NOVATO, CA – College of Marin (COM) Psychological Services and the Umoja Equity Institute are excited to host the third annual Equity in Mental Health Symposium in partnership with the County of Marin Office of Equity and the County of Marin Behavioral Health & Recovery Services on October 16 and 17 at the Indian Valley Campus. This two-day event continues last year’s focus on connecting with ancestral wisdom, the power of nature, culturally responsive pedagogy, healing, and mental health to foster a community rooted in equity.
Symposium planners have been intentional to create a program that will 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. 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,” said Fine and Visual Arts Instructor and past attendee Craig Cross.
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.
“Come with an open mind and heart. Be ready to learn and enhance what you already know, and be prepared to meet new people,” added Crawford. “This is an event you won’t want to miss!”
Equity in Mental Health Symposium
October 16 and 17
9 am - 3:30 pm
Bill and Adele Jonas Center
Indian Valley Campus
1800 Ignacio Blvd., Novato, California
Find out more and register at https://www.equityinmentalhealth.net
