Introduction
Like other initiatives supported by the American Psychological Association (APA), The Road to Resilience Project is designed to provide members with tools and information they can use to make a personal connection with the public in their own community.
This effort is a component of APA’s award-winning "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" public education campaign. Launched in 1996, "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" has been used to successfully mobilize thousands of psychologists in grassroots activities from discussion forums to media outreach, all with the same goal of educating the public about the value of psychology.
As a first step in developing the campaign, focus groups were convened and APA learned from the public they would be most open to psychological services if they or someone close to them was dealing with a serious illness, having problems at work or coping with family problems or a troubled child. These are the core themes of the campaign.
Window to Self Discovery Opens
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, APA conducted a new series of focus groups to find out whether new issues should be addressed as part of the public education campaign. The topic of resilience surfaced several times.
While participants talked about the emotional impact of the attacks, they also acknowledged that uncertainty is now a way of life and being resilient is the only way to safeguard well-being. Participants were excited to learn that resilience can indeed be learned andexpressed enthusiasm at the prospect of doing so. The topic of self-discovery also emerged in these focus groups and participants were far more open to the idea of "growing" and "learning things about themselves" than before the terrorist attacks. It appeared that a "window to self-discovery" opened as a result of 9/11.
APA Develops Public Education Initiative
In response to the public’s interest in the topic of resilience, APA has prepared a new public education initiative on resilience that includes the co-production of a documentary with the Discovery Health Channel, a national cable television network that is part of the Discovery Networks. The one-hour documentary is included with this planning kit, along with resources and suggestions for using the film in community outreach efforts.
The documentary uses real-world stories to highlight the steps to building one's capacity to rebound from adversity, grow beyond difficult experiences and enjoy life despite difficult times.
In addition to the documentary, APA developed a brochure on resilience that is available to the public through APA's consumer web site (helping.apa.org) and its national consumer information toll-free line: 1-800-964-2000. Psychologists are also
encouraged to disseminate the brochure through local outreach activities.
Other components of this toolkit include suggested community outreach ideas, media materials and organizations you can connect with at the local level in order to make your grassroots outreach strategies a success.
An online version of the Road to Resilience brochure can be viewed at the APAHelpCenter.org.
To order a copy of The Road to Resilience toolkit and the Aftermath: The Road to Resilience documentary, please contact the APA Campaign Services Bureau toll-free in the U.S. 1.877.274.8787, ext. 135 and outside the U.S. 1.310.274.8787, ext. 135 or email pec@pvcla.com.
What is Resilience?
by Practice Directorate Staff
Resilience Resources
APA Practice Directorate Staff
Following is a list of articles and other resources with further information about resilience and related topics.
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