Brain Storm Issue IV: Community | Page 16

Community: A feeling of fellowship with others, because of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

As humans, we are inherently social creatures. Finding a community where you can be yourself and feel safe is something that everyone longs for. We all come with a different outlook on life and meeting someone who understands your perspective connects you to them and the world around you is an amazing thing. Finding a community where you belong can be hard, but I am thankful to have found mine.

Jack.org is national network of young leaders working to fundamentally change the way Canada thinks about mental health. Jack.org’s community has reached over 85, 000 people across Canada through their various programs. Jack.org thrives with its in school presence at post-secondary and high schools. There are 2500 student leaders who are engaged in Jack Chapters from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. Jack.org also mobilizes young leaders to go out and educate their communities on mental health literacy. There are 53 Jack Talk speakers who have given hundreds of talks, reaching over 30, 000 young people this year.

The Jack.org community unifies the attitudes, interests and goals of youth across Canada in regards to mental health. Youth have always been a demographic passionate about making change. This community of young people strives to create a world where mental health is spoken about openly and we all understand how to be there for one another.

Our Attitudes

Everyone in the Jack.org community actively sought out this network because they shared the similar attitudes towards mental health. We believe that mental health is important. Mental Health is something every one of us has, just like physical health. We go to the doctor when we have the flu, so why is there so much stigma surrounding going to the doctor when our mind is not well? Everyone has ups and downs. We all have days where we just don’t feel like ourselves. We only have one body and we only have one mind. It is up to us to take care of it.

Our Interests

We are starting a movement to change the way Canada thinks about mental health. We, as a community, are looking to normalize mental health struggles. We believe that no one should have to suffer in silence. No one should have to experience the fear of judgement. No one should have to be ashamed of their mental health. No one should have to feel as if they do not have anyone to turn to or nowhere to go.

Our Goals

The community that Jack.org has created has given a voice to young leaders across the country. We are a generation full of fire and passion. We are looking to create a world without stigma. A world where everyone can access the resources they need to stay mentally healthy. A world where mental health is spoken about just as openly as physical health.

Finding Community with Jack.org

by Jessie Brar