This September our Executive Director had the honor of giving two presentations for the Michigan State CISM conference. This was their 31st annual conference and was a great success for them in offering a variety of classes, membership bonding, and furthering their organizational mission. Attendees came from across Michigan and surrounding states and represented various new and seasoned Peer Support members including but not limited to public safety, Chaplain, and Mental Health backgrounds.
The first presentation, Maintaining Balance: Engage, Experience, Expand – Ideas for a Successful CISM Career, was the opening keynote address for the conference. It was an interactive group that opened up to sharing experiences and insights as we explored the nuances of what can make a successful CISM career for both individuals and organizations.
The second presentation was our two-day, From Battlefield to Street: One Uniform to Another program. This program is designed to prepare students with the insights and skills to assist military veterans with the challenges they may face in their military careers and in their transition back to civilian life. It is especially useful for those that had, or are returning to, a prior public safety career.
Serving our veteran population and enhancing the skills of those that serve them is a priority for us at NPSS. Enhancing the knowledge and skills of those that provide CISM services is a major component of accomplishing this part of our mission.