TAMI Summit 2006

Now is the time for change… What does STIGMA look like in your school now? How is your school dealing with STIGMA? What will you do differently as an individual after being part of the summit today?

Has your school had the T.A.M.I. project in their classrooms? This is a great place to start. See about booking one for your school.

Welcome to the new… To build on the work of today’s Summit Assist students with their plans To reduce stigma.

Gather together interested people who can assist you with your plan to Stomp out Stigma. Start with those who attended the Summit and have them talk it up amongst their friends. You will also need the support of a school administrator and/or teacher who can act as your champion within the school. Step One:

Step Two: Call your first meeting. Send out notices, put it on the announcements and let everyone know where and when it is. How about inviting a member of the T.A.M.I. Coalition out to help you get started? Contact Whitby Mental Health Centre at ext or to be connected to a coalition representative. Don’t forget to take notes and let people know what it is they are expected to do. (See sample Meeting Notes) Plan the rest of your meetings dates and times now so that people can put it in their agendas.

Step Three: Spend some time making an action plan. Look at the activities that have been suggested, think up your own, be creative and have fun. (see blank Activity Page) Try and get people to be in charge of activities that really interest them. This may reinforce their commitment.

Fill in your calendar of activities remembering that the best way to make change is to do a broad range of activities over a longer period of time. (see Activity Calendar)

Move ahead with your action plans and host some activities. Don’t forget to talk about each activity once it is over so that people can express what they liked, didn’t like and what they would do differently next time. Step Four:

Don’t forget about the media… Do you have a promotion plan for each event. Develop a communication strategy that coincides with your event calendar. Be sure to work with school staff to ensure that you have the support of your school principal. press releases news articles public service announcements interviews photographing events

Don’t forget about the media… School board web site School newsletter School announcements School bulletin boards School radio station School board media dept. Local community newspapers Local business associations newsletters, websites Local mental health or youth agency websites, newsletters Local television stations Local radio stations Municipal recreation dept. websites Local libraries

Let’s make it happen… What do you think will work in your school? - brainstorm ideas What staff person do you think would help champion your cause?

“Be the change you want to see.” Ghandi