There are many ways to declare an official Stigma-Free Zone in schools. Our reach is expanding extensively as we inspire more people to commit to the awareness and understanding of the various stigmas, while maintaining a safe space where people are accepting of themselves and others.
Stigma-Free Clubs have individuals who lead and promote ongoing activities to receive the honor of working towards a Stigma-Free zone designation, which is a strong commitment that preserves a Stigma-Free culture.
Stigma-Free Zone School Designations
Suggested school designations include the following:
- Secondary Schools ranging from grades 8-12 become a Stigma-Free Zone by committing to delivering the Stigma-Free Zone Superheroes Presentations program that reaches every student at the school for the first year. Thereafter, the school commits to hosting presentations for the entire school annually OR to the new slate of students attending the school each year. Presenters share their personal story and bring awareness on the topic of stigmas with a focus on mental health and reaching out for help. Presentations are given in an assembly style manner in order to reach every student and educate them about the stigma-free zone movement in their school.
- School presentations encourage students take the Stigma-Free Pledge and Stigma-Free Test online via www.stigmafreezone.com.
- Schools display a Stigma-Free Zone poster(s) that outlines a call to ‘action’ on how to live ‘stigma-free’ in the counseling office and other chosen areas of the school.
- Schools receive a select number of stigma-free zone declaration plaques signed by the Principal to be showcased in entrance ways and school offices that identify the school’s commitment to live stigma-free and to bring students and visitors to www.stigmafreezone.com to learn more about the stigma-free zone movement and inform them how to be an active part of promoting a stigma-free culture at their school.
- The Society provides Stigma-Free Zone window decals to place around the school to identify the space as fully designated, which reminds and encourages students to live stigma-free and to visit our website for more information.
- The school designates one or more Stigma-Free Champion(s) to lead and cultivate the stigma-free zone initiative at their school.
- Upon receiving the entire Stigma-Free Zone toolkit and designation, the Stigma-Free Zone Champion commits to working with the Stigma-Free Zone Task Force on an ongoing basis to perform activities at the school that are meaningful, thoughtful and tailored to their respective school to maintain the Stigma-Free Zone designation.
We are open to hearing your thoughts and ideas for designating stigma-free zones. The Stigma-Free Society’s Stigma-Free Zone criteria is able to be tailored to your needs.
We support and encourage you in maintaining a stigma-free zone that promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance.
Please feel free to Contact Us and we look forward to your innovative and creative ideas!
How do I maintain a stigma-free zone?
- Actively learn and share the facts about stigma, particularly mental illness;
- Change attitudes and perceptions about those who are affected by stigma;
- Talk openly about personal experiences of stigma to encourage empathy;
- Initiate positive action when friends, family, or the media displays false beliefs and negative stereotypes;
- Offer support to people who are affected by bullying and discrimination; and
- Never label or judge people, ensuring to treat all with respect and dignity.
