Do you find yourself creating a culture of health, well-being, and caring in your department or organization? Do you believe in walking meetings, office yoga or team meditation? If you answered yes to any of these questions then Health Initiatives is looking for you to be part of the next cohort of Well-Being Activators! 

Well-Being Activator applications are now open for employees through June 7th. Activators serve as well-being role models, inspiring others to flourish and thrive. They host programs, lead healthy challenges, and integrate well-being into their group or department.  Activators gain skills related to leadership, well-being, and fostering healthy behavior change. 

The goal is to have one Well-Being Activator represent every community group on campus from student organizations to residence halls to employee departments. Yolonda Cameron from Legal Affairs & Risk Management became an activator to, “cultivate a community of health, well-being and caring on a practical level. That is, it means not only sharing various health & wellness tips and initiatives at Georgia Tech but also facilitating a variety of health & wellness activities.” Some of her proposed ideas include herbal tea breaks, walking tours and reflection hours.

Numerous activators are already spreading this message across campus to their respected departments and organizations. Well-Being Activator, Byron Stokes implemented these practices into the BuzzCard office through a weekly mindful meditation session. Student, Amy Pollman created a well-being competition between floors in the honors dorm encouraging healthy habits such as drinking water, getting eight hours of sleep, and exercising.   Nakisha Green from the Scheller College of Business, created a box outside of her office filled with chocolates and random acts of kindness notes. Each activator is encouraged to take a personal approach to the way they share the well-being message.

Activators attend one half-day training led by the Health Initiatives Department.  This is followed by monthly meetings. The training is designed to help individuals develop leadership skills, learn core concepts related to health and well-being, and to teach participants how to best infuse a culture of health, well-being, and caring into their department.  Chemical Engineering student and Well-Being Activator, Justin Goveas said, “I’m able to take what I’ve learned in the activator program and incorporate it into the lives of people around me. It’s something I’m thankful for because I’m better able to be there for my friends and the people I care about.” If you are interested in learning more about this program or applying for the next cohort please visit healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/well-being-activators.  Student applications will be available in the fall.