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Campaign highlights positive adult influences in local lives

The month-long campaign looks to share stories of adults who were positive influences in the lives of community members
20220502 resilient kids campaign
The Building Connections for Resilient Kids campaign features a series of animated videos, sharing local stories of adults who were positive influences.

A local organization is highlighting the importance of being a positive influence on the younger generation.

The Community Resilience Coalition of Guelph & Wellington, a group of 12 community organizations, has launched an online campaign as part of Mental Health Week.

The Building Connections for Resilient Kids campaign features animated videos of local community members, sharing stories of the adults who created that positive impact on their lives.

Caroline Folkman, the campaign coodinator, said the whole idea behind the campaign came from science.

"We know that both positive and negative experiences affect a person across their lifespan," Folkman said. "The more negative experiences, or adverse experiences, there's a higher risk of negative outcomes over time.

"But the one most important factor is a nurturing and supportive relationship with at least one caring adult. And this helps individuals to become resilient, even in the face of adversity, and to improve long-term outcomes."

Folkman said it is often the small things that leave a lasting impact, and the hope is to share as many messages as possible to emphasize and encourage adults to make genuine connections with children and youth.

One video has already been shared, and there are seven videos coming up.

However, Folkman said you can still submit your stories online, and the plan is to take those stories and create more content to post online.

You can submit your story at communityresilience.ca, or you can tag them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.


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Mark Pare

About the Author: Mark Pare

Originally from Timmins, ON, Mark is a longtime journalist and broadcaster, who has worked in several Ontario markets.
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