Body of News Release
NOVATO, CA – The Equity in Mental Health Symposium, scheduled for October 16-17 in Novato, will help participants connect with ancestral wisdom, the power of nature, culturally responsive pedagogy, healing, and mental health to foster a community rooted in equity.
The symposium is open to the public and is designed for professionals in education, mental health, mentoring, behavioral health and recovery, psychology, art, integrative medicine, restorative justice, social and youth services, and local government.
The County of Marin Office of Equity and Marin Behavioral Health & Recovery Services are partnering with the event hosts, College of Marin (COM) Psychological Services and the Umoja Equity Institute, on this third annual symposium. This collaboration is an outgrowth of the implementation of the County’s Race Equity Action Plan, which prioritizes mental health as a key pillar of community well-being.
The event is scheduled for 9 AM to 3:30 PM both days at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center at the college’s Indian Valley Campus, 1800 Ignacio Boulevard, in Novato. The two-day registration is free for the general public by selecting the “complimentary community ticket” option. See details on the event website.
Symposium planners created a program to engage all members of the community, from those working in classrooms to local government. It is designed to immerse participants fully, ensuring that each attendee leaves with the tools to integrate equity into their respective fields.
“The aim is to lead with an equity lens and ensure broad representation so that participants see themselves reflected in the talks, dialogues, and individuals featured in the program,” said Behavioral Sciences Instructor and Umoja Equity Institute Program Developer Yashica Crawford. "This symposium offers an opportunity to gain insights that will resonate with professionals from various fields."
Featuring a diverse group of mental health leaders, participants will engage in resource sharing, community building, roundtable discussions, and hands-on activities, learning new ways to heal and support communities.
“If you're an educator dedicated to reaching all students, this symposium will offer fresh perspectives.” said Fine and Visual Arts Instructor and past attendee Craig Cross. “If you're a scientist seeking truth, it will provide new ways of understanding. If you're a creative, it will inspire. And if you're a human being with a heart, it may move you to tears while filling you with joy.”
“Come with an open mind and heart,” Crawford added. “Be ready to learn and enhance what you already know, and be prepared to meet new people. This is an event you won’t want to miss!”