Please join your neighbors and friends for the 29th consecutive community rally to Defend Democracy in beautiful downtown Bethel. While the overall theme is Defending Democracy, each week there is a specific focus. On Saturday September 20th, 11am -12:30pm, the focus will be: Mental Health Matters “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness, we will discover the infinite power of our light” - Brene Brown Mental health is just as important to our lives as our physical health. Mental health is not the same thing as the absence of a mental illness. Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being. Approximately one in five people have a mental health condition. You probably know and love somebody who struggles with their mental health, even if you don’t realize it. It affects how we feel, think, and act. From addiction to dementia to schizophrenia, almost 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a mental disorder. Lost productivity as a result of two of the most common mental disorders, anxiety and depression, costs the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year. We have two excellent speakers this week: Jessica Elizondo Jessica is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York City. She brings a fresh, compassionate perspective to her work, grounded in extensive hands-on experience and a deep commitment to client-centered care. Jessica has previously worked in an integrated outpatient healthcare setting, where she supported a diverse range of clients, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals living with HIV, and undocumented individuals. Her clinical practice is rooted in a strength-based, trauma-informed approach that values inclusivity, authenticity, and collaboration. Kennedy Shaffer You may know Kennedy as our weekly rally chanter and a Bethel local, but she is an outspoken advocate for suicide prevention. Kennedy champions both CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) for all. Kennedy will speak about how there are additional hurdles in life that come with having a mental illness- and how we lack the local resources to deal with the mental health crisis- especially for our youth. Lorraine McGuire (singer) Lorraine is a local talent, and some of you have heard her before, right here at our rallies or maybe when dining out in local restaurants. Lorraine's love of singing and performing started at an early age and included a love of musical theatre. In her college years, she mastered touring New York City schools performing with the Oswego State Singers. In CT she was Karaoke State champ twice and the FM Productions Danbury winner The rally is non-partisan. What this means is that like-minded people from diverse backgrounds are participating and are vital to our rallies. Defending Democracy crosses party lines: we have registered Republicans, Unaffiliated, Democrats, and non-voters, all coming together to fight for the rights of “We the People” to determine the type of society we want to live in. Never miss information about upcoming rallies by registering for our rally newsletter, bit.ly/BethelRalliesNewsletter (case sensitive). You can also provide feedback on what you'd like to see at future rallies. Questions and feedback are also always welcome anytime at: [email protected]. Visit BethelRallies.org to find videos and pictures from past rallies. A sign-making table and an information table will also be available. Note: Rally is rain or shine. There are 2 small benches at the square and we will have a limited number of camping chairs. Please bring your own lawn or camping chair. Approximate Rally Schedule: 11:00 - 11:15 Assemble and rally at curb (You are welcome to arrive prior to 11:00 for extra curb time) 11:15 - 11:45 Program 11:45 - Noon Rally at curb with chant leader Noon - 12:20 March with chant leader 12:20 Closing Song 12:30 Disperse We collect for Bethel’s food pantry each week. All non-perishable items are greatly appreciated, but the food pantry especially needs: oatmeal, tea, soup, instant mashed potatoes, baking mixes, and any jam/jelly flavor other than grape. The pantry also requests clean empty egg cartons (any style). We ask that attendees refrain from sign holding or chanting at the curb during the speaking portion of the rally. We want to be sure everyone can hear the speakers, who are often discussing serious and sensitive topics. We are sharing a small square so we need your help to make the rallies comfortable for everyone. We have tried to arrange the rallies so there is a little something for everyone: chanting, marching, themes with speakers, live music, fun trinkets, sign making. We appreciate every one of you that attends. Together we can voice our frustrations, build community, and also hopefully learn a little something from experts or your fellow neighbors' experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ❤️ Please park at one of the four public parking lots. The lot that is closest to the rally location, PT Barnum Square, is behind the municipal center. We ask that you leave the limited street parking spots open so they are available for patrons of downtown businesses - but definitely enjoy our beautiful town’s restaurants and shops after the rally! Bring your voice, your spirit, and your friends. Let’s make change visible. 💥 Because the fight for democracy continues through all seasons. Thank you 😊 A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.