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The Power of Community - February 2019
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Executive Director's Note
The Power of Community
February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on the experience and history of black Americans. Black History Month grew out of the early Civil Rights movement and stands as a testament to the power of community when it is formed around a shared purpose and goal. To this day, citizens come together to ‘celebrate’ black history as a way of achieving greater political equality.
But communities also have a powerful impact on individual well-being. They provide solace to those in distress, and company to those experiencing isolation. Recent research has shown that people are lonelier than ever and young people between the ages of 18 and 22 are suffering from social isolation and loneliness more than any other generation (Cigna Loneliness Index). At the same time, ongoing racial discrimination has been shown to cause emotional distress and mental health issues (2018 study).
Here are a few tips to help you find community in times of need:
Step Outside. Try spending more time in a common area on campus, a local cafe or restaurant, or a friendly and safe park. You’re likely to find others there looking for a sense of community.
Reach Out. Look for groups on campus that share something with you--be it your home city, your cultural background, or a hobby. Coming together over something in common is a great way to feel less alone.
Celebrate. Whether it's a holiday you’ve been celebrating your whole life or something new that sparks your curiosity, open gatherings and festivities are great places to share a positive experience with community.
Maya Angelou wrote that “Since life is our most precious gift, let us be certain that it is dedicated to the liberation of the human mind and spirit, beginning with our own.” On behalf of everyone at the Steve Fund, I invite you to seek out your own community as a powerful way to connect with others and support your emotional well-being.
Be well,
Anuja Khemka
Executive Director
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A Framework of Recommendations for Colleges and Universities to Support the Mental Health of Students of Color. Download Framework |
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RECENT UPDATES FROM THE STEVE FUND
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Handling Stress & Anxiety in College
This article is written by David Rivera, Ph.D. and Deidra D. Dain, MBA of The Steve Fund and first appeared in the October 2018 edition of The Scholar Advocacy Newsletter.
Starting college is an exciting time. New relationships. Challenging academics. Significant doorways to life-long achievements. For many college freshmen, leaving home and starting college signifies an important family milestone—being the first to experience the opportunity. Read more.
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March 8, 2019
4:00 – 5:30 p.m
Supporting the Success of SEO Scholars by Supporting Their Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) will host its annual conference this year March 6 - 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, PA. The Steve Fund is honored to participate.
About our session:
"College years and transition to careers are exciting times—offering challenging academics, rewarding relationships, and the pursuit of lifelong achievements. For many college freshmen, leaving home and starting college signifies an important family milestone—being the first to experience the opportunity. Often stress, anxiety and depression can also impact a student’s ability to succeed. What to expect? What to do? Being aware and becoming equipped to handle these concerns can help you not only survive, but thrive. This webinar by the Steve Fund will provide you with information on the types of issues you might face, how to cope to maintain your physical and emotional well-being, monitoring your health, and best practices for seeking assistance and available resources. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas throughout the session."
For more information, or to register, click here.
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What others are saying about
The Steve Fund:
“The NAACP is grateful to the Steve Fund for introducing critical mental health knowledge and best practices through presentations in front of thousands of young people at the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). We consider this a critical addition to this leading achievement program targeted at African American high school students.”
—Larry Brown, Jr., ACT-SO National Director
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