Find the Right Partners
The NJPN leadership team understood that choosing the right community partners to deliver their programming was critical. These agencies would be on the “front lines,” interfacing regularly with military service members and their families. So rather than relying on established relationships, NJPN issued an RFP to identify and guide the selection of their 10 statewide partner agencies. Their criteria were clear: partner agencies needed to have experience delivering programs based on evidence-based practices, demonstrated success delivering programs similar to MFN and APB, and be located near a military base or Military Family Assistance Center (FAC). Moreover, all of the selected agencies needed to be skilled connectors, equipped to help participants navigate their local resources and link people with the substance misuse and related services they need.
Be Flexible to Changing Roles
When NJPN first launched their prevention programs, they relied on their military partners at bases and family support centers to serve as their primary recruiters. They soon discovered, however, that many potential participants—particularly service members—were reluctant to seek help at the military base, fearful that any type of help-seeking would reflect negatively on perceptions of their job performance.
NJPN knew they would need to find other channels for recruitment (see Don’t be afraid to expand your network, below) but were also eager to maintain their relationship with their military partners. So they embraced the idea of transitioning their partners to the role of “cultural competence advisors.” Since this transition, the advisors have played a key role in helping to ensure that the two MIG programs resonate with the needs and experiences of military staff and their families. They have been instrumental in shaping training content for facilitators and developing invaluable tools such as Military Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Terms for Family Team Building. “For children to hear the language that their parents speak fluently [that is, the military acronyms they speak in their homes] reflected in this program—it’s a great way to make the children feel safe and comfortable,” says Lisa Daly, NJPN’s Associate Director.
Don’t Be Afraid to Expand Your Network
As military partners transitioned away from recruitment, NJPN invited other new and existing partners—operating at both the local and state levels—to fill the gap. At the local level, the Network relies heavily on community partner agencies to connect with area schools, particularly those with student assistance counselors. Many of these schools are already working with military families, so referring to MFN represents a natural extension of their work.
At the state level, NJPN regularly attends Yellow Ribbon Events hosted by the Military FACs to connect National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and communities with resources and services. NJPN also collaborates with the New Jersey Broadcasters Association to air public service announcements about their programs, and has created the NJPN Community/Military Prevention Collaborative. This broad support network not only helps NJPN recruit new partners and program participants, but also helps to build program credibility.
Turn Participants into Partners
NJPN relies strongly on program graduates to spread the word and recruit new families to participate. “Military families trust other military families,” says Daly. “Word of mouth has been our most effective referral source.” Program graduates are invited back for Booster Sessions—single-session events that reinforce learned skills and combine celebration, family-fun, and cultural appreciation. Families are reconnected to reinforce the support network created during the program; they are also encouraged to invite other military family and friends to meet program facilitators and promote the program. These sessions have become a strong referral source for both MFN and APB, and help to strengthen ties among the provider agencies, regional substance abuse prevention coalitions, and military community. Attendees are encouraged to join coalition efforts and become a voice for military families.
Provide Opportunities for Partners to Connect and Share Lessons Learned
NJPN facilitates regular opportunities for program staff across partner agencies to communicate and network. Throughout the year, NJPN shares links to current data, curriculum enhancements, and relevant online trainings. They also host an annual statewide meeting where certified program facilitators can share lessons learned, successes, and opportunities of improvement. Meeting attendees also help identify training and technical assistance needs for the upcoming year. “Our partner agencies consistently tell us that cultural competency is a primary need,” says Daly, “Every deployment creates a new grouping of military personnel, and our facilitators need to understand how personnel needs have changed over the past 15 years of conflict.”
Involve Partners in Evaluation
NJPN made a deliberate decision to engage multiple partners in the design and execution of the MIG evaluation. This strategy not only enhanced the quality of the evaluation design, but also created a sense of ownership for the program and an investment in delivering program modules with fidelity. They worked closely with the curriculum developers from Strengthening Families to oversee the evaluation design and to develop tools and measures tailored to the needs and concerns of military populations. They also enlisted local program facilitators to capture key data and lessons learned using a customized web-based reporting system, and to report short-term outcomes like attitudes and behaviors using pre- and post-test survey results. Moreover, by engaging partners in program evaluation, NJPN has initiated important conversations among collaborators related to program customization, improvement, and training needs. These evaluation discussions play a significant role in strengthening both the program and NJPN’s relationships with its partners.