Jay Atlas: A Decade of Activism and Hope on the Road
Journey of Activism: A Decade in Reflection
Where do you feel you're at your best? This simple yet profound question posed by a therapist prompts Joshua “Jay” Atlas to reflect on his life and contributions. As the Operation Manager for Bio-One Philly and a dedicated community advocate, he finds joy in serving others while grappling with his personal struggles.
Finding Purpose Through Active Engagement
Atlas has always been driven by a passion for community service, organizing initiatives like shoe and coat drives, and collecting hygienic essentials to prepare meals for those in need. Despite these fulfilling efforts, he often finds himself answerless to the question of his best self.
Experiences on the Road
His journey of activism has taken him across the country. From transnational tours—walking from Atlantic City to Los Angeles to cycling from Seattle to Miami—Atlas has covered significant ground, totaling 14,924 miles and spending 381 days on the road. This transience allows him to tap into a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he feels is often lacking in his daily life.
Community and Mental Health Awareness
In 2018, during a TedxNorristown presentation, Atlas opened up about his struggle with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). He described how being out on the road and connecting with communities boosts his mental wellness. Recognizing the low moods and feelings of hopelessness associated with PDD, he emphasizes the healing power of activism and connection.
Introducing The Bad Activist
In founding The Bad Activist, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Atlas and his team aim to shift the narrative around human trafficking and mental health. Their work primarily focuses on raising awareness about these issues, especially among youth and young adults. The organization is built on a solid foundation of community service, showing that ending exploitation is just one aspect of their broader mission.
Engaging Through Stories
By embarking on these extensive journeys, Atlas believes in what he calls 'active activism'. Rather than solely relying on social media and public speaking engagements, he opts for personal, face-to-face interactions to ignite change. The community's engagement not only enhances local awareness but also encourages individuals to participate in advocacy work.
Upcoming Adventures and Goals
With a new tour planned to start in one year, the team aims to cover 6,200 miles. They hope to engage communities across several major cities, fostering conversations about mental health and creating pathways for young adults to participate in activism as a means to cope with their own struggles.
Investing in Community Futures
The goals of this tour are manifold. First, they aim to educate young individuals about mental health and provide them with the tools to create their own projects. Ongoing efforts include raising funds and resources for those who are struggling, working towards a self-sustaining community building that will continue to provide support and shelter for those in need.
The Call for Partnership
Atlas encourages local programs and advocates to join their efforts. The ethos of The Bad Activist values shared success, emphasizing that assistance provided to them will be given back to the community. They are actively seeking programs or individuals doing significant work that may benefit from additional support.
Contact Information
If you want to learn more about their initiatives or get involved, contact The Bad Activist at 610-955-9531 or visit their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bad Activist?
The Bad Activist is a nonprofit organization founded by Jay Atlas to raise awareness and combat human trafficking while promoting mental health activism.
How can I get involved with The Bad Activist?
You can get involved by visiting their website and exploring volunteer opportunities, or reaching out with local programs to partner with.
What are the upcoming goals for Jay Atlas and his team?
The goals include educating youth about mental health, raising funds for those in need, and establishing a community support facility.
How does physical activity relate to mental health?
Research indicates that engaging in physical activism can enhance mental well-being by providing purpose and reducing psychological distress.
Who can I contact for support in mental health crises?
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for help from counselors available 24/7.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
Disclaimer: The content of this article is solely for general informational purposes only; it does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice; the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. The author's interpretation of publicly available data shapes the opinions presented here; as a result, they should not be taken as advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities mentioned or any other investments. The author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any material, providing it "as is." Information and market conditions may change; past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. If any of the material offered here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.