Dear Loneliness
A Memorial to 2020
"LONELINESS has long been deemed an epidemic in our society, yet relatively little attention has been bestowed it in research. As part of an artistic installation, we seek to create the world's longest letter by compiling entries written by individuals like you about your frustrations, hopes, and experiences with isolation—connecting lonely people through art in the process.
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With your permission, your letters will be archived as both a record of the COVID-19 era and a crucial source of academic data for a poorly understood phenomenon.
And yes, we will be breaking the Guinness world record letter length of 290 meters—three football fields or almost 1,000 sheets of A4 paper—together."
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Active Minds at UCF has teamed up with EX/POST Magazine, a nonprofit independent literary and arts journal, to combat loneliness through this project. Students who participate in this project have two options. The first is to simply write a letter! We ask that our Knights submit a copy of their letters to us, for incorporation into an on-campus version of their planned exhibition. The second option is to work closely with the Dear Loneliness team, alongside some of the Active Minds officers. Those who choose this have the chance to connect with the project's partners and other Active Minds chapters, as well as contribute in the planning and execution of the main exhibition. For more information, contact us through email.
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Spreading
HOPE
Part of our initiatives as Active Minds at UCF is expanding outreach on all fronts. Partnering with FISP, the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, we're working to build a network between college students and K-12 students. HOPE, Helping Overcome Problems Effectively, refers to the high school club chapters managed by FISP. These clubs are student-led and involve curriculum approved by each county. Our goals for this year are as follows:
1) Help connect existing HOPE Clubs in Broward and Miami-Dade to Active Minds Chapters in Florida
2) Develop, improve, and deploy existing SUN Curriculum for Active Minds Chapters in Florida
3) Create a new network of HOPE Clubs in Orange County
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Looking to get involved? Click below to receive more information.
Research Initiatives
Primary Care Patients with Trauma History: Expanding a "Safety" Research Partnership and Network
"Since October 2017, five individuals who have lived through traumatic events and five professionals have created the Safety Partnership, meeting monthly to address the needs of primary care patients with trauma histories. Trauma is common and toxic among primary care patients, and few primary care providers are addressing trauma, although they have far-reaching potential. To plan, conduct, and disseminate comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) that addresses this healthcare problem, the team wants to engage an expanded stakeholder network. A particular challenge is that trauma survivors often feel unsafe and disempowered, which could lead them to not participate or express themselves with confidence.
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The project team has been identifying potential solutions for future CER, focusing on evidence-based trauma interventions for primary care settings. The team’s solution to address the capacity needs focuses on engaging, formalizing, preparing, and building infrastructure to collaborate with more stakeholders."
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Active Minds at UCF has partnered with Dr. Amber Gum, an associate professor and psychologist for the University of South Florida. As the principal investigator, she invited our chapter to play a role as one of six core networks for this research. Other networks include USF Health, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, University of Florida James H. Free Center for Primary Care Education and Innovation, NAMI-Florida, and Central Florida Behavioral Health Network. Overall, each network is tasked with training that provides an overview of patient-centered outcomes research, trauma and trauma informed care. Additionally, networks conduct feedback provision, contributing to the development and sustenance of a Safety Collaborative. Students who participate in this research project have a chance to connect with the stakeholders involved and learn more about the implementation of mental health diagnostics in primary care.
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Tools for Wellbeing COVID-19 National Study of Undergraduate Students
Dr. Tracy F. H. Chang at Rutgers University is conducting a study of the effectiveness of simple yoga tools for the wellbeing of undergraduate students during COVID-19. The study is under advisory of Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniam at Harvard Medical School. All undergraduate students in the U.S. are invited to participate. This is a great opportunity for students to enhance their wellbeing and contribute to science during these challenging times.
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Active Minds at UCF will be collaborating with the team behind this project by providing weekly sessions to support students' participation in the study. To join, check out the buttons below.
Athletics x Activism
Strategy is important both on and off the field.
Whether you're from the world of social justice and advocacy or are an athlete from either a varsity, sport club, or intramural, strategy is key to making an impact. Active Minds at UCF strives to make the most of this connection between athletes and activists by bringing them together to advocate for wellness and health care education.
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The aim of the Athletics x Activism campaign is to have Active Minds Chapters become acquainted with their respective university's athletic departments and develop curriculum to educate student body leaders on physical and mental wellbeing. Specifically, at UCF, we take action to encourage student athletes to take part in advocating, developing, and implementing policy and environmental changes on campus. We're partnering with SCC, the Sport Clubs Council representing over 40 club teams that represent UCF at various intercollegiate competitions.
Want to become a part of this movement? Click below to receive more information.