We Are Just Getting Started!
Just Say Hey! is just getting started. More content, events, etc are on their way. So you have an idea of what we are all about, just keep reading :)
In a world where most socialization comes in the form of a text, tweet, update, post, or any number of other digital forms, we are working to bring face to face communication back. While we love the opportunities that an online world brings us for networking, learning, and entertainment, we do believe that there needs to be a balance.
As time has went by, since the invention of the internet and social media, there has been an increase in depression, feelings of loneliness, and violent crimes. Violent crimes is especially noticed in the younger generations who have grown up immersed in social media as the number one way to communicate.
We feel that communicating online is really fantastic, but when not balanced with healthy in person interactions with friends, family, and new people it becomes more difficult for a person to communicate effectively and in a healthy way online. We have all become trolls on occasion online, but would we have been a troll to someone in person? Would we tell them that their singing is terrible and they should quit for ever? Would we urge someone to hurt themselves? Would we tear someone down so they feel like dirt? I have to believe that that the answer to that is a resounding NO!.
But, as we become more troll-like online, we start to bring that to what little in person interactions we still have left. This is what we need to change. We need to make it so great in person interactions with friends and strangers alike brings a kinder, more empathetic voice to our online communications.
So, this is what our mandate is to do. We will work to bring people together, in person and online. We will help give the opportunity to people to start conversations. These conversations don't need to be about anything in particular. The topics of these may not be world changing, but the fact that they happen with more frequency and with more empathy is world changing.
At the same time as bringing people together, we will also be bringing much needed attention to the mental health crisis we are experiencing around the world. These need to be acknowledged, stigmatized, and education about.
While these look like two different goals, they walk hand-in-hand. Better communication and more human contact will help prevent and treat some mental health disorders. It will also help us to empathize with those who have them.
So, join us in any way you can. There will be calls to action as we go along. The first we have going is our "Pioneer" T Shirt. This is the first product we are offering as a way to get our plan rolling. Profits from these shirts go directly towards the operation of this endeavour. As we get going and making profit, that profit will go towards funding other mental health initiatives and to getting people on the streets through organized meet and greets and community activities that will bring people together.
Other ways you can help:
* Join us at a community event
* Share your story about mental health or anything to do with communication. Your story can be in blog format or video. If it is a video, it can be as long or as short as you wish. We may post your story in whole or in part to share with others unless you ask us not to.
* First, and most importantly: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!
* You can share our site or one of our articles
* You can purchase one of our promotional items
* You can send a direct contribution
* If you are a social media influencer, you can definitely give a shout out. Message us if you would like to discuss this.
* Help organize a local event
* Design a T Shirt! We would be happy to use your design for a printing. (Not all designs will be selected, but we do thank everyone for any that they do send in)
There will be many ways to be a part of this as we go along. The main thing that you can do is to try and get out and meet new people, learn about them, and grow as people with them. This is a big world and there are so many great people. Go meet a few of them.
Thank you for reading. Please do check in often. And have fun!