Why did you become a member of Moms Stop The Harm?
We both became involved in Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) after the tragic loss of our sons in 2020 and 2021. Initially, we were simply looking for support and a safe space to express our feelings. Through our individual memberships, we found comfort in knowing we were not alone in navigating a world that felt incredibly foreign to us. This connection led us to become involved in Red Deer's International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) in 2022. Our connection was strong and powerful. We both knew immediately we could achieve big things together. This connection has led us to extensive advocacy and also led to the creation of Central Alberta's in-person Healing Hearts group. While we started as a group of three we have now grown to twenty plus members. What does being an advocate mean to you?
To us, being an advocate means speaking without shame and sharing our personal stories to foster understanding. It is a way to find some sense in the devastating loss of our sons, to be a voice for those who are often unheard in society, and fight for essential policy changes. Advocacy involves creating opportunities for open conversation and building awareness within our community that there is help and support available. Both, for those living with loss, and those supporting a loved one through/in substance use. When we first started our advocacy actions we had no idea where it would lead or how it would be received. Every event has created a ripple and opens new doors we hadn't imagined. This ongoing movement continues to grow. To date we have had opportunities to share our stories and MSTH information at various meeting and events including: Meeting our Member of Parliament, Our Member of Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of Red Deer Red City City Council public consultations, IOAD, Screening of Kimmapiiyipitssini (Gi ma bin bitzen), Harm Reduction events, Community Resource meetings, Support Don't punish events, Gone Too Soon trees at the Red Deer Hospital and Red Deer Public Library We are proud to say we hosted our 2nd Annual Gone Too Soon, A Walk to Remember.
What do you want people to know about Moms Stop the Harm?
Ultimately, we want people to know that Moms Stop the Harm is a place of shared lived experiences where support is always available, ensuring no one has to walk this difficult path alone. It is a place to move our pain and use our voices to educate, connect and advocate for change. Critical to our success is the tools and resources available to us through MSTH. Key messages, clear goals and objectives, free learning workshops, a supportive staff and board are always available to us when we are preparing for an event.
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