Positively Linked is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing, empowering, and transforming the lives of youth, their families, and individuals on Whidbey Island and beyond. Their mission revolves around prevention, intervention, education, and support in the areas of bullying, interpersonal violence, and mental health. This organization is driven by a set of core values that include love, compassion, kindness, gratitude, creativity, courage, and connection.
https://www.positivelylinked.org
Issues Addressed
Bullying: Positively Linked defines bullying as an aggressive and intentional form of behavior that creates an imbalance of power. They emphasize that bullying behaviors are preplanned, destructive, and persistent over extended periods, making it challenging for victims to defend themselves.
Trauma: Trauma, according to Positively Linked, results from exposure to emotionally disturbing or life-threatening incidents that have lasting adverse effects on an individual's physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. They highlight the significance of addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the potential long-term consequences of trauma.
Mental Health: Mental health is described as a fundamental aspect of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life's stresses, realize their abilities, learn effectively, contribute to their communities, and exercise their basic human rights. Positively Linked emphasizes the importance of mental health in personal, community, and socio-economic development.
Programs & Services
Positively Linked offers a range of programs and services designed to address these critical issues:
- The Connection Practice: This social-emotional learning program focuses on empathy, insight, resilience, and behavior change. It helps individuals strengthen their connections, develop empathy, and engage in more meaningful conversations.
- We RISE EmPOWERment Academy: This student leadership program emphasizes overcoming adversity, building connections, increasing self-worth, and nurturing inspired leaders.
- Active Parenting Classes: These courses cater to different age groups and aim to assist parents in raising responsible, cooperative children. They cover various topics, including parenting skills, substance abuse prevention, and co-parenting through separation or divorce.
- Circle of Trust Support Groups: These specialized groups provide support, healing, and empowerment for individuals dealing with various challenges, including bullying, relationship abuse, and mental health issues.
Events
Positively Linked organizes annual events to raise awareness and promote community involvement:
- Community Cares Mental Health Awareness Fair: Held every third Saturday in May, this fair showcases businesses and organizations offering resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Unity Day - National Bullying Prevention Awareness: Taking place third Wednesday in October, (October 14) this event encourages participants to wear orange and promotes kindness, unity, and inclusion. It includes a Unity Walk through downtown Oak Harbor.
Get Involved
Positively Linked welcomes volunteers, donations, and advocates to support their mission:
- Volunteer: They are seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals to assist in various roles, including social media management, parenting class support, program assistance, and event coordination.
- Donate: Contributions can be made through PayPal to help further the organization's efforts.
- Advocate: Positively Linked encourages individuals to help spread mindfulness, reflection, connection, and emotional health and safety to every child, classroom, educator, and family in the community.
In summary, Positively Linked is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact by addressing issues related to bullying, trauma, and mental health. Their comprehensive programs and services, along with community events, aim to create a healthier and more connected community for individuals and families in need.
