Alive and well discussion series
The Alive and Well Discussion Series was created with the vision that safe spaces - where we can engage in informed yet natural conversations around mental health and wellness - are possible, that meeting people where they are - wherever they are - is a necessity, and that it is both possible and necessary to allow these kinds of “in-house” conversations to flourish so that we can thrive.
Pictured above is the front cover of the Alive and Well Discussion Series curriculum. With a backdrop of kente pattern sits an image of a dark brown skinned person in a printed shirt and long dark brown locs holding their crossed arms above their head in a field. The cover states, across the top, “ALIVE AND WELL DISCUSSION SERIES: A series of discussions to support our community in embracing their mental wellness, daring to live to the fullest of their capacity, and having the audacity, despite everything, to be alive and well.” Across the bottom, it states “A FACILITATOR’S MANUAL.”
CONTENTS
This curriculum contains 10 chapters, addressing topics like the power of storytelling, community care and support systems, mental health stigma, and acculturation. In each chapter, you will find guidance and direction to facilitate discussions, including how to prepare the space, engaging activities, definitions and background information, and readings where you can learn more. The curriculum offers itself as a template for facilitators to encourage and expand conversation about popular and sensitive topics as it relates to the mental health of our community members.
Pictured above is a group photo of attendees from the Alive and Well Discussion Series launch, which took place in Washington DC on May 30, 2019. The people in the front row are holding a banner which says “Immigration is a Black issue.”
AVAILABILITY
The Alive and Well Discussion Series was made intentionally and purposefully with Black immigrants (both currently and formerly undocumented) in mind, so that they may receive the support they need to be alive and well. But we also take this opportunity to share the curriculum with you, as it can be used as a model to create spaces for people outside of this community.
The suggested donation of $61.90 represents the estimated 619,000 Black undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
A sliding scale cost is available! This is especially for individuals who are not connected to organizations who are interested in bringing this to their communities. Community members who are Black and either currently or formerly undocumented are able to access this resource free of charge. Please contact info@undocublack.org for more information.
Your donation goes to sustaining the work of the UndocuBlack Network’s Mental Wellness Initiative and its efforts and commitment to supporting and improving the mental health and well-being of our community members, including the availability of this curriculum and corresponding trainings to members of UndocuBlack Network for free..
Pictured above is a light brown skinned person with dark hair and a blue t-shirt presenting in front of people in a classroom setting.
fACILITATORS
Caring for the mental health of the community is a collective responsibility. In fact, this curriculum was created so that community members could facilitate spaces and open dialogue about mental health, well-being, and all that is going on in the world around us.
We will be hosting trainings to support community members in becoming facilitators. We are currently prioritizing training folks who are Black with undocumented experience (meaning they are either currently or formerly undocumented) to become Alive and Well Facilitators. The first training is scheduled for the weekend of October 4th through October 6th in Washington, DC.
What are Facilitators and what do they do?Click here to read about the Facilitator’s Scope of Work.
You can also print this document to scan and email to Gabrielle@undocublack.org.
The deadline to submit your application to participate in this inaugural training is Friday August 30th, 2019.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
