This workshop focuses on intimate relationships of all kinds and the complicated ways they can be affected when those involved struggle with mental health issues. We define and discuss consent as
When: 4 October 2015 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
This workshop focuses on intimate relationships of all kinds and the complicated ways they can be affected when those involved struggle with mental health issues. We define and discuss consent as something that is vitally important in all relationships and look at some of the qualities of healthy, consensual relationships. We review some of the common “red flags” of abusive relationship dynamics and strategies for supporting friends who are experiencing abuse. We explore ways of recognizing our own abusive tendencies and behaviours and brainstorm ways to intervene when someone we know is causing harm in their relationships. We approach this workshop with the belief that everyone has the capacity to experience and perpetuate violence and that learning to care for others and nurture healthy, consensual relationships is an ongoing process for all of us.
Kai Cheng Thom is a writer, performing artist, and fashion enthusiast, as well as a community worker of several years. Kai has worked at a lot of youth and mental-health related organizations over the years, including Project 10, McGill Residence Life, and Camp fYrefly, to name a few. In 2014, Kai wrote an anti-racism training resource that has been used to train staff at local non-profits such as the Centre for Gender Advocacy, Head and Hands, and the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill University. They have a Bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill, and are working on a Master’s in clinical mental health. Kai’s favourite legendary monster is Medusa, the snake-haired woman.
Kota Harbron is a white settler, facilitator, support-person, doula and aspiring future body-worker with ten years’ experience in peer counselling and popular education. They have been involved in facilitation and organizing work with Montreal youth through many local community and campus-based social justice organizations. Kota has completed a BA with a specialization in Psychology and a minor in Interdisciplinary Sexuality Studies from Concordia University. They love learning about plants and working with their hands. Kota has an affinity for shape-shifting beasties – particularly those that come from the sea.
MONSTER ACADEMY is a mental health skills training project created by and for youth in Montréal. The Academy was born (a beautiful, scaly baby of an idea) when Kota and Kai Cheng (you can find out more about us on the Bios page!) got together and started talking about – well, a lot of things. We talked about how, all through high school and the years after, there were folks who were sad or angry all the time – so sad or angry that they couldn’t get up, hold jobs, go to school. How we had friends who sometimes hurt themselves, or even their girlfriends/boyfriends/partners, and no ever talked about why. How teachers were always telling us not to drink or do drugs, but not what to do when you or someone you love can’t stop.
We created MONSTER ACADEMY so that youth would have a place to share ideas and skills about mental health and illness. We wanted to debunk the myth that ‘’being crazy’’ is something that only happens to a few isolated people – to share the truth that so often, our environments make us feel crazy, and most of us feel alone at some point in our lives. We wanted to make feeling crazy or ugly or monstrous something that isn’t shameful, that doesn’t have to be a secret. We wanted to give each other strategies to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We wanted to celebrate the amazing ways that people find to survive and thrive against the odds.
No matter what, know that we are here, that we believe in you, and that you are not alone.
https://monsteracademymtl.wordpress.com
This is a free event, let us know if you’re coming so we can put out enough chairs, thanks! 613 789 4646, or drop by.
VE is a physically accessible space. We have an automatic front door, no steps and a large, gender inclusive bathroom.
