Social Justice Warriors

Joyful Resistance

Joyful resistance is a form of activism that emphasizes empowerment, hope, and community. The idea of Joyful Resistance is that joy can challenge oppressive structures and systems that thrive on fear and control. Being joyful in itself is an act of resistance; as Audre Lorde said, joy gives us the "energy for change." Taking the time to recharge, rejoice, and focus on action as a community, we can help the causes that matter most to us. Below are some ideas we have on ways you can seek and maintain joy while advocating and striving for a more just and inclusive world.

War and Peace

In a world where news is directly sent to social media and apps we may see as an 'escape', it's easy to become overwhelmed by the weight of everything happening online and around us. Finding balance is essential, especially in staying informed while also taking care of ourselves and our mental health. It�s important to come up with a plan for ways to establish and check in on that balance, including but not limited to:

• Seek credible news sources� whether that be via television, newspaper/article, or journalism pages on social media.
• Be discerning about the messages being put forth by considering the source, the viewpoint and if it�s skewed sharply, if other offerings provide balanced and nuanced thoughts, and if facts or statistics are put forth if they are verifiable. 
• Set screen time and social media limits for yourself.  

Finding Community Through Social Justice

Creating meaningful connections with people who share your values can be a powerful way to build a community and unity. When we intentionally seek out organizations, events, and communities that align with our beliefs, we amplify our collective strength. Social justice work is deeply rooted in the power of solidarity, and finding others who share your vision can be an uplifting experience.
Ways to find community:

• Check out one of the many clubs and organizations on campus!
• Seek out opportunities to support community care initiatives on campus, such as initiatives through CCSJ, the Mental Health Task Force, etc.
• Support local stores, businesses, and organizations who promote and align with values and principles you embody and advocate. This can (and should) include libraries, soup/feeding kitchens, volunteer organizations and events!
• Attend community sponsored events with the focus on empowering and supporting social movements. There are many free events highlighted in Baltimore through local bookstores and museums, libraries, and city leadership sponsored spaces!

Joyful resistance isn�t turning a blind eye to the issues happening in the world; it's about choosing to engage in ways that align with your values and help you find your own peace. By deciding where to invest your time, money, and energy, a power is created, one that builds a community on love, rest, and respect for others based on your own beliefs. 

Join The Green Bandana Brigade!

Have you seen green bandanas on students' backpacks around campus? 

What is the Green Bandana Brigade?

The Green Bandana Brigade�s goal is to spread awareness of campus, local, and national resources for students coping with mental health concerns. An individual with a green bandana on their backpack or in their office is identified as a safe, nonjudgmental person to approach with mental health-related difficulties. They know about available resources, and they can provide resource cards to assist others in getting help and support. None of us has to be alone in our struggles.

How do I join?

In order to earn a green bandana and become an advocate for mental health, one must complete a Vector online mental health training. At the end of the training, the participant will be presented with a certification of completion. Bring the certificate to the Counseling Center to receive your green bandana, set of resource cards, and you will be added to the GBB Bridge page!
Learn more about the Green Bandana Brigade online!

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Campus Partner Highlight

Bennie Williams, Residence Life and Housing

Bennie Williams comes to Loyola University Maryland from Canisius University in Buffalo, NY where he served as Associate Dean of Students. In this role, he served as Director of the ALANA Student Center and oversaw the Center for International Education. He also served as Director of the Urban Leadership Learning Community, a scholarship program for underrepresented students from the Buffalo area. Prior to Canisius, he worked at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY where he served in a number of roles in the division of Student Development such as Area Director, Director of Multicultural Affairs, and Director of Inclusive Excellence and Global Education.

1. What is your favorite part of working for Residence Life and Housing?

I enjoy the opportunity to find creative ways for students to meet others and learn new things and gain new perspectives by living in a residential community. Residence Life is not just about providing living spaces for students. It also includes providing opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.
2. What is something students should know about Residence Life and Housing? Students have the ability to help cultivate their experience living in the residence halls. They can provide feedback to their RAs and the Residence Life and Housing professionals so that we can adjust our operations so that we can appropriately meet their needs and desires. I am excited to begin the process of creating a residential curriculum that will allow us to be more intentional about our interactions with residents.
3. What is your favorite way to relieve stress/unwind after a long day? I love to be able to just lay in bed or on the couch and watch TV. I enjoy shows like the One Chicago (Med, Fire, PD), Law & Order SVU, Grey�s Anatomy)
4. Who or what inspires you? My nieces and nephews inspire me. I want them to be able to know that they can achieve their heart�s desires. They inspire me to set a positive example for them and to be able to support their dreams and aspirations.
5. What does your dream vacation look like? My dream vacation is anywhere that has a beach. Although, I don�t know how to swim, I love being in the water.
6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to stop time. I often find myself wanting to do and accomplish so much but I don�t have the time to. To be able to stop time or go back and forth would allow me to be able to participate in a variety of different things.
7. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? People might be surprised that I enjoy bowling. 

Community Partner Highlight: Loyola Clinical Centers

The Loyola Clinical Centers provide clinical education to graduate students in psychology/behavioral health, speech-language pathology, audiology, and literacy. They train students in effective practices to deliver evidence-based assessment and intervention services to individuals and families of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. The main mission of the Loyola Clinical Centers is to offer care to the citizens of Baltimore City, regardless of financial resources. The clinical center is located in Belvedere Square, where anyone is welcome, of any cultural or financial background.

Phone Number: 410-617-1200
Email: theclinics@loyola.edu
 

Groups Spotlight

Healing Together: A STAIR-Well Group

Healing Together: STAIR-Well Group is an educational group for students who have experienced some type of trauma.

How does it help?

The goal of Healing Together is to educate members about trauma, practice grounding and mindfulness techniques to help manage symptoms, increase coping skills and resilience, reduce and heal feelings of shame and anger, and offer an environment which is safe and supportive to help with healing. This group uses an evidenced based approach to learning how to manage emotions and improve relationships after experiencing trauma.

When is it?

Healing Together will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 1pm starting March 12th with co-facilitators Kourtney Bennett and Whitney Hobson. If you are interested in joining, please call us at 410-617-2273, or email our groups coordinator, Julie Phillips, at japhillips1@loyola.edu.

The Book Nook

A list of podcasts, books, and any other media that relates to mental health!

Podcasts:

Meditation Minis Podcast

Getting Better: Stories of Mental Health

Therapy for Black Girls Podcast

The Happiness Lab Podcast

Books:

The College Wellness Guide: A Student's Guide to Managing Mental, Physical, and Social Health on Campus

Let Them Theory - by Mel Robbins

Zoe's Corner

Hi! My name is Zoe, and I am the current work-study student at the Counseling Center! I wanted to share a few things that calm me down when stressed�and a playlist I use to relax! When I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed, one of my favorite pastimes is talking to my roommates and friends around campus. Whether we are getting dinner or just sitting in our dorm, it always helps get my mind off of things! Watching comfort shows/movies is also something that helps calm me down, and playing Animal Crossing! Here is a playlist with songs I like to listen to when I want to relax, and just like in general! 

Events