Strength in Unity
Amplifying Student Voices Through the Sources Of Strength Club
Written by Avery Davenport, Blue Valley Northwest High School Sophomore
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.
“Sources [of Strength] helps all students feel included,” Laura Columbatto, a Sources of Strength sponsor at Ray-Pec said. She and her club members work together to ensure that every student has an opportunity for their voices to be heard.
Sources of Strength is a nationwide program dedicated to youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention among children and teens.
According to a study by Today, seventy percent of teens believe anxiety and depression are major issues among people their age, and many schools in the KC Metro area have Sources of Strength chapters established to combat these issues
Schools work to get many a variety of different students involved, and not just the same students who are members of every club. Administrators encourage people who may not be involved in other activities to be a part of Sources of Strength.
Sources of Strength works to reach out to a variety of students. We don’t just want a club that consists of the same cliques, we work to reach students in every social group.
Laura Columbatto, Raymore-Peculiar High School Sources of Strength sponsor
The Sources of Strength officers are known as Peer Leaders, and they pride themselves on being a shoulder to lean on for other Sources of Strength members and the rest of their peers at school. Sources of Strength is very focused on improving the mental health of students at each school, Addison Kesler, a junior and Sources of Strength member at Ray-Pec, said the first step is inclusion.
Sources helps all students feel included…kids have [come] out of their shells during their time as a Sources of Strength member
Addison Kesler, Raymore-Peculiar Junior Peer Leader
Raymore-Peculiar SOS students lighting up Raymore-Peculiar You Matter Night!
Making a difference through real-world learning and showing that every voice counts. Together, we shine brighter! Courtesy photo
Although Sources of Strength is a great resource for students who are struggling with their mental health, it should be acknowledged that in some cases, students should seek medical help to have access to medicine and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that could greatly impact their mental health. Columbatto agrees,
We cannot ‘Sources of Strength’ our way out of mental illness,” but that “it’s important for people to know what tools they need to have in their toolbox.
Being a Peer Leader for Sources of Strength has its challenges. One of the responsibilities of the Peer Leaders is referring a potentially suicidal peer. Columbatto said she realizes it’s a big ask for her Peer Leaders. Still, through their Sources of Strength training, they have been equipped with the skills necessary to help students facing potentially dangerous situations. Peer Leaders are always there for others in moments of crisis.
In a study published by NPR, in 2022 there was a decline in suicide rates for people aged 10-14 and 15-24 falling by 18% and 9% respectively. It was the first decline in over ten years with teenagers and young adults. Sources of Strength could have potentially helped the decline in those suicide rates.
Sources of Strength is working to share stories of hope, health and strength with their school and community. In chapters throughout the country, Sources of Strength has had an incredible impact on students.
There are many hotlines available for students who are struggling to combat the negative side of their mental health, including:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)
- National Mental Health Hotline (866-903-3787)
