We can't talk about global mental health without talking about colonialism, systems of oppression, history and trauma.

In the wake of modern colonialism and the battle against neocolonialism, committing to decolonizing practices is essential for a healthier world. For us, this framework structures an ever-evolving effort to relearn, resist and rise up together. We do not expect to achieve a perfectly decolonized organization or even project, but are committed to improving during the course of our organizational lifetime. Prioritizing community-led work is an important part of this, as it disrupts typical NGO structures that place the needs of donors and NGO workers ahead of the partner community. 

Being founded and led by mental health clinicians has heavily influenced the development of our organization, evident particularly in our choice to center strengths-based practices. Instead of approaching our team and community through deficit-based models common in Western psychology and business, we choose to start with strengths and build from there. We all have room to grow and we find this growth more meaningful when our strengths are recognized and celebrated from Day 1.

From micro to macro, trauma impacts our lives moment-to-moment and society as a whole. Our processes and practices have evolved and continue to evolve through lenses that consider trauma and healing. Ultimately, our goal is to build a healthier world and for this to be possible, recognizing and healing from trauma is essential.

Instead of leading from the top/front, our Executive Director & Board of Directors intentionally lead from the ground/back. Like the trunk of a strong tree, Daniel and the Board support the rest of the branches in growing. This aligns with our core frameworks in the following ways; it allows us to decolonize our work processes by flipping the script on power and authority, it centers the strengths of our team and creates a safe space for folks to explore this work on the terms that are healthy for them.

From our team to our board to our amazing volunteers, we're proud of the fact that IMHA is 100% powered by lived experience. 

Our Executive Director actively involves our team in planning, decision-making and radical imagining. Our team is full of wise, creative problem-solvers and by working collaboratively, we are able to live up to our values of health and wellbeing while putting our best foot forward for our team and community.