If you are a person with a mental illness or one of the millions who care for someone who does, I recommend the first book from the National Alliance on Mental Illness…
One in five people in the United States has a mental health diagnosis. But even those without a diagnosis struggle, too—financial and housing insecurity, job or caregiver burnout, and workplace stress impact…
I’ve been writing since I was a little girl—writing is a key way I have of making sense of the world. After I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than fifteen years…
Travel is a privilege. Those who can explore the world without worries are fortunate. But they should unpack their privilege before they pack their bags. What is the privilege definition? Dr. Peggy McIntosh,…
You can support the environment: landscape for yourself and the Earth. Living a sustainable life means an outdoor perspective, too. In addition to a sustainable household and diet, you can also impact…
In this post, I review the best way you can make a difference for the plant. Eat a sustainable diet, lessen the impact of factory farming of animals, and help mitigate climate…
The month of July always leaves me musing about patriotism. In past years I’ve written several liberal patriot posts that explored how Democrats and Republicans view patriotism differently. My Liberal Patriot Posts…
We need more resources for African American mental health. Taraji P. Henson created resources to support them.
You can increase the number of vegan options in your hometown. How? With easy vegan activism. Why Reducing Meat Consumption is Important Reducing meat consumption has advantages for your health, animals, and…
As an editor, blogger, and co-author with Terri Lyon of the book Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism, I wondered how best to merge my profession and my many years as…
Learn how to use journaling for your mental health. Let me begin by telling you four things about me, all interconnected and relevant to this article. First, I am a long-time volunteer…
If you are on the last step of the five-step Activism Path, congratulations! (If you have not yet started, here is where to begin.) In the previous four steps of the Activism…
Have you ever stopped to think about the impact you're having on the world? Sometimes, we feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But we have the power to…
Activism in art? Yes! There are so many exciting and creative ways to make a difference in the world. So, take time to make the match between your passion, gifts, and the…
Clarifying your activism gifts means a better understanding of how you can use your talents in activism. And that means deeper engagement with your cause. But, sometimes, new activists come at their…
Activists need to focus their passion to be effective. So, when I’m talking with someone about social change, I often ask them about the cause closest to their heart. I can hear…
My shoes are caked with dirt. I’m sweaty and exhausted. But I have the biggest smile on my face. Why? Because it’s the time of year when I check my compost. And…
My yard is on a cul-de-sac, so we don’t get much foot traffic. But I often spot a pair of women walking down my street and stopping to examine my yard. One…
Establishing boundaries is key to better relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. But it took a boundaries book for me to realize how important it is for activists and volunteers to…
People ask the question, “Is self-care important?” Yes, but not just for your mental health. Let’s explore how you can take care of yourself and be a role model for others. In…
Note: I also have a 2022 version of this post. Do you have a vegan family member or friend that needs a gift? As a vegan, I can testify that people often…
It’s almost the holiday season, and perhaps someone you love is a hard-working changemaker. So you want the perfect activist gift. Let’s review the ways you can celebrate them for making the…
Young adult activist Kelsey Juliana is the lead plaintiff in the case of Juliana v. the United States. Kids from all over the country ask for their future to be protected from…
When is World Vegan Day? November 1 each year. Celebrated worldwide, the day focuses on a diet and lifestyle free from animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. And November is World…
My composting efforts include traditional methods such as compost bins, leaf mold, and brush piles. In addition, I use the less conventional methods of bokashi and vermicomposting.Vermicomposting is the official name for…
"Taking it one mind at a time: Two friends pen insightful guide on becoming mental health activists" by Melanie Tucker Trish and I were thrilled to be interviewed by The Daily Times…
What is Mental Illness Awareness Month? For the 51.5 million Americans diagnosed with a mental health disorder and the millions more of their family members, every month is a mental illness awareness…
We are thrilled to announce that our new book, Make a Difference With Mental Health Activism: No activism degree required—use your unique skills to change the world is now available. Where to…
Recording Available of NAMI Tennessee Facebook Live Show Gabe Howard interviewed Terri Lyon and Trish Lockard September 27 on his NAMI Tennessee Facebook Live show. Trish and Terri talked about their new book…
Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism If helping those with mental illness is your passion, there are so many places where you can make a difference with mental health activism. Consider…
Make a Plan, Get Started: Mental Health Activist Gabe Howard Encourages Action, Not Perfection Mental Health Activists in Action, Part 2: Gabe Howard Gabe Howard is a notorious whirlwind of activity. He’s…
Suicide Prevention at the Heart of Activist’s Memorial Efforts Mental Health Activists in Action, Part 1: Karyl Chastain Beal Karyl Chastain Beal would never have chosen this path of activism she has…
The Olympics Opens the Door to Much-needed Athlete Mental Health Conversation Many factors have set it apart and made it an Olympics like no other. For starters, the 2020 Games happened in…
My son gave me the best gift - a homemade harvest bag. Environmental activism is a passion of mine. One way I support the environment is by growing heirloom varieties in an…
A Beautiful Canary Signals That Climate Is a Monumental Issue Our climate is in crisis. We face rising temperatures because of greenhouse gas emissions, with the last decade being the hottest ever.…
In this post, learn how social movements tackle the most significant worldly problems and how you can be a part of making a difference for the cause closest to your heart and…
Most people enjoy getting out to enjoy nature's sounds, smells, and sights. But did you know science says being in nature changes our mood and health? How lovely, and it is free!…
How To Spark Joy in Your Activism Spark joy in your activism. Because if you are motivated by doing activism you love, you will make a difference for your cause over the…
The year 2020 will go down in history as a real dumpster fire. Illness, fear, isolation, job loss, business closures, and US death rates all reached unprecedented levels, save for the Great…
You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. - Dolly Parton It's time for everyone to make the world a better place. But I've heard many people say,…
People With Disabilities Are Epic Activists People with disabilities are among the fiercest activists around. And those of us without physical and mental disabilities might need to step up our game to…
Camp Jened, nicknamed "Crip Camp," was a crucible for the formation of disability activists. Located in the Catskills, Camp Jened supported a camp experience for people with disabilities from 1950 to 1977.…
Me, an Activist? What Is an Activist and Why Should I Be One? When I talk about my work supporting activists, people often comment, "I could never be an activist." Actually, that's…
How To Handle All the Problems in the World How to solve the problems of the world? Most people want to handle all the problems in the world. That's lovely. But meet…
Professional activists have activism skills, like strategic planning, leadership, and coalition building. But you can make change with the skills you already have. Jeff works for a construction company running fiber cable…
How To Change the World Even if Your Family Disapproves In one of my Liberal Patriot posts, I told the story of a woman who saw my Liberal Patriot T-Shirt and told…
Feeling powerless and scared to change things? Read what to do when you're afraid to be an activist and find what works for you.
"I Don't Have Time" How Busy People Can Change the World Jennifer sets aside 45 minutes to catch up with her best friend, Diane. Arriving out of breath at the coffee shop,…
I teach at Walden University, whose mission statement includes social change. Neat, right? All student work incorporates an element of social change, such as being a change agent in social work or…
NOTE: Also browse gift ideas at The Ultimate Guide To Thoughtful, Practical, and Unique Activism Gifts (from 2023) As we head into the holidays, you may be planning for holiday gift-giving. And…