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Community Events
Below are some upcoming suicide awareness events that YSPP would like you to know about.
We encourage individuals and community task force groups to consider hosting an event.
If your group is planning an event and would like to inquire about posting information here, please email YSPP for consideration.
2008 Community Calendar of Events
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June 2008
Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk
 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held their 20-mile Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in Seattle on June 21 & 22, 2008.
The Walk gave people who have been touched by suicide or depression a powerful way to bring the issue "out of the darkness".
AFSP reports nearly 1,100 walkers participated in the event. Each walker must raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate. The money raised will go for research, education and awareness programs and to assist families touched by suicide loss.
Several YSPP staff and board of directors participated as members of the "crew". They were able to provide support for each other, several of whom are survivors themselves; and be there for weary walkers - ready with water & food, suicide prevention materials, and encouragement for the remainder of their journey towards the finish line.
Thank you to all of the "tireless" volunteers that stayed up all night working YSPP's table at Seattle's first Out of the Darkness Overnight event. Here are a few pictures to capture their experience:
 
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July 2008
7th Annual Garth L. Manheim Tennis Tournament a HUGE Success!
This summer, on July 17th, Leigh & Jonathan Manheim hosted their annual benefit tennis tournament in memory of their son, Garth who died by suicide in 2001. The even was held at the Bainbridge Athletic Club and paired adults with teens in friendly competition. Between sets participants watched other teams and rejuvenated with both cold drinks and delicious food. The tournament had more than 100 players and YSPP received more than $3,100.
The money will be used to train more health teachers on our 9th grade curriculum (H.E.L.P.) that teaches students how to help a friend who may be at risk of suicide.
  
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September 2008
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Over 250 Youth & Adults
Attend Statewide
Youth Suicide Prevention Conference
Monday, Sept. 22nd 2008
SeaTac Marriott Hotel
Through a generous grant from the State Department of Health, YSPP organized the first ever and very successful conference on suicide prevention and early intervention with a focus on GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) youth, tribal youth, youth in foster care, homeless youth, and youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Because these disenfranchised youth are at high risk for depression, self-harm and suicide, it was important to host a conference that would enhance the skills of providers and build networks of support between and among youth and adults.
In all, there were 15 workshops and 2 keynote speakers who shared their expertise. Jerry Fest started the day speaking about the importance of fostering resiliency in young people. Jerry developed the ‘self-government’ model for residential services - one of the earliest program models based on the principles of Youth Development. He currently serves as a Youth Development trainer and consultant for private non-profit agencies and governmental programs.
Caitlin Ryan ended the day talking about the work she’s doing through the Family Acceptance Project, specifically the impact of family acceptance and rejection on the health, mental health and well-being of LGBT youth. Dr. Ryan is the Director of Adolescent Health Initiatives at the César E. Chávez Institute at San Francisco State University.
The workshop presentations included Clayton Small, who traveled from Albuquerque, New Mexico to present his awareness curriculum called Native Hope.
Dr. Josh Ginzler discussed his research on homeless youth, substance abuse and suicide risk.
The Casey Family Foundation shared their findings about mental health and suicide among adolescents in foster care.
Evaluations were very positive - participants appreciated the variety of workshop offerings and they especially enjoyed the youth panelists and table facilitators at lunch time.
Amber Wilson, Outreach Coordinator for the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter wrote,
“I think it was a really
powerful day
for the youth participants.
They shared things at
the lunch discussion
that I had never
heard from them before.”
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October 2008
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Puget Sound Walk
October 11, 2008
Green Lake Park |
YSPP was pleased to participate in the 2008 AFSP Community Walk. Nearly 300 walkers circumnavigated the 2.8 mile loop around Green Lake (Seattle), raising over $32,000 to fund AFSP's activities including public awareness and research.
YSPP staff members Sue Eastgard and Jennifer Barron served on the planning committee. Leigh Manheim – long-time YSPP volunteer – kicked off the walk with words of encouragement and compassion. Leah and Scot Simpson shared the quilt that suicide survivors made to honor their loved ones; the quilt is now at the YSPP offices so feel free to stop by and see it.
 
  
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November 2008
There are currently no November events scheduled at this time.
December 2008
There are currently no December events scheduled at this time.
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