By Michelle Walker | Operations Manager
Over 676,000!
ReachOut has had a wonderful start to our year. In February alone, YOU helped us reach approximately 676,125 U.S. teens and young adults through ReachOut.com and social media sites* Of these, there were 16,522 young people listening and being listened to in our peer-supporter forums, getting hope, connection and validation of their resiliency.
*Numbers based on unique visitors to ReachOut.com, fans on Facebook, MeetMe.com, Instagram, Tumblr and, YouTube Subscribers and ReachOutinUSA Twitter and Tumblr followers.
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The value of listening:
Our ReachOut Speaker’s Bureau speaker and Peer Supporter, Daniel Caldera, spoke at the 7th Annual International Together Against Stigma: Each Mind Matters Conference held in San Francisco last week. In his account of his experience on the Youth Speaks panel, Daniel gives us some great insight into what is the best thing to do when a friend needs help:
“After the other youth and I presented our stories we were then asked follow up questions. A question that stood out to me was, “What do you say to a friend that is in need of help?” I remember immediately thinking, “I wouldn’t say anything, I’d listen.” Throughout my experience up to this point in life I’ve realized one thing, sometimes we just need someone to listen. We are bombarded with advice daily, whether it’s what to wear, what to eat, when to study, etc. Rarely however, do we have that chance to just “release” our innermost thoughts and have them be received by another.”
You can read more of Daniel’s account here: http://www.inspireusafoundation.org/events/youth-join-together-against-stigma/
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Youth testimonials in the ReachOut Forums in February:
“I really love you guys. No matter what I need you are always here. Thank you.”- Anonymous
“Thank you so much for making the step to come on here and talk to us about what’s going on. A lot of people really think that things like this will never happen to them and suddenly they feel alone in the dark place and need a hand in order to help them climb out. I want you to know that you are not alone and we are so so happy that you were able to have a friend who offered that hand to you.”– Peer Supporter
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Final thought:
"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand." -Karl A. Menniger
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Help us reach even more youth with your donation today! Thank you for listening!
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