RAGMHI Fact Sheet

Rotarian Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives

The purpose of the group is to advance the Object of Rotary by providing assistance and support to Rotary, Rotaract and Interact members at all levels (individual, club, district, and multi-district) in planning and implementing large scale community development projects that will improve mental health and wellness in the community.  We will work to underline the Rotary values of service, diversity, fellowship, integrity, and leadership and help all the citizens we serve in our communities to positively balance their lives and to care for those who need our help and support.  We believe that the mental health initiatives in our communities can improve lives through different social, physical, economic, and behavioral programs we develop to build strong societies internationally.  Above all, we are a resource group to Rotarians on issues of mental health.
 

Membership:

As of November 1, 2015, the Rotarian Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI) reported 35 members in 6 countries; we have increased each year.  We are seeking new members who are particularly interested in taking action on mental health issues in their local communities and being in fellowship with other Rotarians who have the same concerns.  Our membership is open to all active members of Rotary Clubs (Rotarian/Rotaract/Interact) in good standing, family members of Rotarians, and Rotary Alumni.  Our Board meets monthly and our group meets regularly to exchange ideas and take action.
Annual Membership Dues:  US$25
Annual Club Membership Dues: US$100
 

 International Service Projects and Activities

  1. As an example, in Canada, the Canadian members of the RAG on Mental Health Initiatives have concentrated on assisting clubs through a partnership with Partners on Mental Health to work on programs to educate adults in local communities on being aware of the warning signs of teen suicide and by following activities that use a ‘Right by You’ toolkit.  Check our website for other proposed projects and current ones for ideas on how your Club/District can participate.
  2. Globally, we encourage other members to work with their respective community partners to increase awareness of the problems that they face with regard to their citizens’ mental health, particularly adolescents.  Our Interact/Rotaract Peer Leadership & Depression Prevention Program is now in the USA, including Puerto Rico; India and Nigeria. There is a related toolkit - Wellness in a Box - for anyone interested in replicating the program.
  3. For active membership and new members who join, we suggest:
  • Paying attention to their own mental health and well-being
  • Encouraging active Rotarians in good standing, family members and Rotary program participants and alumni to be active members in RAGMHI
  • Supporting a loved one/friend/co-worker with mental health issues and illness
  • Contacting local elected officials to help influence the goals of the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 in order to influence mental health policy in their clubs and community
  • Volunteering their time to support the Rotarian Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives and support its program
  • Donating and Fundraising for our Action Group and the mental health cause
  • Contributing to interacting with the Rotary membership in their community to develop worldwide mental health initiatives, and informing others of their contributions through our RAGMHI Newsletter
 

Contact Information:

Chair:  Bonnie Black, bonblack@yahoo.com
Membership Chair:  Position open - volunteer!