The need. Of all the things we are taught how to do in this life, we aren't given much training or strategies for mental health. Those old adages of "stiff upper lip" or "when the goin' gets tough the tough get going" only teach us to push on but not understand nor control. No one really teaches what to do when we're feeling down or overwhelmed. As a result people have anxiety, fears, or anger. People may be unproductive at work, unhappy in life, and self-defeating or destructive. Idaho needs a better talent base for the recovering and expanding economy.
Based on Rotarian Heather Murray's book, Think Get a Grip and principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, the professional skills of the Pocatello Centennial Rotary Club team will develop a workbook, lesson plans and facilitated instructional delivery to help young employees and their supervisors. The learning will promote self-awareness and emotional intelligence by teaching participants to "read" their emotions and distinguish healthy from unhealthy feelings along with helping understand how distorted perceptions and thoughts contribute to painful feelings. Workbook lessons can be on: voices in our heads, negativity, limiting beliefs, judgment, self worth, and habits all of which lead to having better grips on life.
Participants would be young employees and their supervisors with first invited to be Rotaract members, then ISU and SD-25
Pocatello Centennial Rotary team: Coordinator Larry Gebhardt, Ph.D.; Heather Murray master teacher/life coach; Terry Fredrickson, licensed counselor; Tami Moore former Salvation Army leader now Aid for Friends shelter director. Tonya Wilkes, SD25 Director of Student Services will be informal liaison. Idaho State University counseling and social work departments will assist. Project approved in club assembly vote May 4, 2020.
On completion, evaluation and reporting. If project is successful as expected than a separate expansion for 2-3 year implementation can be designed funded by Idaho Workforce Development grant and possible COVID-19 additional stimulus funding.
Funds Uses:
Workbook printing/binders $195
Get a Grip books $270
CBT Skills Workbook $160
Completion Stipend for 10 participant employees & supervisors $25 each $500
Coordination hospitality - space, snacks etc. $400
ISU counseling & social work grad student participant coaching stipends $400
|