Sunday Platform – Evelyn Graham-Nyaasi: “A Better Way” (Hybrid)

In-person and online!

Evelyn’s presentation will focus on the disconnect between society and people facing mental health challenges, and examine some of the experiences they have had with police. She’ll also explore one city’s successful mental health crisis system, and an advocacy organization that still finds problems with the police who, after their crisis intervention trainings (CITs), are still causing the unnecessary deaths of people experiencing mental health crises.

The presentation will highlight an organization that is now advocating for non-police response to all mental health crisis calls, to more effectively and safely assist a person experiencing a mental health crisis. The presentation will end with a brief discussion of the National 988 number set to go into effect in 2022.

Evelyn Graham-Nyaasi is a graduate of City College, The Borough of Manhattan Community College and Howie T. Harp Advocacy Center. Currently, she is studying Adolescent Education at St. John’s University Graduate School of Education. Evelyn works as an Advocacy Specialist at Community Access and is a member of Correct Crisis Intervention Today (CCITNYC) that advocates to replace police at mental health crisis calls with mental health peers and an Emergency Medical Technician. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Depression in 1990 and has had to navigate through a mental health system that can be difficult at times. Through her lived experiences, this topic is near to her heart and she is committed to advocate for change in the mental health system.

Notice: Only fully-vaccinated individuals are invited to attend in-person at this time.

Watch Online! – Click to join at start | ID 863 0430 0961 | Passcode 609424

Presider: Leader Dr. Richard Koral

Shared Charity: Students for Justice

Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest.  Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day.  While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public.  Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit our Videos page and YouTube channel.