NOVEMBER 2021

FORTitude teen workshops use evidence-led best practices in mindfulness and positive psychology to help teens develop a positive sense of identity and well-being. This four-week series will cover the four core constructs of the mind, body, emotions, and relationships. In order to fully benefit, it is recommended that participants complete all four workshops in a series. A fully refundable $40 deposit is requested, and there is limited capacity to ensure that participants to build meaningful connections with each other: register here!

In this virtual workshop, attendees will view the film “Angst: Raising Awareness around Anxiety,” which is focused on breaking the stigma around anxiety and encourages healthy conversations about mental health. Throughout the film, viewers will hear from students who discuss their experience with anxiety, how it impacted their lives, and how they found solutions and hope. Registration is required via this link and is limited to the first 100 participants. Those registered will receive a link and a resource guide on the morning of November 11. The link will remain live until 5pm on November 12.

The goal of World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and location. Together, we can make kindness the norm. To learn more and access free resources, visit the Random Acts of Kindness website.

The FORT is a place for teens to connect, make friends, be themselves without pressure, and participate in workshops that help them deal with the stresses of everyday life. This month you may select 2 out of 4 workshops (Restorative Yoga; Art Therapy; Equine Experience; Canine Experience). The November workshop will take place at Trillium Farm (18195 Lincoln Road, Purcellville, VA) from 1-4pm. The cost to participate is $25. Learn more and register here.

The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe. The diversity of our world's many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us all. Learn more here.

The Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition encourages middle and high school youth across the county to identify an issue in their school, neighborhood or community, create a plan to address that issue, and implement the plan. The goal is to encourage, support and reward the youth of Loudoun County for making positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others. Registration for the 2022 Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition is open until December 17. Visit the Loudoun Youth website to learn more and register.

FORTitude teen workshops use evidence-led best practices in mindfulness and positive psychology to help teens develop a positive sense of identity and well-being. This four-week series will focus on the power of the mind, body, emotions, and relationships. In order to fully benefit, it is recommended that participants complete all four workshops in a series. A fully refundable $40 deposit is requested, and there is limited capacity to ensure that participants to build meaningful connections with each other: register here!

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. On November 20, local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) chapters will host events for survivors to connect with each other. If you are a survivor of suicide loss, please consider attending the event at Brambleton Library, from 11am to 1pm: register here.