Badges, Patches & Awards: September 2011 Archives

September 30, 2011 is the deadline for all Bronze and Silver Awards using the old Studio 2B requirements. Paperwork must be received in the council office no later than September 30, 2011. This is a GSUSA deadline, and we cannot extend it.

Also, the age levels for awards using the new requirements are different. Juniors working on the Bronze Award under the new requirements have until September 30 of their 6^th grade year to finish. Cadettes working on the Silver Award under the new requirements have until September 30 of their 9^th grade year to finish.

If you have any questions about the old or new awards requirements, please contact Mary Anne Brutkiewicz or Jeannie Napper.

A new patch program called Change of Mind is now available at council offices. Change of Mind seeks to educate girls about mental illness, as well as heighten awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with mental illnesses. It also serves to reduce stigma against people with mental illnesses.

Having access to reliable information on mental illness is crucial for a number of reasons. Mental and emotional problems are common among those ages 11-17 and need to be addressed, just like physical health problems. Even if girls have not experienced or will never experience a mental illness, it is very likely they know someone who has or will. Consider the following:

·        Mental illness affects one in every five people at any given time

·        The first symptoms of severe, chronic forms of mental illness (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression) generally appear between the ages of 15 and 24

·        An estimated two-thirds of all young people with mental health issues are not receiving the help they need

·        Fear of stigma and resulting discrimination discourages individuals and families from getting the help they need

You don't have to have prior knowledge or experience with mental illness to complete this patch program. All activities include easy-to-follow plans complete with material lists and discussion questions. Change of Mind provides clear, factual information about mental illness, the biological component that makes it not much different from other illnesses, its causes, treatment and recovery.

A cool patch is available for purchase by all girls who complete the Change of Mind patch program and as an extra incentive - all girls will also receive a Change of Mind silicone bracelet! Just be sure to turn in an evaluation. Change of Mind was developed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health's Office of Public Information and Community Relations. ADMH is the state agency responsible for serving Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. Annually, ADMH serves more than 200,000 people through a broad network of state facilities and community-based services.