I hope you’ll join me in taking a deep breath together. Recent events, including the U.S. election have brought about a range of emotions, adding to feelings young people have experienced for some time about what lies ahead for our future. Please know that whatever you’re feeling is valid, and it’s okay to sit with those feelings. I, too, have felt a range of emotions these past few weeks. In difficult moments, I’ve found comfort in practicing gratitude and surrounding myself with community – which includes you. I’m so glad you’re here.
To the young people at the heart of our movement: thank you. Our team and I are inspired by your resilience and aspiration, especially in challenging times. You give us hope every single day, and today is no different. While the future may feel uncertain, our mission remains as important and steadfast as ever. We know young people from historically oppressed communities are already facing greater challenges, with great potential for those challenges to grow in the years ahead. But what moves me is the knowledge that we can take action for ourselves and our communities. Born This Way Foundation understands our important role and is deeply committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all young people. We are here for you, and we’re as dedicated as ever to working alongside you.
We stand firm in our approach, as we have done from the very beginning. We will continue to listen to and follow the leadership of young people to ensure our programming genuinely reflects your input, priorities, and lived experiences. In the coming year, we will gain a deeper understanding of your unique experiences through broadened research, meet your unmet needs through expanded grantmaking to organizations around the world that support youth mental health, and equip you with the skills and tools to be there for yourselves and each other. Finally, we’ll call on our global kind community of partner organizations and individuals to consider how we can further cultivate communities that foster kindness and inclusivity.
As we navigate the future breath by breath, we must remember to show up for ourselves and each other with kindness. We know from research that small acts of kindness will go a long way to support our collective mental health. So, first, check in with yourself. Make sure your cup is full and you’ve taken time to do what you need to do to support your mental health. Then, check in on one another. Even a quick text to a friend to see how they’re doing is an act of kindness that can go a long way. There are a variety of resources available to help you practice the skills to be there for yourself and one another on our website.
It will take all of us working together to continue building the kinder, braver world we know is possible, but we’ve got this. In the times you feel like you don’t, we’ll be here to support you. You are not alone. I, and our team at Born This Way Foundation, are here to connect you to the community and resources you need to support yourself during this time.
Always remember that you are so, so very loved.
