Written By: Hunter Vaughan and Giannina Griggs (FAV’s Communications Coordinator and Membership Director)
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we turn our attention to an issue that affects countless lives but often remains shrouded in silence. At First Amendment Voice, we are passionate about promoting First Amendment values, which include free expression, open dialogue, and the power of voices and our mission is to encourage civil discourse and active civic engagement. This month, we want to highlight how these values play a crucial role in the fight against suicide and the promotion of mental health.
Counterman v. Colorado: An Important Precedent
You may be curious as to how Suicide Prevention Month relates to the First Amendment. According to the ACLU, in the Supreme Court Case Counterman v. Colorado, the Supreme Court ruled that “in true threats cases the First Amendment requires the government to prove that the defendant acted with a culpable mental state, and not merely that his words were objectively threatening.”
One of the most important aspects of this case appears to be the precedent set, specifically in reference to how we define “recklessness” when addressing free speech of the First Amendment. This precedent directly impacts those with mental health issues. The defining of “recklessness” allows for intention and mental capacity to be proven or disproven in court, meaning individuals with mental incapacities will not be wrongfully prosecuted or convicted, should it be proven that there is no ill intention or that the individual does not have the capacity to determine ill intention on their own. This also results in the inability of individuals to use mental illness as an excuse when ill-intent and recklessness are present.
This precedent also has heavy social and cultural implications. By setting guidelines of “recklessness” and not allowing mental health to be used as an excuse, this allows for the seriousness of genuine mental health issues to be re-established. In essence, it avoids individuals to use self-diagnosis or untruthful mental diagnoses. This creates a genuine consensus within the court that true mental health issues may be proven and then addressed as seriously as other issues which cause incapacity in individuals.
Breaking the Silence
The First Amendment guarantees our right to speak our minds, even on the most challenging and uncomfortable topics. Mental health and suicide are subjects that have long been stigmatized and pushed into the shadows. However, when we utilize the power of free expression, we can break the silence surrounding these issues.
Sharing personal stories, discussing mental health challenges openly, and engaging in empathetic conversations about suicide are all vital steps toward reducing stigma and increasing understanding. By doing so, we create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help and support.
Fostering Empathy and Support
Empathy is a cornerstone of First Amendment values. When we actively listen to the experiences of those who have faced mental health challenges or contemplated suicide, we cultivate empathy and compassion. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic is a human being with a unique story and struggle.
As advocates for the First Amendment, we believe in the power of community. By fostering a sense of togetherness and support, we can help those in need find the strength to overcome their challenges. Together, we can provide hope and a sense of belonging, which are often lifelines for individuals grappling with thoughts of suicide.
Promoting Access to Resources
The First Amendment also gives us the freedom to share information and resources openly. During Suicide Prevention Month, it’s essential to provide individuals with access to the tools and support they need. This can include information about mental health services, crisis hotlines, and online communities where they can connect with others who understand their struggles.
As a society, we can use our collective voices to ensure that everyone knows where to turn when they or someone they care about is in crisis. Information is a powerful tool, and it can save lives.
Joining the Conversation
At First Amendment Voice, we encourage you to join the conversation during Suicide Prevention Month and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Share Your Story: If you have a personal experience with mental health challenges or suicide, consider sharing your story. Your words can provide hope and comfort to others.
Engage on Social Media: Connect with your community and share resources and stories that promote understanding and empathy.
Support Local Organizations: Reach out to local mental health organizations and nonprofits in your community to see how you can contribute to their efforts.
By embracing First Amendment values and using our voices, we can help create a society where mental health challenges are met with compassion, understanding, and resources. Together, we can break the silence surrounding suicide and, most importantly, save lives.
Thank you for being a part of the First Amendment Voice community and for joining us in supporting Suicide Prevention Month. Let’s use our voices to make a difference.
It is common to see the news full of protesters and activists who stand up and speak out, and it seems like it is easy for them. They are full of passion and the desire to make a change. It is inspiring and impressive and it makes the person watching feel like they can do anything.
Realistically, however, it is not that simple. Sure, when you see the story about people being honest and making a change, there’s a part of you that wants to experience the same thing. There is a bigger part, nevertheless, at least for some of us, that wants the change, but not the attention.
How do we make that work then? How do we advocate for better things if we do not like the attention? If we are naturally quiet and introverted people? If we say nothing, then nothing gets done, but the idea of speaking up is very uncomfortable. What do we do?
Assertiveness is important and necessary. Not just in civic engagement, but in life. A person’s biggest advocate is going to be themself. If you can’t take up for yourself, who is going to do it?
These are things that I have discovered about assertiveness. It is absolutely a process, and it is not easy, but it is important to be able to state your needs/wants in all settings. You can be an introvert and still be assertive. Being honest about things does not mean you are not being true to yourself. It might seem weird or uncomfortable, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more assertive. With that being said, in the nature of honesty and advocacy, here are a few tips that helped me to increase my assertiveness.
1. Determine how you communicate. To start, it is important to identify your communication style. There are plenty of ways to say something, and it will help make you more comfortable if you are aware of how you come off to others. There are four main styles of communication: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. Figure out the way that you communicate so that you can plan the uncomfortable conversation accordingly. Stay aware of your tone so that things do not come off differently than how you mean them.
2. Be honest. There is a sense of relief that comes with being honest about the way someone or something makes you feel. The truth of the matter is that if you are not honest about how you feel, people probably are not aware.
3. Be patient. This is an all-encompassing tip. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with the person you are talking to. Be patient with the business you are trying to get a hold of. Change can take time.
4. Be compassionate. It is easy to become angry or annoyed when you are talking to someone who feels differently than you, or who does not understand where you are coming from. It is much better for everyone, however, if you come from a place of compassion. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and keep in mind that we are all human.
5. Be heard. I know that I mentioned patience a few steps back, and I still stand with the fact that it is important. However, patience does not mean passivity. Do not let things go if you want them to change. Do not let the length of time things take steer you away from speaking up. Change is hard, but it’s worth it. Make sure they hear you.
All in all, advocacy is not easy. It takes courage and time and patience, and sometimes it is just easier to say nothing; especially when you don’t really want to say something in the first place. Conversations can be difficult, but difficult conversations lead to impactful change. Don’t let your uncomfortableness steer you to complacency. Be an advocate. You can absolutely do it.
I am a Christian man. I’ve believed in God for as long as I can possibly remember and I can’t imagine my life without God in the middle of it. This is never something I wanted to hide, but my religious persuasion is now abundantly clear to anyone who receives written correspondence from me, as the title of “Reverend” has preceded my name for the last three years. My hope is that when people see this credential, they would know that I am person that believes in hope, forgiveness, and love. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that so many people have been the victim of hurtful words or actions from those who profess to be Christians, that my designation can sometimes push people away without me ever saying a word.
Since 595 BC, wars have been fought and blood has been shed in the name of religion. Including during the time of Jesus, people have been obsessed with following religious laws, rather than a relationship with the God of the universe. I do not believe this is what God intended for us. Do I believe the exact same things as people who practice their faith differently? No, of course not, but this does not mean that I cannot show them love. In fact, I have multiple friends who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. Although there have occasionally been times when we disagree about certain aspects of our faith, people of all faiths should be able to agree on the goodness and value of the most basic human emotion – love. On occasion, when people speak bad about me because of my faith, I remember the words of Jesus, “If you only love those who love you, what reward will you get?”
Our nation has become painfully divided in many areas, but one of the clearest lines of demarcation is that of faith. In this digital age of TikTok videos and viral social media posts, it has become far too easy to make hateful comments and go about your business. However, I suggest there is a better way. When a person has a different opinion than you, look for common ground. Find something to love about that person and actively work to unite with that individual, rather than place a wedge between you.
Our country has some deeply rooted problems that have existed for generations. I believe we can only solve these problems when we stop focusing on what divides us, whether that is our religious or political beliefs, and instead utilize our varied backgrounds, personalities, and abilities as a source of strength. Throughout my time in the military, I’ve had the great privilege of serving with people of all faiths. All that mattered is that the person to your left and right would “have your back” in combat. Let’s do the same in civil society to bring about healing.
After the divisiveness and health emergencies of the last year, it seems we have been inundated with bad news and the media continues to feed us that diet. Are you looking for a place to learn about good community work, positive news stories, and celebrate those successes? I sure am and can tell you reviewing the nomination sent in for the Edward Lowry Memorial Award for Citizenship has rejuvenated my spirit. Despite the hardships of a pandemic and difficult divisions across communities and our country, these many nominees found ways to explore common ground and serve others. many have done it all their lives and probably know no other discipline! Please consider joining us on May 21st at 4 pm Pacific Time/7 pm Eastern Time to enjoy an Oscar’s style presentation that celebrates the top ten nominees and announces the winner for 2021. Find the registration link here.
I’m excited that our June membership drive is right around the corner. Watch the attached video to learn about the many benefits of FAV membership to include learning the inside baseball at FAV in quarterly membership updates, meeting our board members, awesome speakers, or participating in many of our programs for free! If you decide to sign up for monthly giving at $10/month or more, we’ll even ship you one of our coveted FAV T-shirts, Citizenship: Not a Spectator Sport! We always get inspired when we see someone wearing one on a zoom call or at one of our events! We even have a lady’s style after we received feedback from the ladies that they preferred that option. Learn more about our membership in the membership corner below, on our website, or by reaching out to us at [email protected] – we always love connecting with folks. Lastly, if you know someone who would be interested in our content, please refer them our way. Follow us on social media, subscribe on YouTube, or sign up for this free email to receive FAV updates, blog commentary from our awesome blog writer, and other good news stories!
With gratitude,
Team FAV
Learn more about the benefits of being a member of FAV with this video from our membership coordinator Sydney Lantz:
FAV Dates – Mark Your Calendars
April 29 at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST – Quarterly Membership Update
May 21 at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST – inaugural Edward Lowry Memorial Award for Citizenship (Register here)
June 1 through July 4th – FAV Annual Membership drive
Reprinted with permission from Chris Duncan. This article originally was printed in San Clemente Times, (March 4, 2021).
Our natural instinct in these times is to find like-minded souls to take us in, assuage our self-doubt, and tell us the “other side” is the source of our inner turmoil.
In coffee meetings, YouTube chats, and Facebook groups, the urge is strong to sort ourselves into competing factions, all bent on protecting “us” from “them” by denigrating those who see things differently.
Fear and frustration manifest as grievance against a mythical “they” who have gained from our side’s loss. Like a drowning swimmer off Lost Winds, we pull each other under to save ourselves.
This animosity, while comforting in the short run, is not the answer. We San Clemente residents will not, and should not, agree on everything. Vigorous debate results in a better functioning democracy, because the best ideas will withstand the toughest scrutiny.
But while we may disagree with our fellow citizens on the issues, we must not assign them evil intent. That is easier said than done, especially right now. National news outlets and social media companies, which profit off our divisions, tell us the stories we want to hear, not those we need to hear, and relentlessly demonize the “opposition.”
Your neighbor is not your enemy, but it is easy to believe he or she is. I know, because I am as susceptible to making rash personal judgments as the next person. It feels soothing for an instant to vilify someone who thinks differently, or worse, label them a bad person. But personal attacks only make us feel more bitter and alone, and in the long run, corrode our public discourse.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Each of us is responsible for changing the narrative. Our future generations are counting on us to make decisions today that will enhance our city’s prospects, not drive a wedge through it.
If we acknowledge that our own insecurities are often the source of our unease, we can avoid trying to find faults in others to make ourselves feel better. Through this acceptance, we can lift the invisible walls that separate us and come together to achieve the goals we share.
I believe we are in a unique position to make this happen. As tragic as COVID-19 has been, it has forced us to unify around beneficial practices we previously overlooked, like dining outdoors, enjoying our beautiful environment, and being more present for our kids.
As we emerge together from the pandemic, having defeated the virus and preserved our way of life through our collective diligence and mutual goodwill, we have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage this unity to tackle other challenges that seemed out of reach.
Stopping the toll road, saving our beaches, ending homelessness in town. These are all possible if we direct our energy toward solving the problem instead of endlessly critiquing fellow problem-solvers.
But this opportunity is fleeting. If we do not act now, it will pass us by. And a year from now, when things are back to normal, we may forget what is possible if we act in unison.
San Clemente is an extraordinary town, but I am convinced our best days are ahead of us. It is up to each and every one of us, including the five us on the city council, to release the baggage of contempt and blame, appeal to the better angels of our nature, and replace character smears with substantive, fact-driven discussion. Only then will our Spanish Village reach its full potential.
Chris Duncan is a San Clemente city councilmember who was elected in 2020.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or Abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
