084 - Special Session. Changing the Conversation – The Stigma of “Difference,” Connectedness, and the College Toolbox Project-CANCELLED

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Description

The College Toolbox Project (CTP) is the first effort of its kind to develop a systematic program aimed at making the college environment more open to “difference” and a “stigma free zone”. While The CTP combines the growing recognition of the widespread prevalence of mental health problems in society, and particularly among the college-aged population; sociological research on the power of “connectedness” to produce change; and the energy, talent, and open orientation of the Millennial generation; it has a number of unique features based on sociological principles. The CTP is designed as a social movement “by students, for students” (including the logo designed by students above); uses the concept of cohort replacement to generate population-level change; and recognizes that “difference” of many forms (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation) are deeply related to mental health issues, particularly the risk for college suicide. Thus, initiated by the powerful vision and support of Glenn Close and her non-profit organization, Bring Change 2 Mind (BC2M), a four-year research project was designed and led by a team of sociologists and others to develop a set of materials, pilot-test, and evaluate the efficacy of a four year college-based anti-stigma program that will subsequently be packaged and distributed for use by BC2M, free of charge, to colleges and universities, both nationally and world-wide.

Sub Unit

• Special Sessions

Session Organizer

• Bernice A. Pescosolido, Indiana University