By Grace Nordquist–Active Minds is Morningside’s new mental health awareness group on campus. The group was founded at the end of fall semester 2018 by sophomore and group President Macie Moore. With the help and participation from other Morningside students, the group started meeting regularly.
What exactly is Active Minds and what does the group do?
Active Minds is a national organization with over 450 chapters throughout the U.S. who meet with the goal to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. During group meetings discussions can vary from different mental illnesses and how to combat stigma.
In January and February three informational “boot camp” meetings were held. Students who attended at least two of the three sessions were considered core members. The sessions were “How to fight the Stigma,” “Advocacy in the Real World,” and “Basic VAR” (validate, appreciate, and refer). These sessions helped students gain a better understanding of important topics surrounding mental health and illnesses.
One of the most successful events Active Minds Morningside chapter put on was the “Leaf Stigma Behind” program. During this, a table in the library had poster titled “Leaf Stigma Behind” with a tree with branches drawn on it. Various paint colors were set out and labeled with different mental illnesses. Students were encouraged to put their thumb in a paint color of someone they knew (or themselves) who had been affected by that illness. Then students stamped their thumb on one of the branches, looking like colorful leaves to decorate the tree. The goal was to show how much mental illness effects people, leaving (or leafing) stigma behind.
Along with the “Leaf stigma behind” program, bracelets were sold as a fundraiser. The group members made them with washers and different colored string. The washers had either “dream,” “brave,” or “strong” carved in them. The bracelets were popular and sold out fast.
After the success of the “leaf stigma behind” program, the executive members submitted it to the national conference and for awards. The creative program shined above the other entries and received the “road runner” award. This award is given to a first-year chapter who exemplifies exceptional work. There were over 100 chapters eligible for it this year, which is almost double the past years entries.
President Macie Moore and Vice President Kali Hill represented the chapter at the national Active Minds conference in Washington D.C. March 22nd and 23rd to receive the award. They also set up the “leaf stigma behind” program at a table during the programming expo.
Moore and Hill were able to attend informational presentations and break out activities while at the conference. The two will bring back the information they learned to Morningside to continue to fight the stigma behind mental illness and spread awareness throughout campus.
To get involved in Active Minds follow them on Instagram @msideactiveminds and Twitter @MsideActiveMind for updates on events and meeting times. The group typically meets in UPS auditorium Thursdays at 7 PM.
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