Change For The Children is a foundation created by Kevin, Nick, and Joe Jonas. It is a foundation created to support programs that deal with children facing adversities so they can face them with confidence and determination. The guys have teamed up with DoSomething.org to send out volunteer messages and get kids interested in helping their peers.
Don't be put off by the idea that it's the Jonas Brothers and they're EVERYWHERE and certainly don't be put off by the idea that it's kids helping kids. Anyone can register with DoSomething.org and get mobile updates sent to their phones about volunteer opportunities in their community. Take time to get involved and check out these websites:
I've always believed that skateboarding was something special. It's a
creative form of movement that enables us to express ourselves
physically, like dance or gymnastics.
It's also a creative way to
interact with man-made obstacles that I think is inherently political.
The other day I went out for a skate with Mike Crowley, a longtime
skateboarder whose sport of choice eventually led to an interest in
affecting public spaces and programs as an activist.
He had some interesting things to say (and some smooth skate maneuvers to show off as well)-- check the video!
Crowley is one of many organizers for The Icarus Project,
an alternative mental health support network in cities and on college
campuses around the nation.
The Icarus Project is an organization that
aims to avoid taking hard stances on issues like anti-psychotic
medications, instead fostering a community that exists online and
on-the-ground to facilitate safe, judgment-free discussion of mental
health and related issues.
Mental health, like all other kinds of health, is a highly personalized
issue. Those who are deemed dangerous or insane by medical
authorities, however, have historically been absent from conversations
about how to most effectively treat or even identify persons with
mental health problems.
The Icarus Project's goal is to give voice to
those who are excluded, by distributing art and writing, organizing
support meetings, and holding informational events.
Photo Courtesy of Mike
Check out the Icarus website,
and dive into their huge archive of discussions, articles, and even
downloadable pamphlets. Maintaining a healthy mind is just as
important (and often difficult) as keeping your heart, lungs, or limbs
in shape.
The mental health of our neighbors affects our own lives, and ours affects them. A non-judgmental mental health community is a valuable resource for bettering all of our lives.
