We were honored to receive a grant sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and AT&T to educate and provide resources to the community on Healthy Digital Habits. As part of our outreach efforts, we were excited to collaborate with Ourspace 517 because of the incredible sense of unity and inclusion consistently seen at their events in Lansing, MI.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering at both their Hispanic Heritage and Juneteenth celebrations over the past few years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive energy and community impact this group fosters. Ourspace 517 brings together a beautifully diverse crowd—including children, teens, and adults of all backgrounds—which made it the perfect setting for us to participate in this year’s Juneteenth event. 

We were also grateful to be joined by Dr. Harness, whose dedication to promoting safe digital practices among children is truly inspiring. Her passion for this work came through clearly as she engaged with children and their parents/caregivers at our booth, offering practical tips on creating safer digital habits at home.

It was especially encouraging to see kids and their parents/caregivers actively listening and showing genuine interest in what it means to be safe and responsible in the digital world. We’re thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and for the shared commitment to building healthier, safer communities—both online and offline. - Anne’ka Marzette, MIAAP Development Director

I was honored to join Anne'ka Marzette at the MiAAP table at the 517 Juneteenth Weekend in Lansing. We created and distributed flyers for youth and caregivers that include QR codes to helpful resources, "quick tips", conversation starters for caregivers, disconnection strategy options for youth and quotes from young people from our MyVoice study.  I especially enjoyed talking with teens about the "quick tips" we included on the flyers.  Increased quantity, quality and equitable distribution of education to youth about media literacy skills, social media setting optimization and digital citizenship is needed to improve health and wellbeing (including mental health).  The online description of the 517 Juneteenth Weekend shares that "it is more than an event—it’s a movement that amplifies Black excellence, past and present."  I was honored to be welcomed into the space among the wonderful organizations and businesses at the event.  We are happy to share the flyers so that more people may benefit from them- please see below.  - Jane Harness, DO