Community advocacy participants

Coming Together for Community Advocacy

Tara Lynn Tsosie

On October 7, I attended a Community Advocacy Meeting focused on legal and community resources in New Mexico. The meeting brought advocates together to share information, resources, stories, and updates with one another.

Because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the meeting was especially meaningful to me. I had the opportunity to share a little bit of my own story and talk about why resources being available in our communities are so important. Sharing personal experiences is not always easy, but I believe that sharing our stories can help someone else feel less alone and remind people that it is okay to ask for help.

One of the things I appreciated most about the meeting was learning about different resources that people can turn to when they are going through a difficult situation or crisis. As someone who wants to continue working with and supporting people in my community, I feel that it is important to know what resources are available so I can share them with others.

Resources Shared During the Meeting

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, they can call or text 988.

  • Press 1 for Veterans, service members, and their loved ones
  • Press 2 for Spanish

Crisis Text Line
The meeting also shared information about crisis texting:

  • Text TALK to 988 for English
  • Text AYUDA to 988 for Spanish

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis support and resources for LGBTQ+ young people.

Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides peer support for transgender and questioning people.

Local and Native Community Resources

Nizhóní Counseling
Nizhóní Counseling was shared during the meeting as a counseling and mental health resource.

The phone number above is the contact information that was shared during the October 7 Community Advocacy Meeting.

We R Native
We R Native is a health and wellness resource created by Native youth for Native youth. It provides information and support on health, relationships, mental health, culture, and other topics affecting Native youth.

Housing Native Life
Housing Native Life was also shared during the meeting as a resource for housing-related support and information.

Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health Services
The Navajo Nation Department of Health’s Division of Behavioral & Mental Health Services provides mental health, substance abuse treatment, cultural healing, and community support services.

For people in the Shiprock area, the Navajo Regional Behavioral Health Center is also listed by the Navajo Nation Department of Health:

The meeting reminded me how important it is to have these conversations and to know where people can go when they need help. Sometimes someone may not know what resources are available or may not feel comfortable asking for help. Being able to share a phone number, a resource, or simply listen to someone can be an important first step.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I hope we can continue to bring awareness to domestic violence and create spaces where people feel safe enough to speak, ask questions, and seek support. No one should feel like they must go through difficult situations alone.

I am grateful that I was able to attend the Community Advocacy Meeting, share a little bit of my own story, and learn about resources that I can take back and share with my community. Sometimes helping someone starts with simply being there, listening, and knowing where to connect them for support

Community advocacy participants

Contact Us

support@navajofamilies.org

(505) 226-3073

POB 3085, Kirtland, NM 87417
and POB 744, Farmington, NM 87499

Share This Site

qr code navajofamilies.org