“What’s Your Word?” event set for March 30 in Waukon

Area residents invited to learn how to clarify values, set goals, and tips for persevering through setbacks

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Melissa R. Collum
Editor - Postville Herald

Mental Health Today (MHT - a Matt Howe Tribute) and Worldmaker International are sponsoring a “What’s Your Word?” event for all Allamakee County residents Wednesday, March 30. Co-hosts Rachelle Howe and Dr. Mollie Marti, who is originally from Waukon, will use the THRIVE Resilience model to train participants on how to clarify personal values, set goals, and learn tips for persevering through setbacks.

“The MHT has an annual allotment to a program or an organization to educate any and all residents, anywhere and everywhere, specifically for Allamakee County, with brain health education,” states Howe. “The first year, we worked with NEICA to provide rideshare for people who needed rides to doctor’s appointments and those types of things. Our committee brings ideas to the table when we meet and this was one of the ideas that they brought to the table.”

The THRIVE model was developed by Dr. Marti to help people understand what resilience is and how to build it. “To me, now more than ever with COVID, mental illness is at an all-time high,” expressed Howe. “What this program covers is trusted relationships, high expectations, resilience, leadership, involvement and vision. Bringing people together, for this event, is something we (MHT) can do to help them feel connected.”

Marti’s work delivers practical, proven practices to help adults and youth cultivate trusted relationships, manage stress, build hope, cope with adversity, find meaning in hardship, and grow personal resilience skills. More information about the THRIVE model can be found at https://worldmakerinternational.org.

Not only will the event involve learning elements of the THRIVE model but all attendees will be encouraged to make a personalized My Intent bracelet or bookmark with their compass word as a powerful reminder of their unique path forward. After this first visioning session, MHT and Worldmaker International will then host five one-hour workshops around the THRIVE model within the county.

“Youth, families, educators, everyone is welcome. To me the event encompasses people of all ages,” states Howe. “I have reached out to 4-H groups and churches. I want businesses to bring a group of employees, so they can then continue on with the other elements that this group will be carrying out through the 2022 year.”

There are three programs taking place March 30: 10 -11 a.m. at Waukon Wellness Center, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Waukon Wellness Center, and 6-7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Waukon. A donation to cover materials ($20) is suggested but not required to participate.

For more information or to register for the event online visit https://worldmakerinternational.org/whats-your-word/.