When it comes to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, centering the voices, opinions, and needs of youth is essential. Educators play a critical role in building and sustaining these authentic youth-adult partnerships, especially with historically marginalized youth and those experiencing adversity. Healthier Generation Champion Tara Stiles and Healthier Generation Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Daniel Hatcher are at the forefront of efforts to prioritize the voices of young people.
In this article, we will explore two activities developed by Healthier Generation and their partners that can easily be implemented in schools or organizations to enhance student wellness and amplify student voices. These activities are designed to be led or co-led by youth, making them a powerful tool for empowering young people to shape their own experiences and environments. By incorporating these activities into your setting, you can promote a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and positive mental health.
Activity 1: Kindness Award Nomination Cards
What is it?
The Kindness Award Nomination Cards are a free, printable set of cards created by Healthier Generation partners at Graves County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy/Prevention Youth Council in Kentucky. These cards were designed by teens for their community, showcasing the impact of students leading positive change.
How to do it
To implement this activity, simply print and cut out the kindness nomination cards to distribute at your school or organization. Encourage students to nominate their peers for acts of kindness and foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. Share the nominations on social media using the designated tags to spread positivity and gratitude.
Why I love it
Celebrating others through kindness nominations provides a simple yet powerful way for children of all ages to express their voices and gratitude. Research indicates that cultivating gratitude can have a range of positive health outcomes, including improved sleep, strengthened immune system, and enhanced mood. The Kindness Award Nomination Cards are a low-cost, impactful way to promote kindness and positivity within your community.
Activity 2: Mindful Moments Playlist
What is it?
The Mindful Moments Playlist is a free mindfulness and movement video series created by Healthier Generation champion Tara Stiles of Strala Yoga. These videos are designed to help individuals cultivate mindfulness and resilience through movement and breathing exercises.
How to do it
Select a video from the playlist to watch and engage with as a group during your next gathering. Reflect on the benefits of breathing exercises for resilience and peace, and explore how these practices can support mental health and well-being. Additionally, check out the Healthier Generation Me Moments Hub for more resources on social-emotional health.
Why I love it
Mindfulness practices have been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. By teaching youth leaders and advocates the power of their breath, we can empower them to navigate stressful situations with composure and groundedness. The Mindful Moments Playlist offers a valuable resource for promoting mental wellness and self-care at no cost.
Both of these activities offer valuable opportunities for schools and organizations to prioritize student voices, promote kindness, and support mental health and well-being within their communities. By implementing these activities and engaging with young people in meaningful ways, we can create environments that foster resilience, empathy, and positivity.
Try out one of these activities in your school or organization and share your experience with me! Feel free to reach out via email at daniel.hatcher@healthiergeneration.org or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing how these initiatives have positively impacted your community!
