WE Day

View online at winnipegfreepress.com/publications Thursday, October 25, 2018 Winnipeg Free Press Special Feature By Craig and Marc Kielburger e stigma is slowly disappearing, and the public conversation about mental health is gaining traction. Last year, 85 per cent of Canadians in a Global News survey said they consider mental health to be as important as physical health. Half said they are more comfortable talking openly about their own mental well- being than they were two years before. With raised awareness comes a demand for more resources—tools to help each of us strengthen our own well-being and reach out to loved ones. at's where WE Well-being comes in. Here are five things you need to know about this new initiative. 1) It's in high demand. WE has been approached by countless teachers, parents and young people who've asked for help. e overwhelming majority of educators we surveyed—88 per cent—want to learn mental wellness basics, while 80 per cent want more info on self-care. So WE Well-being is now piloting in schools across the country, with a planned national roll-out in 2019. 2) It translates research into tangible action. WE Well-being offers a toolkit full of evidence-based curriculum resources that cover promotion and prevention, as well as ideas for individuals and groups to take action. ese resources and actions that teach and enhance self-care, such as: self-awareness, social and environmental awareness, mental health literacy, and digital well-being skills Leveraging our network of more than four million students, 16,000 schools and tens of thousands of educators, we'll give young people the foundation to become leaders in this space, promoting their own mental well- being and supporting the well- being of their classmates, families and communities. 3) It connects self-care to caring for the community Taking care of the world includes taking care of one's self. When we come from a place of positive personal care, we are better able to help others. And studies show that, when we help others, we help ourselves—lowering stress levels and increasing our own sense of well-being. It's all part of WE's greater mission to help people give back, and to make doing good, doable. A healthy world includes a healthy you. 4) Who's already involved? WE worked alongside top mental health professionals Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichel and Dr. Mark Sinyor, as well as other valuable contributors such as former Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo, award-winning television producer Maria Pedrini and Marna MacMillan, Safe Schools Coordinator in Coquitlam B.C. WE Well-being is made possible through the generous support of backers like the Erika Legacy Foundation and the Elkington Family, Hudson's Bay Company, Chartwells, Face of Today, WaterStone Foundation, and an anonymous donor. 5) How can I get involved? You can find resources and actions to implement in your daily life at the Well-being hub, which will be updated regularly with more tools to come: WE.org/wellbeing We're inviting you to join us on a path toward a happier, healthier and more caring Canada. This year marks the 11th anniversary of WE Day, and we've hit the ground running for our biggest and best season yet! WE Day is a powerful, life-changing experience with world- renowned speakers and performers coming together on stage to feel the power of making positive impacts. It's been an incredible kick-off to the fall season so far, with thousands of youth, educators, parents and families coming together to witness the power of doing good, amplified. See 2018-2019 tour dates below! Important WE Day Fall 2018 dates: ► WE Day Toronto – September 20, 2018 ► WE Day Family Toronto – September 20, 2018 ► WE Day UN – September 26, 2018 ► WE Day Alberta – October 12, 2018 ► WE Day Manitoba – October 30, 2018 ► WE Day Ottawa – November 14, 2018 ► WE Day Family Vancouver – November 21, 2018 ► WE Day Vancouver – November 22, 2018 Important WE Day Spring 2019 dates: ► WE Day Montreal EN – February 11, 2019 ► WE Day Montreal FR – February 12, 2019 ► WE Day UK – March 6, 2019 ► WE Day Texas – March 27, 2019 ► WE Day Community: St. Louis – April 3, 2019 ► WE Day Community: Baltimore – April 10, 2019 ► WE Day Community: Kentucky – April 16, 2019 ► WE Day Washington – April 18, 2019 ► WE Day California – April 25, 2019 ► WE Day Illinois – May 8, 2019 Tour schedule Learn more at WE.org/wellbeing Introducing An initiative developed with leading mental health professionals to provide tools and resources for youth, families and educators to help promote positive well-being. A special thank you to the Erika Legacy Foundation, our founding partner, for supporting WE Well-being. A very special thank you to the Erika Legacy Foundation, our founding partner, for supporting WE Well-being. Supporting Partners: Anonymous Donor thinking ahead giving back Five things you should know about WE Well-being

• Cover