Mental Health Campaign:
Supporting Holistic Student Wellness
Organizing to Improve Mental Health Supports in Schools
At FEEST, we work with youth to change systems so that all students 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.
FEEST Student Organizers surveyed peers across multiple schools to identify urgent needs and solutions. This 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 three goals:
- Full-time therapists with lived experiences that resonate with students’ needs.
- Culturally affirming Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that reflect students’ diverse identities.
- Wellness Rooms in every school, which are restorative spaces where students can access mental health resources.
Campaign Progress
Wellness Rooms Created
In 2023, we celebrated a huge victory with 11 Wellness Rooms in the Highline School District, offering spaces for students to rest, recharge, and seek support! In Seattle Public Schools we are working closely with Rainier Beach High School staff to direct the building of a Wellness Room in their new building, set to be finished in winter 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 hosted events, from panel discussions led by our youth leaders featuring experts in the field to campaign kick-offs at each of our partner schools.
Students Surveyed
Insights from over 300 students informed not only our mental health campaign goals, but also supported Student Organizers in creating an informative infographic to share with our communities, sparking conversations and raising awareness 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 to identify 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.
Students then analyzed and 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 for our students!
FEEST 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
In order for schools to thrive, they must care for 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.
Show FEEST some love!
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!