1. Introduce your chapter, including when your chapter was founded + the approximate number of members.

Hi! We are Active Minds at Virginia Commonwealth University. We have been supporting VCU students’ mental health and wellbeing since 2015, and have thirty members.

2. Tell us about your school and chapter.

Virginia Commonwealth University is a large university nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Our chapter takes a two-pronged approach to support the mental health and wellbeing of youth and young adults on campus and in the City of Richmond. We host educational events to reduce stigma around discussing mental health. In addition, we also plan self care and relaxation events to boost morale and introduce members to healthy coping tools.

3. Share something your chapter has done recently that you are proud of.

Last year, in partnership with our national team, we hosted the Send Silence Packing exhibit at Monroe Park in Richmond. Throughout the day, we had a lot of foot traffic, giving student volunteers the opportunity to facilitate discussions on suicide awareness and providing VCU students with local behavioral health resources.

4. Why is mental health important to your chapter and school?

Virginia Commonwealth University is heavily immersed into the Richmond community. The campus is incredibly diverse, and students from many walks of life call Virginia Commonwealth University their home. Mental health awareness and education can benefit a wide range of students and community members, as well as encourage the destigmatization of serious discussions about mental health.

5. How is your chapter making a difference on campus?

Our Active Minds chapter prides itself on providing mental health resources and support to all of our students on campus, as well as those in the surrounding community. We are passionate about giving our community a safe space to prioritize self care and talk about difficult topics. We host stress relief events, educational panels, events with a focus on advocacy, and more!

6. What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining or starting a chapter?

“Let your passion lead the way.” Being a part of an Active Minds chapter is an incredible experience that is rooted in deep passion and curiosity about mental health awareness. Involvement in Active Minds, whether on the executive board of a chapter or by attending events, has the potential to impact your peers and community in an undeniably positive way!

7. What is a mental health mantra your chapter lives by?

“I am surrounded by positivity and joy.” Our chapter is incredibly lucky to have six amazing executive board members and an incredible advisor seeking to cultivate intentional opportunities to support the mental health and wellbeing of students on campus and in the City of Richmond. We hope that through the work we do for our community, that we can surround ourselves and others with joy.