Last winter, I helped build a self-organizing network with my neighbors.

This network, which is not a nonprofit or coalition of nonprofits, has one agenda — to better protect the mental health of northern Michigan kids.

It’s been so refreshing to dream up something together with my neighbors and let it rip.

No permission asking.
No board approval seeking.
No strategic planning.
No community needs assessing.

We just started.
We’re leading with purposeful action.
We’re learning as we go.
We’re staying true to our values.
We’re changing course as new things emerge.

September was Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — but, of course, we need to work to prevent suicide every month.

What can you do with your neighbors to help save lives in your community?

How can you and your neighbors help normalize help-seeking and help-giving behaviors around mental health for our kids?

What can you and your neighbors do to address the growing need to provide teens and young adults with skills to navigate mental health challenges?

Remember, permission to help save lives is not required.

Put yourself on the hook by making a promise — say it out loud in public. And then work hard to keep that promise.

Our kids are counting on you.

We’re counting on you.

PS. As a reminder:

1) Today, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young adults in the US.

2) In the last year, 19% of high school students and 26% of 18–24 year olds reported having serious thoughts of suicide.

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Just Start

Are the traditional institutions falling short when it comes to improving lives in your community?

I can help.

Get at me — ty@goodworkslab.org