46 years old and I’ve said the words “anxiety”, “depression” and “suicide” more this past year than all of my other years combined. As a physical therapist, I get physical health, but the behavioral and mental health world is brand new to me. Learning is a systems change strategy. I have so much to learn.Continue reading “Northern Michigan Youth Mental Health: Know Science = No Stigma”
Author Archives: Ty Schmidt
Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Ian McGurn – Educator
Ian is a dedicated educator, husband, and father. He was born and raised in Traverse City and is excited to be a part of any effort that helps position his community in a way that can better serve his students and their families. Over the last 15 years, he has had the honor of teaching inContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Ian McGurn – Educator”
John Boonstra to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3
John Boonstra (he/him) is a local counselor, father, and stereotypical middle-aged Traverse City Man (sports a beard, drives a truck, and claims he enjoys biking while never actually seen biking). John graduated from Northwestern Michigan College in 2001; after graduating from NMC he drove south on 131 to claim his BS degree and then aContinue reading “John Boonstra to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3”
The 2022 Good Works Lab Annual Report
Our 2022 initiatives (more information and photos found in the annual report document):
Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023
“Young people don’t need to be our next crisis—but they do need us to do better.” One year ago, a small but mighty group of ordinary people came together to form We Fight Northern Michigan – a community with one agenda: leverage the Surgeon General’s Advisory to better protect the mental health of our young people. AndContinue reading “Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023”
6 Surprising Things About 2022 From a Traverse City Housing Advocate Newbie
What was surprising to you? BECOME A LIVE TC LEAD WITH YIMBY ACTION I attended my first National YIMBY Action meeting last week and it was fantastic. Learned so much. If you’re interested in becoming a Lead for Live TC, please let me know. It’ll be well worth your time and $ (about 1hr/week +Continue reading “6 Surprising Things About 2022 From a Traverse City Housing Advocate Newbie”
Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan
“Ordinary people are capable of wonderful things.” I admire ordinary people like my friend Jay Berger. Jay raised his hand in June after Uvalde to help keep our kids safe at school here in Traverse City. Jay took responsibility. Instead of saying, “That’s not my problem,” Jay asked, “How can I help?” ORDINARY PEOPLE LEADING SixContinue reading “Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan”
When “Going Along to Get Along” is a Trap
“Get used to the awkwardness of turning right when everyone else turns left, and pursue what you know is true.” We tend to persuade ourselves that we have no choice but to “go along to get along” by placing the blame on systems that are larger than us. We: – don’t want to look stupid–Continue reading “When “Going Along to Get Along” is a Trap”
Marvelous Mondays: Structured Play Program to Improve Well-being at Traverse Heights Elementary
Marvelous Mondays is a pilot program that provides fun, easy, structured play at Traverse Heights Elementary during recess. This program organizes play with Traverse Heights’ Roadrunner Club (community volunteers) to increase physical activity, encourage positive behaviors and improve well-being. Terrific Tuesdays provide fun, structured play at Central Grade School during lunch recess to increase physicalContinue reading “Marvelous Mondays: Structured Play Program to Improve Well-being at Traverse Heights Elementary”
Get to Know Your Traverse City Commission Candidates
Good Works Lab’s Citizens for a Neighbor-First Traverse City invited all eleven candidates who applied for Ashlea’s City Commission seat to complete a similar survey that 152 residents took this summer. Three candidates accepted the invitation: Eight candidates declined/did not respond to the invitation: Read the three candidate responses here. UPDATE: According to this memoContinue reading “Get to Know Your Traverse City Commission Candidates”
Good Works Lab 