Saturday, July 12, 6:30-11pm, 1710 Dorsetshire Rd.

Let’s get together in person for a Salon at Pat Marida’s house!

This event is free and open to the public. Some refreshments will be provided; potluck dishes are welcome; BYOB; bring a lawn chair.

Our speaker Chikako will speak on “Project 2025 and Managing Socio-Political Stress: Community and Personal Empowerment.”

Data from the American Psychological Association to understand the impact of sociopolitical stress on mental and physical health will be presented. The data and ongoing study groups provide practical tools to build resilience and restore balance.

The following discussion will focus on the participants to (1.) identify their personal stress triggers, set boundaries with political information, and to (2.) engage in respectful dialogue during politically charged situations.

If time allows (1.) the importance of preparedness, e.g., reading Project 2025 (may explain the neuroscience benefits) and (2.) evidence-based self-care strategies will be introduced to help mitigate the compounding psychological and physical effects of sociopolitical stress. This session fosters empowerment through health coping mechanisms and meaningful and choiceful action, ensuring well-being in the face of political uncertainty . . . so that we can all continue to fight for freedom and democracy!

Chikako is a lifelong activist from Japan. She has been participating in protests and marching, and publicly lecturing on civil rights, immigration, GLBTQI, DEI, and sexual assaults / human trafficking. After having completed her doctorate at The Ohio State University, she has been providing mental health care, GLBTQI affirmative care, and Pro Bono care to low-income individuals and activists. Before the COVID pandemic, she had been traveling all over the world as a trauma specialist for MSF: Doctors Without Borders. Since the pandemic, Chikako has been actively taking referrals from the Blackline Care to provide mental health services for artists / performers / musicians / and backstage technicians, in addition to reaching out to food services / restauranters.

Hosted by The Columbus Free Press.