United We Stand

When We Are All Engaged: Promoting Media Literacy and Mental Health

Overview

In today’s world, media is omnipresent – permeating our lives through television, radio, the internet, and social platforms. Its influence is undeniable, shaping our cultural and personal realities, reinforcing or challenging stereotypes, and making the private available for public consumption. Media, especially social media, has the power to create connections, impact our emotions, or sow hatred within communities. Perhaps due to its accessibility, individuals and communities often consume media content uncritically, sometimes leading to positive change, but at other times, with alarming consequences.

Maryland Humanities is creating a space to delve into the nuances of how people interact with various forms of media, from traditional outlets to emerging digital platforms. Additionally, we want to explore its influence on our bodies and mental health. We are convening a two-day event: a virtual session on Tuesday, July 16, via the Qiqo Chat platform, followed by an in-person gathering on Wednesday, July 17, at the Newton White Mansion.

Our Goals

Maryland Humanities aims to examine the multifaceted ways in which media shapes our perceptions, influences our emotions, and potentially affects our mental health. We want to equip our attendees with tools to assess information in everyday contexts. We also want to expose them to self-care strategies to promote our collective well-being. By weaving together these goals, we strive to empower individuals to forge a more mindful relationship with media, ultimately promoting their overall well-being in an increasingly media-saturated world.

Audiences

The When We Are All Engaged: Promoting Mental Health & Media Literacy summit caters to diverse audiences, encompassing individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines who share a common interest in media literacy and mental health. The carefully curated panels and workshops will prove invaluable for mental health professionals, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, K-12 educators, grassroots community groups, media organizations, activists, libraries, and government agencies. Each session will offer unique insights, practical strategies, and thought-provoking discussions tailored to the specific needs and interests of our diverse stakeholders.

Summit Description

At the heart of the When We Are All Engaged: Media and Mental Health summit lies a comprehensive three-pronged approach designed to foster a multifaceted experience. The Learn component encompasses thought-provoking panels and insightful keynote addresses, providing attendees with a solid foundation of knowledge and perspectives on the interplay between media and mental well-being.
Building upon this foundation, the Apply segment offers immersive workshops that equip participants with practical tools. Through these hands-on sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to acquire actionable skills and strategies.

Woven throughout the summit is the Act component, which seeks to provide networking opportunities that will allow participants to forge valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations within their communities.

Registration 

We are thrilled to have you join us for this exciting summit. Our event has been thoughtfully designed to offer a “pick your own adventure” experience, allowing you to customize your participation based on your preferences and availability. You have the option to immerse yourself in the full two-day program or selectively attend the day that best suits your schedule. Regardless of your chosen path, your presence will contribute to the success of this summit. 

Our Schedule 

Tuesday, July 16: Virtual (Qiqo Chat)

9:00 am: Interactive activities 

  • Activity 1: Networking session 
    • Description: At our summit’s networking session, a skilled facilitator will use targeted prompts to encourage meaningful interactions among attendees.
  • Activity 2: Understanding Trauma, its Impact on Our Behaviors, and Steps to Overcome it by Atousa Raissyan 
    • Description: In this workshop, participants will explore the impact of childhood and generational trauma on their social identities and self-perception into adulthood. The session will examine how these formed identities influence behavioral patterns and emotional triggers, affecting daily interactions and self-image. Our facilitator will offer strategies for recognizing these trauma-induced identities and provide guidance on transitioning from fear-based living towards a more fulfilling life grounded in love and joy. Note: This session will only last 30 minutes.
  • Tech support circles

10:00 -11:00 am: Summit day 1 Kick-off and grounding circle

  • Welcoming remarks: Lindsey Baker, Maryland Humanities CEO
  • Grounding circle by Jessica David, Loyola University
    • Description: The grounding circle serves as an introductory session on mental health fundamentals, accessible to all participants. This session will explore a broad spectrum of mental health topics, providing a comprehensive overview for attendees of all experience levels.

11:15 am -12:15 pm:  Keynote with Lydia Forson, Ghanaian actress, writer, and producer.

12: 15 – 1:15 pm: Break 

1:15 pm – 2:15: Panels

  • What We See: Decoding Narratives: Strategies for Informed Media Consumption
    • Description: This panel brings together experts from journalism and education to explore practical strategies for discerning credible information in today’s complex media landscape. Panelists will share insights on fact-checking methods, identifying bias, and fostering critical thinking skills. This session aims to equip attendees with tools to navigate the flow of information and make informed decisions in both personal and professional contexts.
    • Moderator: Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, Maryland Humanities Board Member and Dean of the University of Maryland Baltimore County College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, professor of Language, Literacy & Culture and affiliate professor of Africana Studies
      • Panelist 1: Dr. Rebekah Cordova, Executive Director of ALL Y’ALL 
      • Panelist 2: Dr. Stephanie Flores-Kolish, Loyola University Program Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice 
      • Panelist 3:  Mariam Spalding, Maryland State Department of Education Coordinator of Correctional Education Programs 
      • Panelist 4: Lisa Snowden, Founder and Editor of the Baltimore Beat 
  • What We Hear: Feeling the Frequencies: Navigating Our Emotions and Mental Health Providers (Spanish Interpretation provided)
    • Description:  This panel brings together psychologists, mental health advocates, and providers to explore the complex landscape of emotional well-being and professional support. Panelists will discuss their lived experiences and strategies for understanding and managing our emotions, discuss the evolving field of mental health care, and address the challenges of finding and engaging with appropriate mental health resources. Attendees will gain insights into recognizing emotional patterns, overcoming stigma, and effectively navigating the mental health care system.
    • Moderator: Dr. Brian Casemore, Maryland Humanities Board Member and Associate Professor of Curriculum and Pedagogy (Humanities), George Washington University.
      • Panelist 1: Monica Guerrero Vazquez, John Hopkins Centro Sol
      • Panelist 2: Egette Indelele, Safe Haven Space 
      • Panelist 3: Dr. Ermion Pierre, Founder of the Essentia Center for Integrative Health 
      • Panelist 4: Sheetal SIledar-Lee, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • What We Say: Pulling Back the Curtain: Media’s Power in Crafting Our Shared Experiences 
    • Description: This panel explores the influence of media on our collective narratives and individual perceptions. This panel brings together individuals in different forms of media (news, entertainment, social platforms, and podcasts) to dissect how various forms of media shape our understanding of the world, influence public opinion, and construct shared cultural experiences. Attendees will gain insights into the mechanisms of media influence and discover tools for more conscious media consumption.
    • Moderator: Chanel Compton, Maryland Humanities Board Member and Executive Director for the Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM) and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC)
      • Panelist 1: Dudley Alexis, Independent Filmmaker and Visual Artist 
      • Panelist 2: Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Diné, IndiJ Public Media
      • Panelist 3: Delonte Harrod, Intersection Magazine (Magazine) 
      • Panelist 4: Ali Tarokh, RStories
  • What We Share: Understanding Algorithms and Content Dissemination (Spanish Interpretation provided) 
    • Description: This panel looks at the relationship between algorithms and the spread of information in today’s digital landscape. Panelists will discuss the complex mechanisms that shape online content distribution. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how algorithms influence the information we consume.
    • Moderator: Claudia Allen, Director of Advancement, MH
      • Panelist 1: Dr. Mizuko Ito, University of California, Irvine
      • Panelist 2: Ashley K. Jolicoeur, CNET Assistant Platforms Manager 
      • Panelist 3: Janna Parker, Executive Director of PG Changemakers 
      • Panelist 4: Dr. Erica  Scharrer, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Workshops 

  • What We See: Cultivating a Creative Routine for Emotional Care by Soraya Jean Louis 
    • Description: In this virtual playshop, we’ll be guided to explore our relationships to cultivating mindful, compassionate and exploratory creative practices. We will utilize Black Feminist Futuristic text/material, our nuanced memories, imaginations and lived experiences -to create and/or apply to our unique personal mixed media art projects. You will need: Writing and coloring tools, journal/sketchbook, magazines, scissors and glue. These are recommended but not all necessary for participation. 
  • What We Hear: Experience the Transformative Power of Reiki Healing Energy by Blaire Caplan (Lonewolf District)
    • Description: Blaire Caplan will lead a reiki healing session, utilizing energy flow techniques to promote relaxation. This increasingly popular practice offers attendees an opportunity to relax into their bodies and a potential new addition to their daily wellness routines.
  • What We Say: Writing Our Wellness by Cecilia Caballero 
    • Description: In this workshop, Dr. Cecilia Caballero will guide participants through a guided meditation, interactive group dialogue, and reflective writing exercises. Drawing upon women of color feminist poems and writings, participants can expect to walk away healing tools and resources on the intersections of mothering and mental health and storytelling as a healing art. Participants will also have the opportunity to create a collective poem. (No previous writing experience is required.)
  • What We Share: Our Daily Habits: Delving Into the Intricate Connections Between Food, Social Media, and Mental Health by Michelle Petties 
    • Description:  Is it possible social media shapes your eating habits more than you realize? How much does influencer endorsement affect your food choices? What about taste? Nutrition? Aroma? Appearance? Join Michelle Petties, author of Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict, for a 90-minute workshop exploring these questions. Through engaging discussions and activities, we’ll delve into the powerful influence of social media on our diets and mental health. Participants will monitor their social media usage and its effects on their eating habits, gaining insights and strategies for healthier choices. Discover how to reclaim control over your eating habits and make informed decisions that nurture your body and mind. Join us for a transformative experience connecting what we see, crave, and feel.

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm: Interactive Activities 

  • Activity 1: Networking Session 
    • Description: At our summit’s networking session, a skilled facilitator will use targeted prompts to encourage meaningful interactions among attendees.
  • Activity 2: Empowering Young Minds: The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health by Charise Liggins-Walker 
    • Description: Social media and other online platforms have sparked intense debates regarding their impact on teen mental health. Families and government officials alike are engaged in discussions about appropriate social media use for teens. Given that young people are most affected by these platforms, it is crucial for them to actively participate in shaping their online experiences in a healthy way. This is an interactive workshop where teens take the lead in discussing the role of social media in their lives. They will explore the mental health challenges they encounter on these platforms and collaborate on developing solutions for fostering a healthier relationship with social media platforms.
      • Alejandra Balcázar will present Charise Liggins-Walker
      • This session is designed for Gen Z audiences.
  • Activity 3: Reflecting on our day (MHD team)
    • Description: This reflective session aims to help attendees reflect on their summit  experience. 

4:45 pm – 5:00 pm: Summit Day 1 Closing 

Wednesday, July 17: Newton White Mansion (in-person) 

9:30 am: Registration and Breakfast 

10:45 am -11:30 am: Welcoming remarks + Physical Engagement

  • What We See: Attendees can select any of these interactive activities: 
    • Stretching by Gelisa Lewis
      • Description: In the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, Gelisa Lewis found herself grappling with relentless demands, succumbing to stress, and wrestling with anxiety. Seeking solace, she turned to meditation, which became a game changer for her. In those quiet moments, it dawned on her: we all have two lives, and the second one begins when we realize we only have one. Propelled by the transformative impact of holistic practices on her personal and professional well-being, Gelisa founded 2nd Life Wellness2nd Life Wellness, which creates balances of work + life and mind + body, contributing to a more peaceful life. It also provides solutions to reduce stress, increase focus, decrease burnout, and promote mental and physical health.
    • Mindfulness by Zaw Maw
      • Description: Zaw Maw will employ his meditation style, rooted in the Theravada tradition of Burmese Buddhist culture, emphasizing silent meditation with clear instructions beforehand and reflective discussions afterward. Through this approach, he aims to empower practitioners to find peace and happiness from within, aiming for independence and freedom in their meditation journey.

11:45 am -12:45 pm: What We Say: Keynote with Dr. Stacey Patton

12: 50 -1:50 pm: Lunch (Lunch provided)

1: 50 pm – 2: 50 pm: Panel

  • What We Share: Unraveling Maryland’s Mental Health Landscape 
    • Description: This panel offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique challenges, innovations, and policies shaping mental health care in Maryland. It brings together experts from various sectors of Maryland’s mental health system to provide a multifaceted view of the current state of mental health services and initiatives.
    • Moderator: Dr. Shauna Knox, Maryland Humanities Board Member
      • Panelist 1: Joanne Oport, Africans for Mental Health (AFMH)
      • Panelist 2: Martin Mitchell, Chair of the Maryland State Conference Political Action Committee
      • Panelist 3: Shannon Mouton, Executive Director of Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services 
      • Panelist 4: Walkiria Pool, President  & Founder Centro de Apoyo Familiar 

2: 50 pm – 3: 20 pm: Networking activity

3:20- 3:30 pm:  Closing Remarks

Planning Committee

Maryland Humanities takes immense pride in producing this summit, made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and the invaluable assistance of our community partners. However, we would be remiss not to extend our deepest gratitude to the Maryland Humanities staff, Heard Creative Co, Simrun Waghray (Summit Assistant), Ketina Moussignac (Summit Logistics Assistant), Dudley Alexis (Epyllion Studios), and Qiqo Chat. Their wisdom, vision, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping this summit into a remarkable event. We are truly indebted to these individuals for their relentless commitment to ensuring that this gathering serves as a catalyst for meaningful discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of the profound connections between mental health and media literacy.

COVID Information

Masks are still highly encouraged; however, they are not mandatory. At this time, the Newton White Mansion, and other local businesses in Prince George’s County, MD have lifted their COVID vaccination requirement. Therefore, attendees will not be asked to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests upon entry. Should this policy change, we will notify attendees immediately.

If you have a positive test or are not feeling well prior to your arrival at our in-person day, please inform the UWS Team at uwssummit@mdhumanities.org so we may make arrangements for your registration.