A Message From Our CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler
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As we approach Election Day, regardless of your political affiliation, many are feeling that the stakes are high as we tackle a global pandemic, racial injustice, a volatile economy, and rising mental health and healthcare needs. As I’ve tried to gain perspective and grounding for myself, I’ve been reflecting on some of our core values at Jefferson Center. Dignity for All, People First, and Empathy are the ones most front of mind right now.
As humans, we are complex in our beliefs, diverse in our life experience and perspectives, and sometimes even our own personal values can be in conflict with other things we hold dear. For many, political beliefs have become inextricably linked with our values, and this can easily raise tensions between people and even within ourselves.
Based on what we see on social media and in the news, it is easy to feel like the world is a pretty divisive place these days. As our country, and perhaps the world, seems more polarized than ever, it can become difficult to take a step back, gain perspective, and have Empathy to put People First and strive to treat others with Dignity. But this is exactly what we need to do.
As we head into this year’s election, within the context described above, some are feeling overwhelmed, some are feeling activated, and some are disconnecting altogether. Election results have real and visible impacts in our lives, and so the stakes are certainly high. This heightened level of stress and perceived “threat,” can simulate a kind of “fight or flight response.” We can feel stressed, anxious, or outraged, which can lead to wanting to attack others or it can lead to wanting to avoid and disconnect altogether.
The fight or flight response is helpful when our physical safety is in jeopardy, but if we want to adapt, evolve and survive through the number of challenges facing our country and the world, we must regain our ability to have perspective, to see others as human beings, and figure out the path forward together.
In a world where our ability to connect personally with others is diminished, where we have less exposure or opportunity to connect with people who are different from ourselves, it is easy to see those “on the other side of the aisle” as being naïve, uninformed, or just plain wrong in their beliefs. Other’s beliefs and actions can trigger strong emotions in us, whether they are our family, friends, people on social media, or people we see in the news. Those emotions and responses are valid and need to be recognized. But see if you can also take a step back from the emotion at times, and see them first as people within a context. Can you understand why they might believe what they believe? Can you engage in healthy debates that allow for progress and understanding where possible? Is there any common ground? I also know that on some issues and with some people at some times, this will not be possible, and we can choose to walk away, with Empathy and with Dignity.
Walking away and seeing the Person First, does not mean that you walk away from your values or give up on what is important to you. This is the time to take in relevant, factual information, learn from others that are different from you, see how your own perspective shifts or stays the same with new information, and identify what is most important to you. Believe that we have the power to create positive change, by being informed, by taking action through advocacy, exercising your ability to vote, and by raising your voice for the future that ALL of us deserve.
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How to Protect Your Mental Health During Uncertain Times
4 Tips for Navigating Election Season
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It's no secret that this election cycle has been stressful for everyone, regardless of party lines. On top of this is the anxiety that has been stirring since last spring when the pandemic began, which has left many people feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Despite the current turbulent political climate and uncertainty in these challenging times, there are plenty of ways that you can regain control and feel more at ease.
Here are some easy tips to get you started:
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Limit Your Media Exposure - this could mean turning off your TV, and spending limited time on the internet. Avoid reaching your limit and instead schedule 10-15 minutes each day when you can check the news to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.
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Move Your Body - any kind of physical activity, such as walking, working out, or going for a bike ride can be a great way to get pent up emotions out in a more constructive form. Plus taking a walk in a pleasant place is a great way to invite calmness to your mind and thoughts.
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Practice Breathing Exercises - slow, deep, controlled breathing tends to center us again when racing thoughts and daily pressures begin to take control. Try breathing in for 5 seconds, then out for 5 seconds as you tell yourself to relax more and more with each breath. Do this for about one minute.
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Spend Time With Supportive People - whether it's friends, family, or coworkers, gather with those who are part of your trusted support network, who nourish you, and make you simply feel good when you’re around them. They can help calm your mind and make you feel at ease.
To learn more about how you can protect your mental health during this election season and find supportive resources, visit our blog here.
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Thank You for Making the 30th Anniversary of Helping Kids Thrive a Huge Success
Jefferson Center, together with Jefferson County Schools, Jeffco PTA, and our community partners recently held the 30th annual Helping Kids Thrive Parenting Conference. A staple of the community, families, and parents from all over the county look forward every year to this free event that provides hands-on, practical information to help kids of all ages grow in positive ways.
This year’s conference looked a bit different as we pivoted with the times and took the event virtual! While we wish we could have seen everyone in person, we are thrilled that we were able to reach more people than ever! We had over 1,000 registrants from Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties! Attendees were able to access 15 different sessions over the course of two nights along with a virtual resource fair filled with community partners and organizations.
We want to thank all of the parents, guardians, and caregivers who attended the event live, and remind attendees that they are still able to access recordings from the sessions until Oct 31.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for making the 30th anniversary of this event such a huge success! We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Here’s what you can do to get involved
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Domestic violence is an issue that can impact anyone, but by becoming educated, standing up, and speaking out, you can be the one to make a difference in your community. Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence and sadly the rates of domestic violence have only increased as a result of COVID-19 and isolation measures. It's important to know that domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological and it can impact anyone regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, or a number of other factors, but there is plenty you can do to support someone who might be struggling with an abusive relationship.
This October, Jefferson Center is focusing on promoting local organizations, partners, and resources to spread the word about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and what you can do to get involved. Click on the links below to check out the work being done by these incredible organizations and see how you can help. Together, we can make our communities a safer place for everyone.
For more information, read our blog here.
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Sign Up for Your FREE Art of Hope 2021 Calendar! |
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For many, art is a form of creative expression. For others, art fosters strength and resiliency in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Through the Art of Hope, Jefferson Center’s annual calendar, we are proud to support and showcase artwork produced by Jefferson Center clients.
For our 15th calendar, we’re showcasing some of the incredible works of art that have carried us through all of the good times and the bad over the past decade and a half. Every single piece you see in this calendar was featured in a previous year to create this 2021 calendar. Our hope is that you recognize pieces of art from other calendars and realize how far you’ve come since the last time that work of art was on your wall and how much lies ahead of you yet.
To sign up to have a free calendar delivered straight to your door, please fill out this form before October 28! |
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Check Out Our Upcoming Webinars and Classes |
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Stress Busters for Parents
Parenting children of any age can be stressful. Learn tools to refocus, take action, and move forward in a healthy, productive way.
On-Demand Webinar
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How Good Nutrition and Lifestyle Decisions Support Learning, Mood & More
Learn about the food system, how support learning and mood, and easy recipes to make at home.
Thursday, October 22, 11:00 a.m.
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Good News This Month
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! |
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