Mental Health Campaign:
Supporting Holistic Student Wellness
Our Journey with Mental Health Organizing
At FEEST, we believe in addressing all the ways students can feel nourished, supported, and successful at school. Mental health is an essential part of this vision, and it’s clear from listening to students that they’re facing a crisis that can’t wait.
When Student Organizers surveyed over 300 peers across multiple schools, they identified urgent needs and solutions. This feedback laid the foundation for our Mental Health Campaign, where youth-led organizing drives the fight for better support systems in schools.
Image is a collage of FEEST Organizers throughout the years!
Campaign Goals
Image is a sticker design made by FEEST Student Organizer, Eva, highlighting the awesomeness of Wellness Rooms!
Through conversations with students, school staff, and decision-makers, we’ve outlined five key demands:
- Wellness Rooms in every school to provide safe spaces for decompression and connection. (We’ve already secured 11 in Highline School District!)
- A bigger mental health budget in next year’s school funding to expand resources.
- Full-time therapists with lived experiences that resonate with students’ needs.
- Culturally affirming Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that reflect students’ diverse identities.
- SEL and crisis support training for teachers to better assist their students.
Campaign Progress
Wellness Rooms Created
In 2024, we celebrated a huge victory with 11 new Wellness Rooms in Highline School District, offering spaces for students to rest, recharge, and seek support! In the Seattle Public Schools District we are working closely with Rainier Beach High School staff to direct the building of a new Wellness Room in their new building, set to be finished in 2025.
Community Members Engaged
Student Organizers are navigating complex systems, building connections with decision-makers, community members, and fellow students while creating momentum for their demands. Through their organizing, we have been able to host several events, from campaign kick-offs at each school community that FEEST is a part of, to panel discussions led by our youth leaders, featuring experts in the field.
Students Surveyed
Insights from over 300 students informed not only our campaign goals, but also supported our students in creating an impactful infographic, sparking conversations and raising awareness on the need for what students need on campus to thrive in their learning environments.
Student Needs at the Forefront
In the fall of 2023, FEEST Students Organizers surveyed over 300 students across 5 schools on what they need on campus to support their mental health. We learned the top issues causing stress, what is getting in the way of their education, and most importantly, what youth need to thrive in the classroom.
In the winter students analyzed and then created an accessible way for their peers and decision makers to understand their learnings. We are proud to share their analysis with our wider community with the hopes that this resource can be used as a tool for securing more solutions to the things students need at school!
Our Student Organizers have been tireless in leading this campaign, hosting Campaign Kick-Offs to:
- Raise awareness about mental health challenges and solutions.
- Rally more students to the cause through dynamic events.
- Strengthen their leadership with skills like public speaking, event planning, and relationship-building.
Why This Matters
Schools can’t thrive without addressing students’ mental health. With youth-led insights and organizing, we’re working toward a future where every student has the support they need to succeed. Together, we’re creating lasting change for holistic wellness in schools—starting with bold demands and unwavering determination.
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Youth are in the lead at FEEST because we know that change is not effective unless those most impacted by health inequities are the decision makers. Support youth leadership by donating today, OR sign up for our newsletter to get the latest from FEEST!