment on this reality as well.15. Living a natural life anchored in the love of freedom, Africa, liberation, creativity and a lifestyle void of meat, and healing and wellness from herbs beyond cannabis are my own associations of Rastafarians that I have known throughout my life. If you agree with those tenets how does contemporary life create challenges for the deep embrace of some of those beliefs? If I’m off base please correct and expand.16. Many in the VI love to go to Bordeaux for cultural expression, fresh produce, vegan  food and reggae music. Is that where the communal living of Rastafarians is best seen in the VI? What about on St John and in St Croix?17. Share contact information for our listening audience about the council and any upcoming activities.Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

RWW September 11, 2020 Guests Angel Bolques in studio ‘Rastafarianism in the Virgin Islands: Exploring Culture, Cannabis and Community’

Flow of Questions and Topics to touch on.These are for reflection in advance of our time on Wednesday. Used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. Dorian became a surprise hurricane last week for us and has created such catastrophic destruction in the Bahamas and still moves up the east coast. Many were /are emotionally triggered by nature once again. What have you learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and through this hurricane season?Jacob and Jet is your first children’s book. Tell us how this came about?What was your motivation for doing this now? So many of us have dreams of writing all types of books but never get it done. Describe your writing process?The illustrations are beautiful. How did you connect with David Alfonso?There are so many rich themes of childhood imagination, curiosity, Island landscapes, fear, pet companionship, responsibility, friends and culture. Share how you chose those themes as important to include in the story.Are there other important themes that you want to share?Did your son participate in the creation of the story? How has your son responded to the final product with his name on a book sharing a story anchored in his real life?The book was selected as part of the Governor’s summer reading challenge. What did that mean for you as a new author?Growing up on an island creates its own special blessings and challenges. You spent part of your childhood here on ST. Thomas. As a parent of a young boy what are some of those blessings and challenges?I know that you are very involved in the Jewish community in St Thomas. How does this community within a community impact your son’s childhood on island?You followed your dream, how can you advise others to do the same? In the book Jacob is a brown boy which is different from your son.  How and why did this occur?Are there other books in the pipeline for Jacob and Jet?What’s your best advice to would be authors of children’s books who want to get started....from the creative process to finding a publisher and more!Share your contact information and how someone can purchase a copy of Jacob and Jet.Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening?

RWW September 4, 2019 Guest Liza Margolis - Author - "Jacob and Jet" Adventures of a Boy and his Dog

These are for reflection purposes used for guidance only the conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. As individuals and as a community we are all still recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria. TS Dorian just passed up by. It is indeed hurricane season. What have you learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and the start of hurricane season?As a territory we are in the middle of the recovery process please share what you notice in your congregation. How are people doing overall? What are their ongoing challenges?On September 2nd the church is offering "Renew". Tell us about the focus and how it came about?It is unusual for faith leaders to explore the brain and its role in healing, trauma recovery, success, Well-being, etc. Why have you explored this area of human physiology and it’s role in spiritual, emotional, and physical health.Describe what will be included in the program on September 2nd.What were some of your biggest aha moments of discovery as you delved deeper in the role of brain health, plasticity, negative thought patterns and role in trauma recovery? Some persons may be skeptical about exploring this part of who they are for a variety of reasons. How would you respond to their concerns or anxiety?I did my dissertation research on Standing in the Need of Prayer: Beliefs about Depression and Treatment helps among African American Christian women. One of the major findings / next steps was the absence of engagement of or the ignorance of faith leaders in the area of depression. Rarely any sermons and is there were often faith leaders caused women to feel that it was a result of lack of spiritual strength, the devil and poor moral, with no focus on the role of the brain’s role for some. What are your thoughts?Please talk about some of the research of Dr Leaf who will be the key presenter for Renew. Is there anything that a woman can do in advance of coming to the program?Please share details about registering and location of the church. Who is the target audience?  Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening.Is there a prayer that you would like to offer for the Renewal and Power of our thoughts as we move deeper into the recovery journey, individually and collectively?Thank you for sharing your time and insights.

RWW August 28, 2019 Guest Pastor Adelle Brown “RENEW: The Power of Our Thoughts for Well-being and Resilience”

“Voices from our Virgin Island Community: Exploring the Impacts of Hurricanes Irma & Maria” with guests - Dr Noreen Michael, Research Director Caribbean Exploratory Research Center , Dr Sheena Walker- Psychologist /Owner, Mind Body Health & Psychology Conversation questions used as a guide only the conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.    1.    What does wellness mean to you?   2.    What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise.  Given the short time frame. I will ask that you share one word that captures the definition and one activity that you do to affirm wellness in your life.   1.    As individuals and as a community we are all still recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria, what have you  learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward through the recovery process and the start of another hurricane season?   2.    Dr. Noreen please give a brief background to the Community Needs Assessment and any updates since your last appearance on the show.   3.    The focus of this show will be the affirming and exploring of some of the voices of persons who were part of the focus groups for the assessment. Dr. Noreen will read through the passage and Dr. Sheena will provide insight and reflection on the content spoken and unspoken. The goal is to normalize reactions and responses and provide suggestions for coping, resources and encouragement. Let’s begin.    4.    We will go through 4-6 passages for reading and commentary.   5.    Dr. Noreen and Dr. Sheena It is hurricane season and in a few weeks it will be the anniversary of Hurricanes Irma-Maria. What can individuals and groups now given both of those realities?   6.    Dr. Sheena share contact info for Mind Body Psychology and what services are offered?   7.    Dr. Noreen please share contact info and how persons can get a copy of the Needs Assessment.Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening. Thank you for sharing your time and insights.

RWW August 21, 2019 Guests Dr. Noreen Micheal & Dr. Sheena Walker “Voices from our Virgin Island Community: Exploring the Impacts of Hurricanes Irma & Maria”

These are for reflection used for guidance only the conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. As individuals and as a community we are all still recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria...what have you learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and the start of hurricane season?Please talk about the impacts of the hurricanes on children and youth in the territory.How did the Task-force develop in response to those impacts on children and youth?What are the focus areas for the Task-force?Task-force as a means of addressing an issue can have a reputation of lots of talking and no action. What activities or community based activities have been initiated?You have been involved for a long time in working with vulnerable children and their families. What are the common strengths and challenges that you have experienced / seen when working with vulnerable children and their families. We know that human beings are complex and unique yet there may be some commonalities that you can talk about.What are some of the biggest misconceptions about individuals who are in the foster care system?It is hurricane season what can individuals and groups do to keep the voice and perspective of children and youth front and center?How can individuals or groups get involved with the Task-force?What is the hope for present and future impact and activities of the Task-force?Share contact information for yourself and how to get in contact with Dr Celia Victor?What is one important action that we all can do to value children and youth? Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening. Thank you for sharing your time and insights. 

RWW August 14, 2019 Guest Clarence Payne “A Conversation about the Children and Youth Disaster Taskforce”

Co-hosts Dr. Marilyn Braithwaite-Hall and Paul Doumeng share their stories and insights of the journey towards wellness after the two Category 5 Hurricanes Irma & Maria hit our beloved home on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in September 2017. During this episode #52, we allow ourselves to look back at the personal growth and willingness to explore all things that bring relaxation and coping skills to our daily lives.Breathing exercises through out your day can help reduce your stress level.Focusing on you.Find out what works for you and your family during your busy week, to reduce the things in your life that cause the stress.Finding the willingness to open your mind to try new things that expand your thinking towards a better you. Getting out of your "Comfort Zone".Learning along with the community how to cope with the challenges we face.Learning how to push the "Pause Button" instead of a fast and possibly bad reaction.Breaking the silence of grinding through a challenge with out talking to someone you trust. Sharing your feelings does not make you weak.Discuss community gun violence, stored anger and acting out.Exploring grief, forgiveness and it's affects on us all.5 steps of recovery. Tools in the toolbox.Strategies towards preparedness for storms both physical and mental. Check lists etc.And much more....

RWW August 7, 2019 Hosts Dr. Marilyn Braithwaite-Hall & Paul Doumeng "A Year of Wellness in Review"

PTSD in the youth of the Virgin Islands dovetails in to the cumulative effects of stress on individuals in general.  "I want to be positive influence in the community as well as touching on how individual PTS is for each person. We are allowed to accept personally what ever we can but I want to give a solution to surviving and flourishing in the ashes of trauma. I am a PST person starting very young and that is why I decided to come here in the face of disaster. I knew that i had the tools to handle what was coming. I want all to get the tools as they are not sold at Home Depot but need to be generated out of our own selves with the help of talented and dedicated mentors." Mary McVeanWelcome Mary McVean MS APRN BC. Mary did 2 theses on Stress Management and Resiliency factor in adults that were traumatized as children in some way.What wellness means to you? I believe in physical, mental and spiritual wellness and make every attempt to integrate these aspects in my daily practice, especially in Primary Care. I would like a patient to feel that they are not “seen” but are having a “ visit” while I am evaluating and treating the whole person. A person can have a condition that is grave such as cancer but if they are emotionally and spiritually aligned with it they are in fact “well”. Why are you concerned about Post Traumatic Stress in our Youth? The "Community Needs Assessment" I reviewed, after listening to the fabulous RWW Pod Cast with Dr. Norine Michel, (5/1/2019 S1 E41) and confirmed what I have been seeing in my office at Red Hook Family Practice since October of 2017. While the numbers will not be totally assessed until later this year in the CNA, I reviewed the outcome of the research done with Hurricane Katrina and children. It clearly points out that the longer schools are closed, the more disruption, such as the 3 schools that have closed on St Thomas. These closures disrupted the children even more. The disruption of the hours of school, coupled with the sharing of the remaining buildings, will have more long term impacts on the individual children who suffer with PTS. The normal milestones are regressed or even missed during a time of trauma. This results over time in less overall schooling, decreased economics, delayed motor development, lower IQ, more behavioral problems and lower test scores. Children cannot process loss and the higher the stress of the caregiver the higher the children's stress as well. Many children were unsupervised or disrupted by having to go to work with their caregiver or stay with folks who truly have poor coping skills with young children. It is a fact that repetitive trauma compounds all of this and that is exactly what we had with Hurricanes Irma and Maria.So, this is where your work in the 90s, with the Resiliency Thesis, comes into play? My thesis was part of a larger Doctoral, my professor was doing on Eating Disorders, specifically in the female gender. The qualitative research I did resulted in proving that at least one, preferably 2 or more mentors for at least 18 months resulted in a positive outcome as far as developing a functional life. The definition of resiliency included education, partnering, jobs and having children without issues like incarceration, legal issues in general and self sufficiency. What are you proposing will help these children here in the USVI? What I am suggesting, Paul, is that the numerous private sector groups in our religious sects, athletic groups, musicians groups, writers groups that provide this wonderful selection of mentors on these incredible islands of the US territories be tapped and step up to the plate for these children. Rotary was such a wonderful part of my life as a child and my Dad was the president in my city for a number of years. We are so lucky to have all of these groups and especially Rotary to fulfill our large c

RWW July 31, 2019 Guest Nurse Practioner Mary McVean "Post Tramatic Stress Dissorder in the Youths of the Virgin Islands"

The show starts with some relaxing breathing and then I introduced the guests at 10:15am Questions and points for discussion;What does wellness mean to you? How do you maintain wellness and health in your lives?What got you interested in Rotary International and how long have been aware of it?Describe your club – size, location of meetings etc.What does a Club President do?What is your favorite Rotary moment?What projects do you feel your club is known for?What projects do you hope to do in our community this year?Any international projects?Conference take-a ways?Closing comments and thoughts for the community…

RWW July 17, 2019 Guests Presidents Benjamin Kraft & Fran Brown Discuss "Rotary District 7020 Projects both Local and Internationally."

Conversation Questions and Thoughts for reflection for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.The first two are asked of all guests.What does wellness mean to you?What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. (Probably have each of you give one word that captures the response to each question)As individuals and as a community we are all still recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, what have you  learned about yourself that is helpful as you move forward in the recovery process and the start of hurricane season?Dr. Hall had the pleasure of attending the graduation for My Brothers Workshop on Saturday. It was a joyful celebration. For those who are not familiar with MBW please give us a brief history of its origins.What is the current purpose and components of the program? How are participants selected?What are the "profile" commonalities of program participants?Please talk about how a program like MBW can impact and decrease the potential for youth violence and adult dysfunction?Is there a role for families in the program or are families challenges often part of the factors that  cause an individual to be in the program?What is a typical day like in the life of a participant?I witnessed a joyous graduation ceremony on Saturday. Individuals received a diploma , not a GED certificate. Please talk about the educational component and why this distinction matters.What are some of the graduates going on to do in the next chapter of their lives?There is a fine line between unconditional love and accountability and holding strong boundaries, especially in the lives of adolescents. Can you talk about this dynamic and how the staff manages this reality?Human transformation manifests in all kinds of ways. What does that shift look like in participants? Is there a critical place in the process where a person has to make that decision to choose to do......... What do you notice and how can this understanding guide others who work with adolescents or those who are searching to find their way in life.Everyone has a unique and distinct way of learning. For many using their hands first to guide their thinking and problem solving is their way. Talked about what building, carpentry, baking, food prep and service does for the learning and integrating of those skills as it builds self esteem and confidence?MBW grows out of a religious context...being my brothers and sisters keeper. Jesus was a carpenter. Are there explicit ways in which spiritual/ religion is integrated into the program?The community was blessed by the extraordinary service of feeding people food every day lost hurricanes. What impacts did that have on the students and on the staff?Is there any follow up with persons who have been through the program to see the impacts over time?What are the plans for the future for MBW?How can individuals / organizations support this important life transforming program in the VI?Please share contact information for follow up by members of the listening audience?Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening.

RWW June 26, 2019 Guests Suzanne Magras (Education Manager), Jenny Hawkes (Executive Director) “The Transforming Impacts of My Brothers Workshop"

"Conversations Encouraging Health, Wellness, Stress Relief, Resilience and Much More During a Time of Turbulent Weather While Living in the Caribbean"

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Rotary Wellness Wednesday's Podcast

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