Inside Our Minds is a peer-controlled, radical mental health organization that works to elevate the voices of people with lived experience of mental illness, madness, and other conceptualizations of mental health. Inside Our Minds serves the Pittsburgh region through free, community-based radical mental health programming:
The Radical Mental Health Series, recurring educational workshops that focus on a social justice perspective of mental illness. Radical mental health supports more inclusive and diverse perspectives of mental health, prioritizing the voices of local activists and advocates with lived experience as educators and experts. The Radical Mental Health Series works to educate the public and provide a space for the open discussion of radical mental health topics to promote shared understanding and anti-oppressive practices in mental health. This series is made possible through funding from the Opportunity Fund.
Anonymous Open Mic, an expressive storytelling project working to build a community narrative around mental health in Pittsburgh. Community members are invited to submit a poem, spoken word piece, or short story about mental health, mental illness, madness, substance use / addiction, trauma, or a similar experience to perform at the event. Community members also have the option to submit their piece anonymously and have a volunteer perform the piece live on their behalf. This series is made possible through funding from the Sprout Fund and Staunton Farm Foundation.
Mental Health Cafe, a monthly community conversation on mental health, mental illness, and madness over coffee and treats. Mental Health Cafe focuses on informal discussions and friendly mutual aid in a welcoming space for all.
The Radical Mental Health Reading Group, a monthly informal discussion on different texts in radical mental health, for people of all educational and professional backgrounds (no experience in academia, professional mental health settings, or similar positions is required).