Karla Pretorius’ Post

Neurodivergent people deserve to feel safe. 📣 It’s our most basic psychological need. 🧠 The reason I developed the SAFE self-advocacy method was to help neurodivergent individuals have clear practical process to follow that helps them get their needs met. 🚀 It’s not about being the perfect self-advocate, because let’s face it, most of the advocacy advice out there is entrenched in neuronormativity. 🤦🏻♀️ It’s about finding the tools to ensure your voice is heard and your access needs are validated and properly met. It’s about equity. It’s about our rights! ✊ You can learn more about the SAFE Method in the NeuroAccess Network at https://lnkd.in/g42cHqZv ✨ Doors close in two days! 🤯🤯 Become a founding member today and join our growing community of neurokin who have your back and can help you smash the barriers we face everyday. 💪 Because no one should have to fight injustice and ableism alone. ⚡️🌎 #NeurodiversityAtWork #NeuroAccessNetwork #NeurodivergentAdults #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #AutisticAdults #ADHDAdults #DyslexicAdults #Unmasking #DismantleAbleism #AccessNeeds #AuDHD #DEI #DEIB

Tired of "We need more arts funding" falling on deaf ears? Here's the truth: Lawmakers and stakeholders don't naturally consider the arts' impact. They focus on workforce development, the mental health crisis, and community safety. So, how do we get their attention? 1️⃣ Stop talking about the arts as uplifting. Instead, connect the dots to what matters to them. 2️⃣ Show how your programs improve mental health, reduce isolation, and prepare people for the workforce. 3️⃣ Highlight outcomes that align with their priorities—because everyone wants to be part of a winning solution. Advocacy isn't just about telling your story—it's about showing how your work supports their goals. Share this with others who might benefit from these actionable arts advocacy strategies. And if you want more relevant tips, like and follow. #ArtsAdvocacy #ImpactStorytelling #WorkforceDevelopment #MentalHealth #CommunitySafety #CreativeImpact

Here's a breakdown of each one: 1. Acknowledge historical challenges faced by Black women. 2. Understand systemic barriers and their impact. 3. Create a safe space for open discussions. 4. Use culturally competent therapy techniques. 5. Foster community support and resilience. Black Women's Mental Health matters 🌸💪🏾 Share your story and rewrite the narrative of your life. #HealingJourney #BlackWomenThrive #MentalHealthMatters #blackwomanwillbloom #advocacy #blackwomen

Black, Brown, and immigrant youth, together with their communities, experience persistent trauma due to historical and ongoing racism, colonization and genocide, and xenophobia. These harmful experiences undermine young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and have long-lasting impacts on their futures. However, as communities of color and researchers have demonstrated, when young people’s cultural and racial identities are affirmed, these harms can be mitigated or even prevented. Affirming activities such as cultural events, language revitalization, preparing and sharing traditional foods, and traditional healing practices play a critical role in strengthening and healing communities who have experienced cultural trauma. It is past time that policymakers recognize the value of and actively support culturally grounded services that respect youth’s holistic identities. Learn more: https://loom.ly/kXL_f6w #CSSP5for2025 #economicjustice #healthjustice #familyautonomy #racialjustice #culture #culturallyresponsive #support #familysupport #culturallyresponsiveteaching #antiracisteducation #socialjusticeeducation #antiracism #childwelfare

🌟 Join the Movement! 🌟 📢 Calling all changemakers and advocates! Are you ready to make a difference? Then mark your calendars and register now for California Psychological Association's Lobby Day! Why should you join us? Here's why: 1️⃣ Amplify Your Voice: Lobby Day is your chance to speak directly to policymakers and influence the decisions that shape our future. Your voice matters, and Lobby Day provides a powerful platform to make it heard. 2️⃣ Drive Change: Are you passionate about issues like increasing access to mental health services, making it easier for doctoral level students to find training sites and ensuring equity amongst providers ? Lobby Day gives you the opportunity to champion the causes you believe in and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond. 3️⃣ Connect with Like-minded Individuals: Lobby Day brings together a diverse group of individuals united by a common purpose. Network with fellow psychologists, advocates, and healthcare professionals while sharing ideas, and building relationships that can last a lifetime. 4️⃣ Learn from Experts: Gain valuable insights from experts in policy and advocacy. During the morning, we will be holding a workshop to provide you with training and practical knowledge you can use during Lobby Day to help you become a more effective advocate. 5️⃣ Be Part of History: Every great movement starts with individuals like you who are willing to stand up and take action. By participating in Lobby Day, you become part of a proud tradition of civic engagement and activism. Ready to make your voice heard? Register now for Lobby Day and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we can create a better world for future generations. #LobbyDay #Advocacy #CPAPsych #CAPsychologists #ChangeMakers 🌍💪🗣️

🌐 Are your online interactions reinforcing biases or breaking them down? 🌐 In a world where your digital identity has the power to either perpetuate or challenge racism, it’s crucial to understand where you stand. ⚖️ Our Navigating Online Identities and Addressing Racism CPD Course, using the Six Stages Framework for Racism, will guide you through a transformative process of awareness and action. Whether you're a passive bystander or already engaging, this course will help you shift your online presence toward active anti-racism advocacy. 🌟 🔍 In this course, you'll learn to: - Recognize and reflect on your position across the six stages of racism. - Develop practical skills to challenge racism and foster inclusivity in digital interactions. - Cultivate an online identity that contributes to meaningful conversations on equity and inclusion. Ready to transform your digital presence? Join us today! https://lnkd.in/edN5sn_y 🎓 Bonus: Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate to recognize your commitment to fostering an anti-racist digital presence. #CPDCourse #NavigatingIdentities #SixStagesOfRacism #DigitalAdvocacy #OnlineInclusion #ChallengeRacism #AdvocateForChange #DigitalIdentity #RacismAwareness #OnlineLearning #MentalHealth #DigitalCitizenship #CourseLaunch #MediaLiteracy #DigitalLiteracy #DigitalIntelligence #DigitalRacismAwareness #SixStageFrameworkChangeMakers #DigitalIntelligenceCourse #OnlineInteractions #IdentityTransformation #BehaviourInfluence #ImpactOfRacism #DigitalAwareness #SocialIdentity #TransformationalLearning #DigitalBehavior #OnlineCourse Dr Shungu Hilda M'gadzah

The Role of Humanism in Promoting Social Justice Today Humanism is more than just a philosophical stance; it’s a call to action for social justice and equity. Here’s how we can harness its principles to create a fairer world: - Empathy and Understanding: Humanism encourages us to see the humanity in everyone. By fostering empathy, we can better understand the struggles of marginalized communities and advocate for their rights. - Collaboration Across Differences: Embracing humanism means working together despite our differences. Building coalitions with diverse groups can amplify voices that need to be heard. - Education as Empowerment: Educating ourselves and others about social justice issues is vital. Humanism promotes critical thinking, enabling individuals to challenge injustices and advocate for systemic change. - Advocacy and Action: Humanists can take a proactive stance by engaging in advocacy, whether through community organizing, policy change, or grassroots movements. Every action counts! - Promoting Well-being: A key aspect of humanism is the promotion of mental and emotional well-being. Supporting mental health initiatives can create a healthier society where everyone thrives. By embracing humanism, we can make strides toward a more just and equitable world. Let’s take these steps together. 🤝✨ #SocialJustice #Humanism

Cody, Bovarnick, and Soares reflect on a decade of work with young survivors of sexual violence, highlighting three key elements: effective partnerships, careful risk-benefit consideration, and adequate support for everyone involved. They emphasize the importance of overcoming structural barriers, fostering creativity, and ensuring proper training for those facilitating and supporting the participation of survivors. Concepts like ‘ambiguous agency’, ‘intersectional agency’, and ‘risk and uncertainty’ explain why young survivors often lack influence over their care. They also note three positive changes: questioning dominant research paradigms, the rise of youth-led activism, and mainstreaming trauma-informed approaches. 🔗Read more at https://lnkd.in/dxrgruia

Here's a breakdown of each one: 1. Acknowledge historical challenges faced by Black women. 2. Understand systemic barriers and their impact. 3. Create a safe space for open discussions. 4. Use culturally competent therapy techniques. 5. Foster community support and resilience. Black Women's Mental Health matters 🌸💪🏾 Share your story and rewrite the narrative of your life. #HealingJourney #BlackWomenThrive #MentalHealthMatters #blackwomanwillbloom #advocacy #blackwomen

Celebrating Minority Mental Health Month: A Reflection on Mental Health Access… July is Minority Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and promote mental well-being in minority communities. Historically, minorities have faced significant barriers in seeking mental health treatment. These barriers include stigma, cultural misunderstandings, and a lack of access to culturally competent care. Stigma within many minority communities often discourages open discussions about mental health, making it difficult for individuals to seek help. Cultural misunderstandings between providers and patients can also lead to misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment. Furthermore, systemic issues like lack of access to affordable healthcare and mental health services in minority communities exacerbate the problem. As we acknowledge Minority Mental Health Month, it’s crucial to address these barriers and work towards a more inclusive and supportive mental health system. By understanding and addressing these historical challenges, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. #MinorityMentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #Diversity #Inclusion #CulturalCompetency