Author: Sterling Ta’Bon, Healthy Schools Manager
As I prepared for Cairn Guidance’s Shine Light on Depression Ambassador Retreat, I reflected on our theme, “Illuminating the Light”. The opportunity to gather Ambassadors from across the country to one single location for one single purpose brought its special light. We are privileged to have Ambassadors representing the states of Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Kansas, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.The retreat was established to further highlight the curriculum of Erika’s Lighthouse through Shine Light on Depression. More than metrics and reach, our goal was to build connectivity amongst ambassadors who are tasked with spreading awareness and implementations across their states.
When we began greeting the Ambassadors walking into Lousivlle’s 21c Hotel Museum, you could not help but feel the excitement and anxious anticipation to grow and strategize together. We spent our afternoon gaining insight, connections, and understanding of each other’s skills, backgrounds and what led us to Ambassadorship in this work. Our Ambassadors were able to bounce ideas, perspectives, challenges, and accomplishments off of each other, a true iron sharpens iron moment. One of my favorite highlights happens to be our dinner at La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant. We found ourselves connecting through the taste of food and the colorful sounds of rumba and conga music.
On day 2, our retreat focused on equipping our Ambassadors with the language, tools, and support tiers to expand Shine Light on Depression in their states. As the facilitator, the hope is that Ambassadors felt comfortable in their roles, strategies, and ways to communicate success stories in their states. As we worked through community-based organizations and networks that we navigate in, it was apparent that every sector can benefit from Shine Light on Depression curriculum and materials.
The work of engaging with school communities creates a domino effect on the lives it impacts. We took the time to do a “Whole Child, Whole School, Whole School ” activity that further illustrated the intersections that create support for youth experiencing crisis moments. For example, by a school implementing universal Classroom education material, it could lead to students advocating for their own Teen Empowerment club or activity.
The advocacy of Teen Empowerment groups could create partnerships with community-based partnerships that could use Action and Awareness activities to connect with youth about their mental health. The momentum of implementing depression and anxiety education could lead to families, parents, and guardians being equipped to support by accessing the Family Workbook.
Reflecting on our time together, we know that no one is immune to negative emotions, but everyone should have access to hope and healing. Through conversations, strategic planning, laughter and hardy meals our Ambassadors took hold of their ability to illuminate the light and hope of the Shine Light on Depression curriculum.
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