THIS IS ME is an evidence-informed social emotional learning program that can be considered a key component of your school’s or organization’s comprehensive mental health supports. It is intended to be used as a Tier 1 universal prevention program that can support all students and is aligned with Washington State's Social Emotional Learning Standards and Benchmarks (See Appendix D Standards, benchmarks indicators at k12.wa.us). However, it has also been used as a Tier 2 program by school counselors wanting to build relationships with a small group of students. 

THIS IS ME is designed to be used flexibly by teachers/ counselors within a school.  Basic curricula are available for flexible use to promote self-knowledge, mental health awareness and social justice.

At least one staff member per school or organization must be designated as the coordinator for the program. They will be tasked with coordination of the teachers/ counselors using the program, ensuring that students of concern who are identified by the keyword technology are connected to school-based mental health support, and providing encouragement to complete the program’s pre-/ post- evaluation.

For each teacher or counselor that participates, program delivery requires about 10 hours of dedicated instructional time. THIS IS ME could be introduced as an opportunity during a school’s advisory period. It could also reside as part of a health class or, even as part of English literature or a technology class since there are options to develop story-telling and video editing skills. 

Each student will require access to a device with camera and audio capabilities for recording their video time-capsules. Cell phones and computers can both be used to record the verbal journals however, it is recommended that Chrome or Firefox browser is used and that students have access to a private, well lit, quiet space to record their video journals. Access to editing software is needed (a number of free options are available) for young people participating in the THIS IS ME International Film Festival.

Instruction on how to create an optional This is Me short film are included along with an invitation for students to submit their film for inclusion in the virtual THIS IS ME International Film Festival offered in May each year. Certificates and Laurels are provided for participation in the Film Festival. Authentic THIS IS ME films can be used for university, scholarship and job applications. The Film Festival provides students’ the opportunity to interact with and learn from other students beyond the school’s walls.

Storage of the video time capsules is HIPAA Compliant. The verbal journaling sessions are facilitated by a web-based app. We will maintain the confidentiality of the THIS IS ME verbal journals, and will not review or release the footage to any person other than the student, except as required by applicable law or if review of the footage is necessary for the protection of the student or others. The THIS IS ME web app contains keyword technology, which is a built-in key word search that allows for the student verbal journals to be scanned for key words indicating the possibility of self-harm, suicide, or other forms of violence. All scans are anonymous unless such keywords are found to be of concern in the transcript, at which time the THIS IS ME safety officer will notify the designated adult in the school of the student concern.  

Costs:
$25 per student with a minimum of 100 licenses.

*This does not cover the full program’s costs. Private philanthropies are making this experience possible for students.