Starting the Conversation about Mental Health in Diverse Communities…
Mission Statement
To promote mental well-being of diverse campus communities through ongoing education
and advocacy.
General Information
Who Are we?
Diverse Minds Peer Education Program (DMP) is designed to help students become educators
for the Towson University community about the intersection of one’s social identities
and how it relates to their mental health. Our peer educators seek to create space
for conversation around how one’s lived experience as member of marginalized communities
can impact their mental health. Most of all, we seek to highlight how many students
with marginalized identity (ies) continue to thrive despite the many challenges they
may face.
What do we do?
- Increase awareness about minority mental health
- Remove cultural stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities
- Break down barriers to help-seeking
- Foster resiliency through skill-building activities
A Note About Recruitment
We accept applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested, please fill out an application and we will contact you if/when we are recruiting.
What Activities Are Diverse Minds Peer Educators Typically Engaged In?
Tabling Outreach / Events / Other Campaigns:
- Organizing and assisting with tabling outreach
- Planning and running interactive and educational games
- Implementing campus and/or social media campaigns
Classroom / Student Group / Residence Hall Meetings:
- Deliver presentations or workshops on various topics related to minority mental health,
coping and resilience building skills, etc.
DMPs work closely with other peer education programs at the Counseling Center to create
and promote relevant events.
Peer educators are encouraged to generate new programming ideas based on the current
needs of the campus.
What Training Do Diverse Minds Peer Educators Receive?
Our peer educators receive extensive training in skills related to leadership, program
development, needs assessment, and evaluation.
They are also trained to promote information through outreach events in the following
two broad areas:
- Awareness about myths vs. realities of minority mental health; challenging cultural
stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities
- Promoting resilience in diverse student groups
Why Participate in Diverse Minds?
- You will be able to develop leadership, networking, public speaking, marketing, and
presentation skills, and more. All of which could be helpful in your future career
- You will develop skills to engage in and navigate sensitive conversations pertaining
to mental health and systemic oppression
- You will increase your own awareness about mental health issues and educate others
as well as advocate for your peers who may need access to mental health services
- You will meet other students and form new and meaningful friendships
- Lastly, this is a student leadership position that would look great on your resume!!
Programs Offered
Workshops & Presentations Menu
Minority Mental Health 101*
Guided discussion about the myths and realities of minority mental health. Students
will explore how their social identities intersect with their mental well-being and
learn how to talk to a friend they are concerned about.
Breaking silence, breaking stigma*
Interactive workshop to critically examine cultural stigma around mental illness in
marginalized communities and its detrimental impact on help-seeking behavior. Suggestions
for ways to reduce stigma will be provided.
Beating the Odds: Working through Stereotype Threat & Impostorism*
Societal and media messages as well as stereotypes can affect one’s self-perception
and self-efficacy. In this program, students will learn how to combat these messages
and work on appreciating their strengths.
Did you really just say that?
An interactive discussion that is focused on recognizing and challenging microaggression.
Students learn strategies to confront microaggressions, whether they are a target,
bystander, or perpetrator.
*These presentations can be tailored to a specific population of interest.
All workshops are designed to be 45 minutes - 1 hour and require A/V.
A 3-week notice for all request is required. To submit a request, please fill out the form online or contact the counseling center at 410-704-2512.
Interested in Becoming a Peer Educator?
Are you interested in becoming a DMP?
Please review the content below for further information on the new Diverse Minds Peer
Education program. If you believe you would be a excellent candidate, visit our application page to apply to become a DMP!
Contact the Program Coordinator, G Wei Ng, with any questions.
