Welcome to 13 Reasons to Fly! Thank you so much for visiting and joining the fight against stigma surrounding mental illness. We hope you find a way to uphold our mission in your daily lives! Each of you have the power to make a difference. It’s time we start the conversation. Below you’ll see our recent projects and what we are doing to spread our message!
Mental Health Awareness Walk
Photo from a Mental Health Awareness Walk at Salve Regina University sponsored by the psychology club in November! I was happy to be in attendance and call awareness to an imperative issue on college campuses.
13 Reasons Why We Need to Talk About Suicide
Our incredible partner, and mentor The Nan Project put together a short movie about 13 Reasons Why We Need to Talk About Suicide in response to 13 Reasons Why. Teachers and guidance counselors across the nation struggle to address this series, which many of their students were talking about. On the one hand, it opened up the topic of suicide to a huge segment of the population where previously it had been such a taboo subject. On the other, we had a couple major issues with the portrayal of mental illness and suicide.
This video aims to show what 13 Reasons Why did not; that there are many supports you can turn to if you are concerned about yourself or a peer. Watch 13 Reasons Why We Need to Talk About Suicide
You’ll notice that within, or at the end of each of the 13 vignettes, there is a support listed (hotlines, coping skills, individuals), and we hope that young people will gain an understanding of the vast array of resources you can reach out to within your school or community.
More importantly, the final vignette outlines in 3 clear steps, on how to respond to a peer in crisis.
There is help. There is hope.
Loss into Light
Last month, I had the privilege to spend time in Iola, Kansas with an incredible team of advocates. In June, the community lost a beloved young man to suicide, and his family and this town is determined to never let a tragedy like this happen again. After a weekend of hope, inspiration, and education we all left better equipped to be stewards, carrying a light into our sometimes dark world. Thank you to the entire community for welcoming in this message, and for paving the way for our world to start this vital conversation. I have never felt so inspired.
The weekend was covered by the Iola Register, you can find their article here! Another note of gratitude to Paige Olson who captured the weekend, more photos are available here!
You are never alone. This community proves that. Be the light.
If you’re interested in starting a chapter of 13 Reasons to Fly or wish to know more about us please contact 13reasonstofly@gmail.com
Kansas City, Missouri- Finding Hope
Last month we had the honor to host a workshop at Youth 2019, a convention with thousands of other young people!
Our workshop (titled Finding Hope) was an informal discussion on mental health challenges and ways to battle stigma. We began by sharing the story and origin of 13 Reasons to Fly, and then invited people to brainstorm & share their reasons to fly.
We were blown away by the openness, bravery, and strength of the young people that attended. Recounting on this experience gives us inspiration to propel forward and continue doing this much needed work! So incredibly grateful for all the people we had the opportunity to meet.
Keep spreading your wings.
Legislative Breakfast Speech
It was an honor to speak at this year’s legislative breakfast with the Massachussetts Department of Mental Health. To learn more about 13 Reasons to Fly, watch this short clip.
Full video Here!
Pegasus House, Daybreak Shelter
Had an amazing time working with the young women at Pegasus House in Lawrence! We had a lot of fun developing Reasons to Fly on kites!
We also discussed the pressure of stigma , and took great pride in working to make their labels ‘disappear’.Thank you to Robin, the staff and all the strong young people from Pegasus House!
Start of School
As school is right around the corner or has already begun for young people, we want to remind you all to relax! I hope you all enjoy Labor Day weekend and get the opportunity to do something for yourself!
And don’t forget, if you want to start the conversation at your school, please contact us!
2018 Reflection
Exactly 1 year ago, I was pacing in my room at the hospital, unable to leave it for safety reasons. After giving into my spiraling thoughts, Thirteen Reasons Why came to mind. I decided I wouldn’t stand for this glorification & just wanted to make something positive- anything.
I stand here a year later, in awe of all of you supporting this mission. That day was the start of something great, I am so grateful to everyone who believed in me and helped me realize life is beautiful. You may not see that yet, but one day you will!
Forming a nonprofit, presenting at conferences, and starting groups at hospitals is something I never dreamed of. You all are my 13 Reasons to Fly.
Ubuntu: ” I am because you are” 13 Reasons to Fly exists because you all do.
And at the same time, 1 year later, and stigma still soars. A year later and mental illness is at an all time high. Thank you for joining the fight, we have a long way to go. It’s go time. Thank you.
TEMPO
This week I had the privilege to visit the support group run by TEMPO young adult resource center! We had great discussions on Thirteen Reasons Why as well as what we can do as a community to make life a little brighter. We need more drop in support centers like TEMPO! Let’s follow their lead
Trailer-full video coming soon!
Beyond excited to announce that the video for 13 Reasons to Fly’s new video is now out! Thank you to everyone that made this possible (especially Maryanne Galvin). This is a dream come true- we hope to send this video out to programs, schools, and anyone that needs to hear it!
Contact us if you know someone that is intrested in receiving a DVD.
Stay tuned!!
13 Reasons to Fly 