A Day to Change Direction

In Partnership with the VFW

5th Annual A Day to Change Direction

 

2020 marks five years of our relationship with the VFW and our joint effort of A Day to Change Direction! Everyone is invited to participate, whether you are a VFW member or not.  In past years we have focused on the Five Signs and the film, Into the Light. This year, we would like to celebrate our relationship by asking VFW posts to help their local veteran community. Activities can center around the Healthy Habits of Emotional Wellbeing. Due to COVID-19 a lot of Posts may gather virtually. The tools we are providing below can be used in both virtual and in-person events.

 

As we all know, it’s important to recognize when someone is in emotional pain. It is equally important to learn basic habits that keep us emotionally healthy.

 

Everyone can learn these five habits and A Day to Change Direction will celebrate how we can support each other practice these habits. If everyone is more open and honest about mental health, we can prevent pain and suffering, and those in need will get the help they deserve.

 

Create your on event, virtual or in person, or post on social media using #ChangeDirection!

Photos from Previous A Day to Change Direction Events

Join us on September 19th!

Resources to Use in Your Virtual or In-Person Event

We know that many posts will not be able to join in person.  You can still participate in A Day to Change Direction!  The below resources can be used in a virtual or in-person environment.  The presentation can be watched online, play BINGO via zoom, or share the COVID resources or the Posters via email or on social media.

Step One: VFW Posts and Auxiliary interested in participating will identify a central point of contact and report this to VFW Programs Director, Lynn Rolf at LRolf@vfw.org.

Step Two: Plan a community service project, a mental health presentation and discussion or a screening of the documentary Into the Light. Samples of possible events are below.

Step Three: Market your event and educate yourself on the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being.

Step Four: Host your project and let us know how it went by filling out the event form.

Coming soon: Presentation!
BINGO Cards
Free COVID Resources
Order a T-shirt
Share your Photos with Us!
Five Signs Poster
Healthy Habit Poster
VFW Action Report

Order Wallet Cards from Lynn Rolf: Lrolf@vfw.org.

Helpful Tools

Fact Sheets:

Into the Light Documentary Screening:

To request a DVD of Into the Light fill out this form.  A discussion guide is included in the DVD package or you can download it here.

Editable Documents

Invite your VFW & Auxiliary members as well as members of the community to join your event.

Additional Information

About Give an Hour

Founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area, Give an Hour’s mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the nonprofit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at risk teens, survivors of gun violence, victims of human trafficking and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. In addition, Give an Hour is now working internationally to provide information and services to address the needs of those who are in emotional pain around the world. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. Thus far, the U.S. network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 265,000 hours of care and support to those in need. Learn more at www.giveanhour.org and www.changedirection.org.

About The Campaign to Change Direction

The Campaign to Change Direction, a public health initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health, encourages everyone to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a US based nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to those in need including our military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs of Emotional Suffering that may indicate someone is in emotional pain and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 700 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.

About the VFW

VFW is a nonpartisan, congressionally chartered 501(c)(19) veterans’ service organization that was founded in 1899. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., it is the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans from all services, and the nation’s oldest major veterans’ organization. The VFW Washington Office was created in 1919 to advocate for legislation that enhances the programs and services provided to America’s veterans, service members, and their families. www.vfw.org

Message for 2017 Project from former VFW Commander-in-Chief, Keith E. Harman

Give an Hour/Change Direction Point of Contact is Nickie Silverstein: nsilverstein@giveanhour.org.
VFW Point of Contact is Lynn Rolf: Lrolf@vfw.org.