Prevention and Education
Resources:
Antibullying Resources:
When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.
https://www.stopbullying.gov/videos-social-media
Kicks for Kids (through Healthy Futures AK):
Sometimes a simple pair of shoes is the biggest game changer. Kicks for Kids works to not only put shoes on kids who need them to participate in athletics, but they also go to kids who just need something to protect their growing feet. This initiative has served hundreds of Alaska children annually by providing them with gym shoes, winter boots and sport specific footwear. Through this effort, children are able to hit the ground running and not only with proper gear, but with feelings of confidence and self worth.
Retails stores can donate used shoes from its customers, last year’s models of sneakers, returned shoes, even demo shoes that are often used just a few times and are still in great shape. Individuals can also donate shoes directly at our Healthy Futures office.
Healthy Futures has a strong vetting process to ensure each pair of shoes donated will reach a child in appropriate, usable condition.
https://healthyfuturesak.org/kicks-for-kids-application/
Work with a volunteer to alleviate poverty:
Join over 7,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program who serve annually to alleviate poverty by helping local organizations expand capacity to make change. You can serve in any U.S. state or territory.
As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas that effect poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits, and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares you for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.
Join thousands of members in the AmeriCorps VISTA program who are united in our mission to lift people and communities out of poverty.
https://www.americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista
Alcohol Awareness:
Community Wellness means to us that people are able to experience overall well-being, and have the skills, tools, and resources to work through past and present trauma. In a well community, we are connected and able to contribute. Everyone’s values and traditions are honored and recognized. We make an effort to grow, learn, take care of ourselves, and take care of each other.
Every Alaskan community is prosperous and safe for all. We care for our lands and waters like we care for our people. We are resilient, healing, and free to choose. All community members are supported and resourced to address their individual, family, and community needs.
All regions come together in support of one another to share our many successes, innovations of change, abundant resources, stories of adversity, challenges we’ve overcome, and hope. This is The Alliance’s vision of community wellness for all Alaskans.
https://alaska-alliance.org/ (which includes things like https://recoveralaska.org/ and https://alaska-alliance.org/chooseconnection/)
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their communities. This series provides essential tools for professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in supporting those experiencing mental health crises.
All MHFA trainings are available online or in-person, and can be customized for your organization’s specific needs.