Somos Líderes (We are Leaders) Fellowship Launch: Prioritizing Mental Health in Advocacy and Activism
By Dr. Kerri Valencia, Co-Founder & CEO, ConnectEd Consulting, LLC
At ConnectEd Consulting, LLC, we are excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Somos Tejas Leadership Fellowship Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing and supporting leadership and advocacy skills for young adults in the Dallas, Texas community. In partnership with Somos Tejas, a vital organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and community engagement in Dallas, we have developed a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster leadership and resilience among the next generation of changemakers.
Somos Tejas is a pillar of the Dallas community, working tirelessly to address systemic inequities and amplify marginalized voices. As Acting Director of Operations for Somos Tejas, ConnectEd Consulting has taken on a leadership role in shaping the operational framework for this initiative, while also serving as curriculum developers and instructors for the fellowship program. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to equipping young leaders with the tools they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
The fellowship program focuses on four critical components: Civic Engagement, Professionalism, Mental Health, and Financial Literacy. Each area is designed to address the multifaceted challenges young adults face today, offering practical strategies and actionable insights for long-term success. As the program launches this month, we are dedicating our January blog to one of these pillars: mental health. This pillar was designed around the idea that rest is in itself an act of resistance and revolution. Rest, in the fast-paced world around us, is undervalued yet vitally important for well-being, creativity and productivity.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Lessons from the Somos Líderes Fellowship
In a time marked by significant challenges—from a contentious election cycle to natural disasters, and societal shifts —mental health has become more crucial than ever. At ConnectEd Consulting, we recognize that mental health is foundational to navigating the complexities of work and life, particularly for those involved in activism and advocacy.
The mental health curriculum within the Somos Tejas Fellowship includes five essential lessons designed to support young leaders:
Prioritizing Mental Health in Activism: Activism can be emotionally taxing, making it essential to establish routines and practices that promote mental well-being. Fellows learn strategies for self-care and recognize the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout.
Managing Stress in Advocacy Work: Advocacy often involves high-pressure situations and urgent timelines. This lesson equips fellows with stress management techniques, such as mindfulness practices and time prioritization, to maintain clarity and focus.
Creating Supportive Environments in Activism: A thriving community relies on mutual support. Fellows explore ways to foster environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves and seek help when needed, promoting collective resilience.
Navigating Difficult Conversations in Advocacy: Advocacy often involves addressing contentious topics. This lesson focuses on communication strategies that balance empathy with assertiveness, ensuring fellows can engage in productive and respectful dialogue.
Building Resilience and Coping Skills for Activists: Resilience is key to sustaining long-term advocacy efforts. Fellows develop coping mechanisms to address setbacks and learn how to channel their experiences into personal and professional growth.
The Role of Mental Health in Leadership
By integrating mental health into the leadership fellowship program, ConnectEd Consulting, LLC and Somos Tejas emphasize the value of emotional well-being as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Young leaders equipped with the tools to manage their mental health are better positioned to inspire and lead others, even in the face of adversity.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of our times, this focus on mental health serves as a reminder that advocacy and leadership must include care for oneself and one’s community. The work of Somos Tejas, combined with ConnectEd Consulting’s expertise in curriculum development, ensures that the fellows of this program are not only prepared to lead but also to sustain their efforts in a way that prioritizes holistic well-being.
We invite you to follow along as we share updates on the Somos Tejas Fellowship Program and continue to highlight the essential role of mental health in fostering resilient leaders. Together, we are building a brighter, more compassionate future for our communities.
