An active mind and slow to speak [47]

Warning: This post is not for the commitment-phobs in the audience. 

Autism Speaks Walk

Send Silence Packing

Active Minds OWU represented at the National Coference

It’s quite simple, if you want to change the world, join Active Minds. It is absolutely one of the best organizations I have ever been a part of. As a national organization, its power lies in its college chapters. Active Minds is an organization started in 2001 by Alison Malmon at the University of Pennsylvania after the suicide of her older brother, Brian. It's purpose is to end the stigma against mental health disorders, to change the conversation about these disorders, and to promote mental health. It grew so much in the first two years that in 2003 the national headquarters was established in D.C. There are now over 340 chapters on campuses around the country. There are the national awareness weeks and months for eating disorders and autism. There’s the campaign to make everyone aware of “what a difference a friend makes” in promoting mental health through communication and love. And then there are the national conferences where we all come together and talk about what we’ve done lately and brainstorm for the years to come. Going this past year was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

But, if you’re a bit afraid of diving right in, face first and with both feet, you can choose to join one event. For example, there was National Spread the Word to End the Word Day last Wednesday. If you missed it, never fear, you can still sign the pledge: http://r-word.org/. This campaign has become near and dear to my heart because of the overarching message of being careful and respectful when you speak. While we’re on the topic of not saying certain words, I’d like everyone to reflect on the word “Nazi.” I try to block out the memories and the number of times I have heard friends, acquaintances, and random people on the street use the word “Nazi” in a derogatory way. You’ve all heard the “she’s such a homework Nazi” speech before. But, as one who has been called a Nazi simply for being a blond-haired, blue-eyed, German child, I say that’s not OK. Using it in that sense belittles history and makes me incredibly uncomfortable. We all have those words or phrases in our lives that are associated with something negative, so just think before you speak.