Thursday, April 25, 2013

A Flash from the Past that Continues to be a Part of My CMH Advocacy

Several years ago, I created a healthy relationship curriculum for high school students that was called SMART Education (Saving Marriages And Relationships Together). In the therapy setting, I found that I was teaching the same concepts time and time again regarding relationship skills. It was apparent that there was a lack of relationship education that could be solved quite easily, and so I set out to change that! With the help of a Federal Grant in our area called Safe Schools/Healthy Students, I was able to teach the curriculum to 7 different school districts for several years. However, when funding disappears, dishearteningly so does the opportunity for education. The curriculum is still available from the Illinois Baptist Children's Home and can be implemented very effectively by anyone ready to make a difference for our youth.
So for several years, I have drifted away from relationship education to a more broad sense of mental health with my children's mental health advocacy. But today, I got a chance to unite the two of them and it was a powerful combination in helping our youth with mental health and relationship issues. I had the opportunity to "teach" during the Eldorado Friend of MHINDS meeting today (during the students' lunch time) and I was able to share some of those concepts that stirred the creation of the curriculum many years ago.
Ever heard of a genogram? That was the focus of our discussion today. It's a tool that helps you create a visual representation of the family patterns and dynamics that have been present for years. It's one thing to kind of know in your mind what has developed in family relationships over the years, but it's a completely different thing when you put it down on paper. Seeing the diagram of your history provides insight as to the underlying ideas about relationships that your family has passed down. If you are aware of the good and bad, you are much better equipped to continue making better choices for yourself. But the key to using a genogram is that you must understand that you are still in control no matter what. Just because a negative pattern exists it doesn't mean destiny for you -- unless you try to ignore it completely! High school students love this activity because it really is ALL about THEM. It's exciting to see them embrace the concept and use it for their continual mental health growth!
Seeing the two of these advocacy areas come together as one was an uplifting experience for me today! It prompts me to begin thinking again about how to get this curriculum out there to our youth who need this information. Let me know if you have any thoughts about accomplishing this... We all have to work together to make changes!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hands Around the Courthouse


Thanks to CASA of Saline County there was an opportunity to stand up and show community support for child abuse prevention this month. For the last few years, they have organized and event called Hands Around the Courthouse, bringing together those who continue to be advocates for children. In 2010 & 2011, I was proud to be a part of the Saline County CASA Board and I love to continue supporting their great work. Pictured below is the newspaper photo of those present and an action photo of Judge Todd Lambert who was the featured speaker at the event. His words were in appreciation of the commitment that so many have to the well-being of our community youth. Judge Lambert is very active in the Saline County area and even serves on the Project Connect Coordinating Council. I feel lucky to be able to work closely with such great people in our community, including Judge Lambert, the employees of Egyptian Health Department, Saline County CASA, and all of the other community organizations that are represented in the photo.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Never Underestimate Your Influence

Social media provides the opportunity for people to express themselves and observe the expressions of others. Because of this, we should never underestimate the power of even a single word! Sharing a photo becomes powerful, seeing a "like" or a "follow" causes interest and curiousity, and a sentence or two opens windows to the soul -- all for everyone else to observe.
Even though I strive to focus my social media messages on gathering support for children's mental health, the month of April brings another opportunity to focus on the health and wellness of children. April is Prevent Child Abuse Month, and so supporters of the cause showcase the color blue as much as possible.
Paint your nails blue day!
The Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse in Southeastern Illinois created opportunities and activities for everyone this April that were extremely easy to do. One of those was "Paint Your Nails Blue" Day. Not a color you'll see on my fingers and toes, it definitely presents a conversation starter. If even one person notices and makes a comment, then there's a chance to share the message. Post a photo with a caption on Facebook, and now you double or triple the exposure and possible influence.

I don't have a popularity status that moves mountains, but even if I move one pebble at a time, I'm helping to make a difference. If you like being in photos (it's obvious I do!), or you just like posting on Facebook or Twitter, how about making a few posts about Child Abuse Prevention before the month of April is gone? Never, ever, ever underestimate who you might reach!