Action Plan Title: Mental Health Education as K-12 Core Curriculum

Emi S.

Hometown/Country: Culver City, California

Program/Year: Leadership Institute On-Campus, 2022

What Steps and efforts have you taken so far to advance your project.

I wrote Resolution #37, which was passed by the school board on May 24, 2023. This Resolution commits Culver City Unified School District to develop and implement a pilot project for K-12 Compulsory and Comprehensive Mental Health Education in the Fall of 2024. I lead a curriculum committee which convenes with mental health professionals, advisors, and district administrators.

What new insight or learning do you have about this issue?

I have learned that part of the reason why it is difficult to implement this curriculum is due to the stigma surrounding mental illness and the lack of education surrounding the difference between "mental health" and "mental illness." Mental health, like physical health, is something that we all have and must learn to understand and take care of.

How have others been involved in your project? If you did work with other people, what are the challenges and benefits of working with others? If you've done this project almost entirely on your own, why? 

When I presented Resolution #37 to the school board, I recruited four other students. I assisted them in writing speeches in order to articulate the need for this curriculum. They assisted me in presenting our plan to Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes where we garnered over 200 signatures. I am currently training a junior to be the student liaison in our curriculum committee when I graduate.

What tips and advice would you give to new students as they think about developing and working on their own Action Plans?

Stay with it. There will be moments when you think that you are at a standstill, but there will also be moments when you believe you are moving mountains. Keep going. Never cease in your resolve to change the world around you. 2. Believe in your mission, but don't forget to believe in yourself. It doesn't matter if no one else believes in your vision, so long as you, yourself, do. However, this doesn't mean ignore constructive criticism. Always take into consideration what your advisors suggest — with a grain of salt. 3. Surround yourself with people you trust. They will stand by you when you can no longer stand on your own. There will be moments when you feel as if you are completely and utterly alone. In those moments, your team is your greatest strength.

Read Emi's resolution here.