NAMI Massachusetts

Continuing with our Women’s History Month Spotlight Series, we are focusing on the Cambridge Women's Center! On International Women’s Day in 1971, a group of women marched from Boston Common to Central Square and occupied an under-utilized, Harvard-owned building, demanding affordable housing, childcare, and education. Their 10-day sit-in sparked feminist movements nationwide and led to a $5,000 donation—used as a down payment for the house where Cambridge Women’s Center still operates today! Today, the center provides drop-in support, emotional resources, workshops, and material and informational assistance for those facing homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, mental health challenges, substance use and more. Open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience, it continues to be a safe and empowering space for everyone. Check out their amazing work and programs at https://lnkd.in/euRsZG8c . Thank you to the Cambridge Women’s Center for all that you do for the community!

The United Nations declares March 20th International Day of Happiness. Happiness isn’t just a feeling – it’s a fundamental human goal. The UN calls for a world where well-being is a priority, emphasizing the need for inclusive and balanced growth that supports everyone’s happiness. Happiness starts with investing in mental health. Prioritizing mental well-being, seeking support, and fostering strong connections all play a role in living a fulfilling life. Let’s take a moment to celebrate happiness in all its forms. What’s one thing that brings you happiness?

One day left to register for NAMI Mass Virtual Advocacy Days! Once registered, we will set up virtual meetings with your state legislators on April 3rd, so you can share your story and advocate for stronger mental health policies in Massachusetts. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard! Register now at https://lnkd.in/eZHSp6u

We are excited to welcome back our sponsors for NAMIWalks 2025! Thank you to SBLI Life Insurance, Eliot Community Human Services, McClean Hospital, Association for Behavioral Healthcare, and Neurocrine Biosciences for your commitment to mental health for all! Big news! All registered walkers get 6 weeks FREE on YogaWorks! YogaWorks is an online yoga platform offering a variety of virtual yoga classes and programs designed to meet the needs of practitioners at all levels. Enjoy live-streamed, on-demand yoga lessons to support your mind and body. Stay tuned for your exclusive trial code closer to NAMIWalks! Interested in sponsoring? Email [email protected]

Join us next Tuesday, March 25th at 2 pm on Zoom, for “Sharing Our Stories”, a public presentation featuring two family members of individuals living with a mental health condition. They’ll share their experiences as caregivers and supporters, along with their personal journeys. To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/enrpeMQv Later in the day, we will be hosting, “In Our Own Voice”, a public presentation featuring two individuals living with a mental health condition. They’ll share their personal experiences and discuss their pathways to hope and healing. Join us at 6 pm on Zoom for this inspiring session. To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/e9FW5a58

Continuing with our Women’s History Month Spotlight Series, we are celebrating the amazing achievements of philosopher and psychologist, Mary Whiton Calkins! Born in 1863, Calkins pursued her PhD at Harvard, becoming the first woman to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in psychology. However, despite her academic excellence, Harvard refused to grant her the degree as they did not accept women at the time. A pioneering figure in early American psychology, Calkins founded the first psychological laboratory for women at Wellesley College, where she taught psychology and philosophy for 40 years. She broke barriers as the first female president of both the American Psychological Association and the American Philosophical Association and authored four books and over 100 scholarly papers. Beyond her contributions to psychology, Calkins was a committed suffragist and pacifist. She powerfully stated, "In a democratic country, governed as this is by the suffrage of its citizens, and given over as this is to the principle and practice of educating women, a distinction based on the difference of sex is artificial and illogical." Mary Whiton Calkins passed away in 1930 at age 66, leaving behind a lasting legacy. We honor and thank her for paving the way for future generations!

Great news! We've extended registration for NAMI Mass Virtual Advocacy Day to make sure more people can join us in advocating for mental health legislative change. The new registration deadline is Friday, March 21st! We'll arrange meetings with your legislators, giving you the opportunity to share your story and make a real impact. Don't miss out—register now at namimass.org/advocacy-day/ to be part of the movement!

Get excited, NAMIWalks swag has arrived! Any individual who raises $100 or more will be able to pick up a complimentary shirt on Walk Day. Those who raise $250 or more will get their pick of NAMIWalks prizes. This year's prizes include a cozy blanket, a portable blender, JBL headphones and more! These items will not be available to pick up on the Walk Day. You will receive an email after the event asking for your prize selection and best mailing address. We can’t wait to see everyone on May 17th!

March is National Criminal Justice Month, and we're highlighting the importance of co-response programs in mental health crisis intervention. Co-response programs bring together law enforcement and mental health clinicians to provide on-scene assessment, de-escalation, and support. These teams ensure individuals receive the follow-up care and services they need, leading to safer, more effective crisis response. A compassionate approach to justice starts with the right support.

Interested in making a difference in mental health advocacy? Join us for NAMI Mass Advocacy Day, where we’ll set up meetings with your state legislators so you can share your story and push for legislative change. ?? Make your voice heard. ?? Turn your experience into action. ?? Help shape mental health policy. Learn more & register: namimass.org/advocacy-day/ Registration closes on March 14th.