1. Green Dot Greater Grand Forks’ Bystander Training

Now, I’ll admit it. I’ve received this training, and it was SO worth it. Green Dot is a nationwide bystander intervention and prevention initiative. The idea follows a simple metaphor: On a map of your community, there are red dots and green dots. Red dots are actions that may be harmful.  Green dots are actions that stop or even prevent those harmful actions. Green Dot Greater Grand Forks, run by the Community Violence Intervention Center and powered by Gate City Bank, offers a variety of  trainings and educational sessions for organizations, groups, and individuals to take in! Whether a one-hour session or a full-day seminar, they can accommodate individual, and group needs. The best part? By doing Green Dot training, you add another green dot to your community’s map, making your community safer.

2. Blue Zones Project

A newer group to the Greater Grand Forks area, Blue Zones Project focuses on making communities like ours a “happier, healthier place to live.” I had the opportunity to attend their kickoff event twice, one held at the Empire Arts Center, and again at a Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals event. Inviting the Blue Zones team into your workplace or organization, or attending one of their “Story Speeches,” you’ll learn about their keys to a healthy lifestyle – which they dub the “Power 9”. Blue Zones highlights specific lifestyle tips, ranging from the foods you consume to your social life and so much more. They also host various workshops for you to attend, both in-person and online. Their next one is coming up on March 23rd and is definitely worth the time!

3. Mental Health Matters

If you have been to any community tabling event in the last year or two, you have likely had the chance to chat with the folks at Mental Health Matters. I’ve heard from this group through work and a community lunch and learn event. They customize their presentations to address the particular needs and concerns of the group at hand. For example, I’ve attended two different events hosted by Mental Health Matters to discuss workplace mental health and how to increase awareness of our own mental health needs. As someone who sits at a desk for most of my day, these presentations gave me some good practices for when I’m feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. A ‘Mental Health Matters’ water bottle still sits on my desk, reminding me to check up on myself and the great educational opportunities around town!