The DAA Collective newsletter keeps Denver's afterschool community connected to resources, professional learning and networking opportunities. Learn more about us.
2023 Fall Professional Learning Slate Available Now!
Fall is finally here, and so is our 2023 Fall Professional Learning Slate! We are excited to offer some new workshops that emphasize the necessity to prioritize self-care in the out-of-school time community, as well as workshops that focus on the continued effort of the DAA to present social and emotional development opportunities.
Additional workshops may be added to the Fall slate, so please refer to the bi-weekly DAA Collective newsletters or daalearn.orgfor the most up-to-date information!
Take a look at the 2023 Fall Professional Learning Slate HERE.
Activities to Promote Self-Care
Need to "treat yourself", but don't have the time or the extra funds for a day at the spa? Make this simple green tea sugar scrub! Green tea offers a number of health benefits- it's an anti-inflammatory and may be able to reduce sun damage to the skin.
Ingredients:
2 green tea bags
1/2 cup hot water
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Directions:
Add the tea bags to hot water and let steep until cool.
Coloring is a simple, fun activity that can also be a tool for practicing good mental health! Coloring promotes mindfulness and encourages one to focus and embrace imperfection (as there is no right or wrong way to color). It is also a healthy way to relieve stress, as it can calm the brain and help your body relax. This can improve sleep and decrease feelings of anxiety!
There are a lot of really great websites available with free coloring pages for adults, start HERE.
Positivepsychology.com defines "Positive Affirmations" as "positive phrases or statements used to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts". To practice positive affirmations, you need to pick a phrase and repeat it to yourself- this is often used to motivate, encourage positive change, combat negative self-talk patterns and boost your self esteem. One way to encourage the practice of positive affirmations is to create an Affirmations Jar.
Here are you basic steps to get you started:
Find an empty jar or container to use as your "Affirmations Jar"
Find some scrap paper you can use to write your positive affirmations on.
Come up with your own affirmations and write one on each scrap of paper.
Put all of your folded affirmations in your jar.
Every day, pull one affirmation out and repeat it to yourself throughout the day.
By doing this practice every day, the positivity will start to shine through and take some of that stress and negativity away! If you need some help coming up with affirmations, check out this list of 40 Positive Affirmations to Add to Your Daily Rotation.
Walking meditation is a helpful exercise that focuses on both your physical and mental well-being. Some of the benefits include improved awareness and an increase in mental clarity. This is a great alternative to the form of meditation that requires one to sit quietly with their thoughts, which can be challenging for some!
The most simple practice of walking meditation includes the following four steps:
Pick a safe space that is relatively free of distraction where you can move comfortably.
Start walking! Take 10-20 slow, rhythmic and deliberate steps. When you reach the end of those steps, turn around and walk back the same way.
Pay attention to your steps and breathing- notice the sensations you feel. Use the sounds and feelings of your steps and breathing to focus your attention. Repeat this activity for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily.
Practice: Walking meditation requires patience and practice to truly reap the benefits!
For more tips and information, check out the Greater Good In Action's feature on Walking Mediation.
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. As you use the Zentangle Method to create beautiful images, you likely will enjoy increased focus, creativity, self-confidence and an increased sense of well-being.
For instructions on how to construct a zentangle, check out Zentangle.com or check out the following video tutorial:
Self-Care Tips
Worn out? Exhausted? Bleary-eyed? If you need a little something to ease your frustration and get you back in the spirit, this collection of talks should help!
Burnout happens when you have been under excessive and prolonged stress. It happens when you feel overwhelmed and unable to keep up with all the demands of your life. After a while, you begin to lose the interest or motivation to do even the smallest things that need to be done.
If you are looking for someone to facilitate a group activity at work, there are a number of organizations in the OST community that offer Professional Development (PD) opportunities to help foster a culture of care in the workplace!
Here are a couple to get you started (click on the links for more information):
Mirror Image Arts offers PD opportunities to youth-serving professionals through interactive theatre performances and drama-based activities.
*Sign up to attend their "Mandatory Supporting Workshop" on the 2023 Fall Professional Learning Slate!
Radiant Beginnings offers Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Training and a Practical Tools for Stress and Anxiety Workshop. These opportunities are ideal for anyone who has children or works with children ages 3 to 12 years.
Self-Care Offerings in Our Community
The Youth Program Locator serves as a helpful connector for families and OST programming for school-aged children, but did you know that it is also a great tool for families to find services and supports for the whole family? We used the Youth Program Locator to identify the following organizations that offer programming to adults that encourage physical, emotional and mental wellness. It's time to prioritize YOU, and to take advantage of all of the incredible programs that our community is offering!
Art from Ashes offers adult writing workshops that allow participants to express themselves through poetry and access their creativity through the power of words. All levels of writers are welcome!
For more information about registering for adult workshops, click HERE.
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections' mission is to positively impact individuals and families in Colorado by providing holistic in-home mental health and substance use treatment through innovative methods and technology platforms.
School of Breakingseeks to guide and encourage students to express themselves freely within a safe, welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental environment. They offer drop-in Breaking and Hip Hop classes to adults of all skill levels!
The Conflict Center offers Adult and Community anger and conflict management classes, with an emphasis on relationship building through the presence of conflict. They teach participants useful techniques to cool down, manage stress and learn how conflict can be a force for positive change.
The Struggle of Love Foundationoffers FREE in-person therapy sessions at the Love Center. These services include one-on-one, couples, and family/group therapy.
Learn more about these therapy services as well as other mental health support offerings (including acupuncture, aroma and sound therapy) HERE.
Renewing Hope Ranch provides Equine therapy for all ages but specifically has a program that focuses on helping professionals experiencing burn out. It is located in Morrison, Colorado and is an amazing experience for individuals, or your entire team!
The Center on Colfax provides a host of free services and cultural events, as well as programming and support groups targeted toward LGBTQ+ adults! Check out all of their offerings HERE.
Specifically, their Glass Lawler Mental Health provides freetherapeutic services to LGBTQ+ adults (18+). For information on how this service works, click HERE.
Join the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization and their partners at Fit & Nu every Monday evening from 6-7pm for a unique workout that combines Zumba + Tai Chi. All levels are welcome and it's a great way to kick off your week! Location: 3025 S. Parker Rd. Aurora, CO*
Take the elevator to the 12th floor, then take the stairs to the penthouse *New AOPYO location in Downtown Denver opens winter 2023! Register at fitandnu.com/classes
Colorado Dream Foundation offers free and low-cost mental health therapy for clients ages four-adulthood in Denver. Their treatment methods use a holistic approach to enhance the development of social-emotional learning and therapeutic practices.
To learn more about their therapeutic services, and to request an appointment with one of their clinicians, click HERE.
Families are using the Youth Program Locator, so make sure your program schedules are up to date by logging in toDAAconnecttoday!
If you would like to get your organization seen by families all over Denver on the Youth Program Locator, fill out the registration form HERE.
