SiM’s overarching vision is to foster a community that is sensitive, supportive, and empathetic to issues related to mental health. In particular, we aim to work towards this by adhering to the Students in Mind Staircase and its four overarching goals: 

 

1. To Promote and Disseminate Knowledge

 

By starting our conference off with Mental Health 101, we provide participants with a basic understanding of mental health and mental illness. In this, we also address the importance of intersectional and anti-oppressive approaches when discussing mental wellness as a reflection of the complexity of discourse.

 

2. To Continue the Conversation

 

Through our expert-led panel discussions, we aim to deepen and broaden participants understanding of how mental health intersects our everyday lives. This will lead to greater awareness, reduce stigma and overall, help normalize mental health dialogue.

 

3. To Provide Practical Tools and Resources

 

Our skill-based workshops aim to equip participants with the practical skills necessary to promote positive mental health, both individually and in their peers. Additionally, our mental health resource fair allows for participants to better navigate wellness resources at McGill and beyond as well as learn about how they themselves can also get involved in the mental health space.

 

4. To Empower Individuals and Unite Communities

 

By inviting keynote speakers and having collaborative sessions for our participants, SiM aims to address the r ole that shared experiences can have in facilitating mutual understanding. In doing so, we hope that SiM can act as a platform where individuals can find power in their own narratives and the inspiration to spread all that they have learned back in their respective communities.