Mental Health Literacy Mental Health Literacy is a crucial first step in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. By hosting live presentations we encourage active participation and challenge long-held myths. Even well-intentioned individuals may harbor preconceived biases and assumptions without realizing it. These sessions, led by our team and sometimes outside professionals, create an open forum for discussion, allowing participants to ask questions and share their experiences. Through comprehensive education, relatable narratives, and sometimes art activities, we strive to empower individuals to recognize the importance of mental health care and the need to support one another in their journeys.

Take Your Mental Health Temperature This initiative encourages individuals to access a screening by Mental Health America that assesses their mental health, and aims to create empathy and understanding, emphasizing that mental health conditions exist on a continuum. While not diagnostic, these screenings serve as educational tools that help individuals recognize the seriousness of their situation and inspire them to seek support. They also provide valuable tools, resources, and strategies for managing mental health effectively. We encourage sharing this screening as a way to check in on yourself and suggest taking it with a trusted friend to discuss each other’s findings. 

Arts Integration We employ both visual and performing arts as powerful wellness strategies within our programs. While not all of our arts programs have a direct instructional component, they serve as engaging avenues for community members to connect, express themselves, and educate others about mental health conditions. 

The Mental Health Moonshot This calls for significant funding for the early diagnosis of mental health conditions, aiming to develop innovative treatments and therapies. This critical area of research has been historically underfunded in genetics and epigenetics, necessitating a "moonshot" approach to ignite meaningful advancements in mental health care. In addition to advocating for research funding, the Mental Health Moonshot initiative emphasizes the importance of increased access to care and early intervention as preventive measures for mental health conditions. We recognize the necessity of more accurate diagnoses through advanced methodologies, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care they need early on in order to manage their mental health proactively.

Walt’s Waltz Stigma-Free Environments Our Stigma-Free Environments empower businesses and organizations to foster safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health. Walt’s Waltz Stigma-Free Pledge, these entities boldly stand with individuals facing mental health challenges by creating environments that not only promote understanding and acceptance, but also serve as hubs for resources, support, and community engagement. They become a platform for education and awareness initiatives, encouraging collaboration to further destigmatize mental health discussions and ensure that all individuals feel valued and supported.

Values

Honesty – "Balancing truth and trust" by being open about challenges and actions.

Compassion – "Walking in another’s shoes" by recognizing suffering and taking action to alleviate it.

Accountability – "Standing firm in our promises" by setting high expectations and working to better our community.

Shared Humanity – "Together, we are stronger," acknowledging every individual’s right to be seen, heard, and valued.

Inclusion – "Weaving every voice into our shared journey" by ensuring everyone is heard and valued, believing our differences are our strengths.

Fair-Mindedness – "Navigating with justice and equity" to ensure fairness in every moment.

Mottos

Let’s stop dancing around mental health conversations.

Step Out of Stigma

Take your mental health temperature.

Time for a Mental Health Moonshot