While there is empirical proof of the connection between community engagement and good mental health, we know that volunteering is a most important connection to community. As members of the community and volunteer engagement leaders, do we just need to add, adjust, prioritize or think differently about how we address our volunteer opportunities to support the community’s mental health? While encouraging empathy is just one step to form greater connections, we will look at many ways to be a leader of good mental health through the lens of volunteer management. We will look at ways we can forge connections – and find actionable items – to benefit some of our most vulnerable members of our community.

Speakers and Panelists

Rebecca Kiessling, Executive Director, NAMI-Northern Virginia, Moderator and Introductory Remarks

Panelists

Laura Thieman, LCSW, MPH, Senior Manager, Student Attendance & Engagement, Fairfax County Public Schools will address how to build protective factors to forge a community connection for a healthier student population.

Stacey Iden, CVA, Director, RSVP Northern Virginia, Volunteer Fairfax will share how senior volunteers (age 55+) get engaged and connected for good mental health.

Chloe Lee, Data Scientist/Youth Survey Program Manager, Department of Management and Budget, Fairfax County Government, share findings and trends from Fairfax County’s Annual Youth Survey.

Morgan (Mo) Meadows, Program Coordinator, Our Minds Matter will spotlight their program that encourages student volunteers to become mental health advocates.

2025 Community Conversation - Responding to Our Community’s Mental Health Challenges: A Role for Volunteering

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