Join MLA this morning on Zoom at 10:00AM! MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: De-escalation Training Thursday, January 18, 2024 10:00 - 11:30 AM Being able to de-escalate and defuse situations is an important skill for anyone who serves the public, including library workers. Communication is key. On Thursday, January 18, MLA is hosting a special extended advocacy hour with Sojourner Jones on de-escalation training in our libraries. By practicing skills and techniques for resolving situations using only words, library workers can be better prepared to prevent physical altercations and potential harm for all sides involved. Attendees will learn specific techniques to create calm and defuse tense situations. Sojourner Jones is a Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker (LBSW) with a Master's in Public Administration MPA. She has worked in the field of mental health for more than 25 years to resolve structural issues, communication glitches, and consistent patterns between law enforcement, courts, and community mental health treatment providers. In addition, she trains the Detroit Police Department and surrounding first responders on de-escalation techniques for engaging those persons who may be experiencing a mental illness. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdOupqjkvGtUY3gcqkpyL6vMHMis5_Pl... Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required. Questions? Contact us at (517) 394-2774 or mla@milibraries.org<mailto:mla@milibraries.org>. [cidimage002.png@01D73C4D.ABEAD040] Rachel Ash Membership and Communications Director Michigan Library Association PO Box 27337 Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 394-2774 ext. 2 Direct: (517) 881-6652 milibraries.org rfash@milibraries.org<mailto:%0bmilibraries.org%0brfash@milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Twitter<https://twitter.com/mlaoffice>!