Social well-being can be defined as the sharing, developing, and sustaining of meaningful relationships with others. This allows you to feel authentic and valued and provides a sense of connectedness and belonging.

 

Strategies to enhance Social Wellness:

 

Cultivate Relationships 

  • Invest time and effort in building and maintaining meaningful relationships 
  • Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances 
  • Attend social events or join clubs and groups that align with your interests 
  • Focus on quality relationships rather than quantity as meaningful connections provide more fulfillment than superficial ones 

Practice Active Listening 

  • Show genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings 
  • Ask open-ended questions and validate others’ experiences 

Develop Empathy 

  • Put yourself in others’ shoes 
  • Understand other people’s emotions and perspectives 
  • Practice compassion and understanding to strengthen social bonds 

Enhance Communication Skills 

  • Be clear, respectful, and considerate in your interactions 
  • Recognize that effective communication fosters deeper connections 
  • Understand the role culture plays in communication and work to be aware of biases 

Set Healthy Boundaries 

  • Understand your limits and communicate them assertively 
  • Respect others’ boundaries as well 

Volunteer or Help Others 

  • Engage in acts of kindness 
  • Volunteer or assist others to create a sense of purpose and strengthen social ties 

Join Social Activities 

  • Participate in group activities, workshops, or classes 
  • Share experiences to build connections 
  • Use your connections to start an exercise or wellness social group 
  • Join an organization, volunteer, or take up a hobby that expands your social circle 

Practice Digital Balance 

  • Balance virtual interactions with face-to-face ones 
  • Recognize that in-person interactions have unique benefits 

Use Self-Reflection 

  • Reflect on your social interactions 
    • List elements that make a relationship rewarding and make sure you are providing these factors in your relationships 
    • Reflect on your current relationships and determine which ones need improvement 
    • Schedule time to reach out to be supportive of your friends, family members, and colleagues 
    • Be intentional with the time you spend with others 
  • Identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement  
  • Adjust your behavior accordingly 

 

Resources:

  • Campus Counselor- Every Tuesday
  • Advisors
  • Instructors
  • Gym down in basement
  • TRIO
  • Anishinaabewigamig (Language & culture center) – monthly ceremonies, support groups, and language activities
  • Community sobriety meetings
  • 13 Moons Workshops
  • Community Education
  • Libraries
  • AICHO

 

Campus Activities:

  • Game Day every Tuesday in the Library 
  • Lacrosse every Thursday in the Gym 
  • Welcome Week  
  • Student Clubs  
  • Teaching & Learning – faculty association  
  • 13 moons workshops  
  • Hand games – Wednesdays *AT* noon 
  • Drum group practice – Fridays 
  • Hand drumming with Oshkii-giizik 
  • Collaborations with FDL language program: lacrosse, symposium, storytelling events 
Testimonials
I chose FDLTCC because of its size and the curriculum. When I first came here in 2019, I was just looking for what I needed to volunteer, perhaps in a crisis shelter. I met with Don Jarvinen, and the rest is history.
My favorite thing about FDLTCC is the people. I’ve met fantastic students, faculty and staff who go above and beyond what I expected.
It is awesome here at the FDLTCC Education Program because it is like a family here, if you need help or are struggling with anything, you have quite a few people who will help you out.