You are the community affairs officer in your department (real or imagined). You are going to make a presentation to your governing body (Commission, Council, or other group) about a new program

QUESTION

You are the community affairs officer in your department (real or imagined). You are going to make a presentation to your governing body (Commission, Council, or other group) about a new program dealing with vulnerable or special populations that you will initiate at the beginning of your next budget year. The program will be a budgeted item; it will require funding. Your presentation will not require you to discuss the actual funding; you will need to persuade the group to accept your proposal. To help set the stage, picture yourself making this presentation in a budget hearing.

A list of resources is attached; you may need to copy and paste the address into your browser. We would encourage you to review the material before you design your presentation. Pick one topic to focus on and build your presentation around that topic. In other words, we do not expect you to include Alzheimer’s, Autism, and Homelessness all in the same program. If you decide on another project which is tied to a special population please email us for consent prior to beginning.

You may include in your presentation written material (in the form of a Word document); PowerPoint slides or other material which is going to influence the governing body to adopt and fund your project. This is, again, a persuasive presentation. In a real presentation the reviewers would ask you about the needs in the community, your research, your goals, the steps you intend to take to achieve those goals and how you will measure success. You may also include supporting materials of your own design (such as outreach materials or brochures for the community). This is 2020; if you choose to submit PowerPoint slides it would be interesting to include any social media postings you may include in your program. This is also a project about being good marketers; you are selling your program to a group that makes decisions.

Many of you are in positions of responsibility in your agencies; others of you are aspiring to reach those roles. If you work in an agency that has existing materials you may include those; if you don’t work for an agency you may use materials that you find in your research. We would not be surprised if you are tasked to complete a similar project at some point in your career.

There is no required length for a Word Document or number of PowerPoint slides; you will be graded on your ability to present a program while demonstrating a Master’s level proficiency. Persuasion is not always measured by the number of words; it is measured by how effective you are in presenting your ideas.

ANSWER

 Enhancing Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth: A Community Program Proposal

Slide 1: Introduction

Greet the governing body and introduce yourself as the Community Affairs Officer

Provide an overview of the presentation’s objective: to propose a new program focusing on enhancing mental health services for at-risk youth

Emphasize the importance of addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations in our community

Slide 2: Current Situation

Highlight the existing challenges and gaps in mental health services for at-risk youth

Present statistics or data showcasing the prevalence of mental health issues among this population

Discuss the potential consequences of untreated mental health conditions on their well-being and future prospects

Slide 3: Program Overview

Introduce the proposed program: “Youth Empowerment for Mental Wellness” (YEMW)

Explain the key goals of the program, such as early intervention, mental health education, and support

Describe the target audience and the specific criteria for identifying at-risk youth

Slide 4: Program Components

Outline the main components of the YEMW program:

Mental Health Outreach and Education: Collaborating with schools, community centers, and local organizations to provide workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns.

Counseling and Therapy Services: Establishing partnerships with licensed mental health professionals to offer accessible and affordable counseling services.

Peer Support Networks: Creating a network of trained peer mentors to provide support and guidance to at-risk youth.

Crisis Intervention and Referral: Developing protocols for identifying and responding to mental health crises and ensuring timely referrals to specialized care.

Slide 5: Program Implementation Plan

Present a timeline for the implementation of the YEMW program, starting at the beginning of the next budget year

Discuss the necessary resources and staff required to execute the program effectively

Highlight the collaboration with local stakeholders, including schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations

Slide 6: Measuring Success

Explain the methods for measuring the program’s effectiveness and impact

Discuss the use of data collection, surveys, and feedback mechanisms to assess outcomes and make informed improvements

Emphasize the importance of regular evaluation to ensure continuous program development and success

Slide 7: Budget Considerations (Note: Funding details not discussed in the presentation)

Provide a brief overview of the budget considerations associated with implementing the YEMW program

Mention that a detailed budget proposal will be submitted separately and is not included in this presentation

Slide 8: Conclusion

Summarize the key points discussed throughout the presentation

Reiterate the significance of addressing mental health needs among at-risk youth

Encourage the governing body to support and fund the YEMW program, emphasizing its potential impact on the community’s well-being and future prospects

Slide 9: Contact Information and Resources

Provide contact information for inquiries or further discussions

Include relevant resources, such as brochures or pamphlets, about mental health and available support services in the community

Remember to tailor the content and design of your presentation to align with your specific topic and the needs of your governing body. Good luck with your persuasive presentation!