"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

Resilient Yolo developed the Be the One campaign to provide a concrete way for communities to encourage positive social connections in multiple settings This accessible, evidence-informed campaign is based on research that demonstrates one way both to prevent and heal from adversity is through safe, stable, nurturing relationships. While encouraging all of us to create more caring connections, the Be the One campaign also invites communities to dialogue about the impact of Adverse Childhood (and Community) Experiences (ACEs) and the science of resilience. Resilient Yolo created the campaign in Yolo County, but it is for anyone and everyone anywhere and everywhere. All of us have the ability (and the responsibility) to Be the One.

Research shows caring positive relationships support healthy child development, promote adaptive responses to stress, and contribute to positive mental and physical health. (https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/essentials-for-childhood-framework508.pdf.) We can feel the power of social connections in everyday life. We feel less stress when we get a hug from a friend or a smile from a stranger on a bad day. Our resilience is strengthened when we know someone in our life will support us in a crisis, reach out when we need empathy, or bear witness in tough times. We feel the power of connection when we feel seen and truly heard by others. Caring relationships have the power to recharge, inspire, comfort, and transform us. We have the power to do the same for others when we invest in connection.

Being the One is as simple as smiling, listening, caring, and sharing with those we encounter each day. The world we want is ours to create through our intentions, actions and reactions. Join us!