Earlier this year, we launched our free All Voices Professional Development Program—which is open to individuals from groups currently underrepresented in communication and related fields—in an effort to help diversify the pool of coaches trained in helping people share their lived experiences as advocates.

Applicants to the program reflected a wide range of advocacy goals, issues and backgrounds, with members selected for the first cohort focusing on LGBTQIA+ educational consulting, nonprofit management, public health and support for first-generation college students.

A number of the applicants also were focused on mental health, including applicants from the U.S., Canada and Kenya. Thanks to a new fund established with us by our longtime partners at The Stability Network, we are able to offer two special All Voices cohorts specifically for these advocates.

The Mental Health Advocacy Fund carries forward the legacy of The Stability Network by enabling us to offer pro bono support to mental health advocates and organizations. We are honored to be entrusted with continuing The Stability Network's mission of changing the way our society thinks and talks about mental health.

The individuals comprising the first special cohort of All Voices are John Wainaina Mwangi and Christine Miloyo Ombima, both of whom are working to establish supportive communities and resources for persons managing mental health in Kenya. 

We look forward to sharing their progress and what we learn together. The cohort will begin meeting May 20.

If you'd like to be notified of future opportunites made possible by the Mental Health Advocacy Fund, visit https://www.livingproofadvocacy.com/lpa-professional-development-program .