Growth mindset: it’s the belief that hard work can get you anywhere, with the reminder that one incorporate the word “yet” into the thought process. I can’t run a mile...yet. I can’t speak fluent French...yet. I can’t change my destructive habits that keep me from being the best person possible...yet.
Growth and potential: what it offers each of us is behind our newest initiative at the Local Wellness Coalition, and like the growth mindset, it reminds us that we can work toward our goals one step at a time, or perhaps one letter at a time.
Anyone who visited the Durham Farmers’ Market during the last week of June had the opportunity to pick up literature on vaping, or a toolkit for disposing of medications, or perhaps a craft that keeps even the youngest family members connected to the process.
Throughout July, the LWC expanded on the acronym “GROW” through a detailed outreach of each step.
Guide: Did you know that 79% of 7-12 graders say that there is a trusted adult in their life? A much-needed foundation in challenging times. When there is uncertainty about what schools will look like in the fall, whether mask-wearing will continue, and how accurate the dread of the news really is, the need for guidance from adults is greater than ever.
Respect: It’s not just about how we treat one another. It’s about how we model positive behaviors, like avoiding alcohol and other drugs. We talk at great length about respect for others. Let’s not forget about the need to respect ourselves in the process.
Offer: We all need help from time-to-time, but we need to offer it too, particularly at the end of an arduous year. 75% of teens in our community know where to go for that help, which means we have an awful lot of helpers out there. Whom do you trust when you need help? Who trusts you during times of need?
Welcome. When we welcome those who are different than we are, we support developmental assets, which provide kids with the ability to make good decisions. As we know, it takes a village to raise a child, but it’s including everyone in that village that supports the greatest growth for young people.
The opportunities to get involved with the Local Wellness Coalition are many. It begins with picking up a brochure, checking out the website, signing up to be on the mailing list, and perhaps volunteering. As with all models of support, it goes both ways. Assistant Program Coordinator Lynna Vo puts it best: “Supporting us. Supporting the community.”
Thanks to the Local Wellness Coalition, “yet” is just a little bit closer.