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Collective Compassion for Mental Health Awareness Month
j kids & teens
for Mental Health Awareness Month
The Jewish community is bringing the power of “Collective Compassion” to National Mental Health Awareness Month (collectivecompassion2021.com). A project of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative for the second year in a row, Collective Compassion shares events and resources from more than a dozen partners in a coordinated response to the significant mental health wellness needs of the Jewish community, amplified over the last 14 months. Pop-up programs, creative workshops, giving circles, “screenside chats” and wellness inspiration throughout the month all draw on Jewish culture and wisdom to increase resiliency and help address rising levels of loneliness, stress, and anxiety.
HIGHLIGHTS OF COLLECTIVE COMPASSION INCLUDE:
Creativity for Coping, to help build resilience through creative guides such as ‘Storytelling for Strength and Sanity,’ screaming meditation, breathwork, and a comedy show to help people relax, center themselves, and understand how these techniques tie to Jewish wisdom.
Education & Awareness to learn and share practical tools for mental health, iGen: Understanding the Smartphone Generation with Dr. Jean Twenge, an event for parents and educators of teens and tweens that will provide ideas for how to help your family find a better balance with technology to be healthier and happier.
CPR for Mental Health, an evidence-based course teaching adults how to support young people, ages 12-21. Professionals and others caring adults and parents will benefit from the Jewishly-framed, 6.5 hour training, a mix of self-paced and Instructor-led workshops. Certification valid for three years.
Curated books, art, apps and quarantine playlists to provide personal support and to support positive mental health.
“Events of the last year have left many reeling with a heightened sense of uncertainty, confusion and loss, and our community is responding in a powerful way” says Sara Allen, Executive Director of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative. “We are inspired by the creativity and commitment of our partners, and hope people explore the dozens of offerings and learn self-compassion strategies, participate in practices that draw on Jewish tradition, and see that no matter what people are going through – you are not alone.” Collective Compassion partners include At the Well, BBYO, Here Now, Honeycomb, Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, JCC Mid-Westchester, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Jewish LearningWorks, Mitsui Collective, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Network, Moving Traditions, NFTY, and Serve the Moment powered by Repair the World to harness the creative spirit and wisdom of many artists and educators.
