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COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS
“I was so excited to find the Bipolar Babe website while doing some research for 'programs in
our community' specific to some of the students I work with in an alternate high school setting.
We are excited to work with Andrea and welcome the Bipolar Disorder Society, specifically the
bipolar babe project into our school.
Josy Renaud, Student Advocacy Teacher
Pacific Alternate Secondary School
“As a youth outreach worker dealing with marginalized youth and at times parents, I consider
the Bipolar Babe programs for youth to be excellent efforts as it encourages youth to discuss
mental health issues and will help bring us to the day when our kids will discuss mental health
issues freely.”
Jim Henry - Register Clinical Counselor, Mental Health Liaison Worker
Youth Empowerment Society
“As a high-school teacher, I witness students struggling with many forms of marginalization.
Bipolar Babe teaches us healthy ways to support people living with mental illness. Andrea is
enthusiastic, educated about the issues, and shares a powerful experience living with mental
health difficulties.”
Kristy Bignell, Teacher, Belmont Secondary
“The bipolar babe programs are a great way for youth to learn about mental illness. The
society’s web site and other resources make the information fresh, accessible and relevant to
youth. Andrea’s passion and positive energy shows us what is possible when we can overcome
stigma and face mental illness with humanity, knowledge, and compassion.”
Manuela Bizzotto, Youth Mental Health Clinician
Westshore Child and Youth Mental Health
“I am writing in support of Ms. Paquette’s endeavor to fight stigma against mental illness as she
herself has first-hand experience of stigma given the nature of her illness. She is quite tenacious,
able, and a passionate individual. She has a solid educational background, organizational
experience and she has devoted considerable effort to the bipolar babe project. I believe the
project will make an impact locally and nationally.”
Dr. Wei Song, Psychiatrist, VIHA
“I predict that the society’s Bipolar Babe project will succeed! Andrea courageously shares her
experience of mental illness as a way of dispelling myths and educating people of all ages. Her
message is particularly relevant to youth and their awareness is key to ending stigma and
discrimination.”
Cindy Player, Chair
University of Victoria’s Mental Health Task Force
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Strategy 2010+
CONTENTS
Background
Bipolar Disorder ......................................................................................................................6
Facts .......................................................................................................................................7
Treatment ...............................................................................................................................8
Patient Perception ...................................................................................................................9
Public Perception .................................................................................................................. 10
Our Concept ..........................................................................................................................11
Programming Priorities
The Bipolar Babe Project.........................................................................................................11
‘Stigma Stomp’ Classroom Presentations ................................................................................ 12
Bipolar Babe Workshops and Presentations:
An Intimate View into the World of Mental Health................................................................ 12
‘Teens2Twenties’ Peer Support Group ................................................................................... 13
Additional Programs in Development .......................................................................................... 14
Strategic Planning
The Process ........................................................................................................................... 15
Participants and Evaluators..................................................................................................... 15
Strategy, Timelines and Accountability ................................................................................... 15
Organization Development
Board of Directors and Advisory Board ................................................................................. 15
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Provincial Incorporation & Charitable Status........................................................................... 15
Marketing Plan
Communications – The Public Need ...................................................................................... 16
Administration
Accounting ............................................................................................................................22
Operating Policies ..................................................................................................................22
Insurance ...............................................................................................................................22
APPENDICES
Resource List .........................................................................................................................23
Revenue Requirements ..........................................................................................................30
Bipolar Babe - Activity in the Community ..............................................................................32
BDSBC Letterhead and ‘Stigma Stomp’ Rack Card .............................................................33,34
Further Appendices Available Upon Request:
Focus Group Notes, Board background & details, Certificate of Incorporation, and
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Letters of Endorsement.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In early 2009 a group of dedicated volunteers developed a website to help
people reduce the stigma of mental illness, particularly for Bipolar Disorder.
The project was launched with great success with the creation of
www.bipolarbabe.com in March 2009.
In the fall of 2009 the growing Bipolar Babe project produced a successful
fundraising event in cooperation with the non-profit organization, the
Victoria Events Centre.
The Stigma Stomp program, which has been successfully tested in the
school system and launched December 2010;
Teens2Twenties, a support group program for youth dealing with
Bipolar Disorder – to be launched February 2011; and
Public Education program for parents, employees & educators are
already underway.
The primary leader in this process is Andrea Paquette, who herself manages
Bipolar Disorder.
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She ran for the nomination for Member of Parliament at the age of 26
and her next steps subsequent to her diagnosis led her to South Korea
where she taught English to children and became a University English
Professor.
She accepts her illness as a ‘cursed’ gift and feels grateful for her
survival. During her presentations Andrea encourages others to
believe that no matter one’s challenges, they too can truly live an
extraordinary life.
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Board Members
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BACKGROUND
Bipolar Disorder
There is evidence to suggest that bipolar disorder is the result of abnormalities in the way
some of the nerve cells in our brain communicate with each other. When there are
problems in the functioning of these neurotransmitters, the communication system in the
brain can be disrupted.
Many illnesses such as bipolar disorder can be managed effectively with a treatment plan
and a willingness to accept the illness, which is often a very difficult thing to accomplish.
The Bipolar Disorder Society of BC feels that it is important to educate as many people as
possible, especially youth, about the facts of mental illness because it is through
awareness that we are able to create open, comfortable conversations and ‘stomp out
the stigma’ that prevents many people from seeking help or understanding.
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Facts
Proper medical treatment and good support enables people with bipolar disorder
The average age of the onset for bipolar disorder is in late teens to early twenties.
Distressed with extreme mood swings of emotion, people can turn to drugs and
alcohol to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, only to add further pain to
their lives – and troubling consequences. Research has shown that up to 60% of
people with bipolar disorder are vulnerable to having substance abuse problems,
Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be professionally treated and
managed. More than 40% of patients with bipolar illness can expect full and
complete recovery with proper management while 50% may expect a very
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Treatment
The answer lies in education, empathy and acceptance. If someone seems very
emotional, down or upset it is important to show compassion and understanding and to
encourage them to seek help.
Sufferers can take comfort in the fact that they are not alone and that there is hope. The
first action someone can take is talk to a person that they trust, such as their family
practitioner, and/or call a local crisis line.
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Patient Perception
Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians aged 15-24 and 16% of
all deaths for the age group 25-44.
“Having bipolar disorder has been a very difficult journey and there was a time when I
felt disabled by the crippling lows to the point where I could not make myself
something to eat and if I did then I was unable to taste my food. There was a time
when I swallowed an entire bottle of pills to end the suffering but luckily I lived.”
Diagnosed individuals often view themselves as if they are damaged and there is a
kind of internal stigma that is perpetuated with the outside stigma displayed in our
society.
Often the one who suffers with bipolar will suffer alone due to the stigma
attached to obtaining a diagnosis.
There is often frustration in getting help due to lack of direction and long wait
times.
It seems people only get the necessary help once they have attempted suicide or
another crisis situation takes place. In some cases, by this time, it is too late.
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Public Perception
Stigma exists in our world and often makes the subject of mental illness 'strange' or
difficult to talk about. Many people who have a mental illness feel shameful and
devastated.
Stigma is a harsh reality for people who have mental health problems because it
prevents them from enjoying a normal and productive life.
In fact, many people are so uncomfortable with the stigma associated with mental
illness that they would rather suffer in silence than get the help that they need.
The media has only further fueled our distorted beliefs about mental health issues.
Frequently, characters on television and in the movies that have a mental illness
are depicted as dangerous, unpredictable and violent.
We can learn a lot from the stories of other people who have survived with
mental illness and this is key in creating understanding and empathy.
The purpose of the Bipolar Babe project is to create conversations free of stigma
that will encourage people to have hope and be inspired by the possibilities that
life offers.
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Our Concept
The mental health field is a vital part of our society. One in five Canadians have a
mental illness. Since these conditions usually appear in a person’s youth, the need for
resources for this age group is imperative.
The Bipolar Disorder Society of BC has designed programs providing awareness about
mental illness in hopes of eliminating stigma, discrimination and unwarranted fears of this
condition. Society believes that early diagnosis and treatment is essential to sustain a
healthy and productive life.
Programming Priorities
Bipolar Babe has hosted various workshops including the recent South Island Training
Initiative (SITI) Conference 2010 and has presented to the Cool Aid Society’s REES
Mentorship Program, the University of Victoria’s Mental Health Task Force, the South
Island Child and Youth Mental Health, the FORCE Society for Kids Mental Health, the
Young Parents Support Network, the Salvation Army, and youth mental health clinicians
and health care professionals. Andrea has also educated and assisted families and friends
of those who have a mental illness.
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The Bipolar Babe ‘Stigma Stomp’ presentations provide a window into the life of
someone that has a mental illness.
Andrea has had great success in connecting with youth through her presentations with
her energetic style and interactive approach. Many youth identify with Andrea as they
perceive her as a ‘big sister’.
She has piloted the program at various schools such as Pacific Secondary’s Alternative
School and SJ Willis Secondary School in Victoria, BC. BDSBC will train others with
similar experiences to effectively deliver the program.
A significant portion of the workshop includes Andrea sharing her intimate personal story
about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the impacting events preceding and
following the event and her experiences that led up to her recovery. Andrea’s workshop
aims to be thought provoking, interactive, and most of all valuable. Workshops are
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tailored for different audiences including workplace educators, youth, people in social
work, parents, and the open community.
become overwhelming.
The goal is to create a safe and comfortable place to visit and participate with peers who
Andrea Paquette and the team will facilitate stigma free conversations with students
The group will be encouraged to share their own stories, concerns, and experiences with
them to make choices that will better their lives through self care, self-esteem and lifestyle
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Mentoring Program
Partnering a teen with bipolar disorder with a stable and experienced individual
who also has bipolar disorder.
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The BDSBC realizes that they cannot depend on Andrea Paquette alone to make
presentations and workshops, so the society plans to train additional individuals
to deliver their programs throughout British Columbia.
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Strategic Planning
The Process
We have collaborated with many mental health, educational and community
professionals, in a variety of venues to set focus.
To date, we have established basic priorities:
o Increase public understanding of the community, family and economic
challenges of mental illness.
o Use the evolving Stigma Stomp program to reach students, educators,
families, government and employers, so they are able to learn and be
responsive to those faced with the challenges of bipolar disorder.
o Establish the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC as a registered charity, in order
to fund the vitally needed educational programs.
Organization Development
o Board of Directors & Advisory Board
A founding Board of Directors has been established and is meeting monthly to
deal with the evolution of the Society.
An Advisory Board is under development and includes:
Dr. Mary Kaye Nixon, Child Psychiatrist
Doug Sprenger, President, CUPE 951
Cindy Player, Chair of the Mental Health Task Force, UVIC
o Provincial Incorporation
Bipolar Disorder Society of British Columbia has been incorporated under
the Societies Act of BC on January 15, 2010.
o Charitable Status
The Board has agreed to attain charitable status under the Income Tax act,
and has begun the process with the Canada Revenue Agency.
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Marketing Plan
This includes:
A media strategist
Website and social marketing advisor
Graphic arts specialists
A professional photographer
Front line print & electronic media professionals
Print & production specialists.
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Community Fundraising:
Individuals
o Individual donors and families represent 87% of the non-
government donations in Canada. Because they are the most
affected by Bipolar Disorder, they will be the ones who will
choose to assist the cause.
o This must be done very selectively and with great discretion,
mostly through personal contact and referral.
The Professions
o The mental health, educational and other professions will be key
in helping our potential supporters invest in education and
understanding of Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses.
o Once we are known, they can provide financial support and
referrals to others who need assistance, as well as offer
education opportunities or provide funds.
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Corporate
o The business community needs us.
o They have employees or families of employees with Bipolar
Disorder or other mental illnesses.
o This results in a huge loss of staff time, working relationships and
productivity.
o We will approach employers with the opportunity to have a
speaker for an informal employee group, with appropriate
referral for staff who require assistance.
o In return, we will ask the employer to invest in the future of
their employees and their business by investing in the Bipolar
Disorder Society of BC.
Foundations
o These organizations are approachable for support at any time,
although they often have specific timetables.
o Many can be approached while waiting for charitable status,
while family foundations will need the promise of a tax receipt.
o We are able to provide a tax receipt complimentary of working
with the Umbrella Society for Mental Health and Addictions.
o Again in this case, foundations require a specific project to fund,
and rarely pay for the concept.
Government
o Government departments and agencies continue to respond to
programs that are for the public good, especially those that can
deliver results at a lower cost than they can provide themselves.
o We are prioritizing a list of appropriate potential funders and
will approach them on a carefully planned basis, with specific
projects in mind.
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Events
The awareness of the society was publicly
launched with a highly successful fashion, hair
and art gala held at the Victoria Event Centre in
November 2009. A second Bipolar Babe
Benefit event was held in September 2010.
Major Gifts
o As we progress, there will be a focus on major gifts from
individuals, families and private supporters to help build the
education programs.
o These may come at any time, and are usually because of
relationships built with individuals.
Planned Giving
o Also known as Living Gifts, Planned Gifts are usually one time
donations from someone who has been affected by what we
do.
o This can come in the form of bequests, insurance & annuities,
trusts and gifts of property.
o As the Society matures, we will actively pursue this potential in
order to help create long term funding.
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Sponsorship
Donor Recognition
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Administration
o Accounting
System & Policies
Banking arrangements have been made with the Bank of Montreal.
An electronic accounting system is in place, with bookkeeping
responsibilities assigned to the Treasurer and the President.
o Operating Policies
A statement of Operating Policies has been accepted by the Board.
o Insurance
Once the overall program design and charitable status are in place, we will
obtain General Liability plus Directors & Officers Insurance.
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APPENDICES
Resource List
The development of the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC has relied on the
leadership, ideas and outstanding support of many individuals and
organizations.
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Professional Supporters
President - Young
Bissett Phil Entrepreneurs Society
Guidance Counselor,
Cox David Spencer School
Photographer, event
D`Silva Veronique organizer
Has gotten babe a
speaking event
Project Coordinator -
Young Parents Support
d'Archangelo Margo Network
New friend - may
help
President - Social
Davies Terri Networking Company
Executive Director -
Dean Mitzi Pacific Services
Political Candidate for
Desouza Troy ESJF
Owner - Website Has put banner on
Dobbie Don Developer site
Case Manager - Babe’s psych nurse
Vancouver Island Health
Dobko-Walsh Daphne Authority (VIHA)
Babe’s doctor – very
Dr. Song Psychiatrist - VIHA supportive
Member of the
Fleming Rob Legislative Assembly
Mental Health Project
Manager - BC
Green John Government
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Volunteers
Last Name First Email Telephone Notes
Name
Ahmadi Renee FB contacted babe
and very keen
Ashdown Mathew gratidudem@gmail.com Has shown great
support
Baird Mel FB Make-up artists
benefit volunteer
-reliable
Bates Jenessa jbate@pcfsa.org Shows great
respect and
interest in
project
Beal Clive 250 383-0936 Wants to
volunteer -has
mental illness
Bisset- Phil Philip.Bisset- 250 882-2200 networking and
Covaneiro Covaneiro@investorsgroup.com small tasks
Burke Julia juliaburke110@hotmail.com 250 419-1356 Mother of teen
girl with bipolar -
interested in
road map
Colonnello Renee FB Presented
interested
d'Archangelo Margo margo@ypsn.ca 2508938503 Has gotten babe
a speaking event
- a potential
volunteer
Daku Jenna and FB works in field and
Zeke very passionate
about cause
Davies Jen Hairgardensalon@gmail.com 250 384-7494 events in
collaboration
Devi Malti MALTI@LUCULENTINC.COM Freelance
photographer
and graphic
designer
Dezwart Teresa FB Friend and
respect for
project
Gibson Lizy FB Son has BP - has
offered help but
shown little
interest
Glover Ali ali.glover@live.com 250 514-3747 very interested
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Grants:
Municipal
Provincial 5000.00
Federal
Other
Fundraising
Organization's Own 5100.00 10000.00
Others, on behalf of Organization
Donations/Individual/Corporate 800.00 6000.00
Other/In Kind
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EXPENDITURES
Charitable Activity
Direct Fundraising 1800.00 2500.00
Payment to Fundraisers 8000.00
Expenditures: sale of goods, services, use of
assets
Political activities
Program Development & Delivery 600.00 25000.00
Management & Administration
Salaries, Wages, Benefits 3750.00
Consultation 6000.00
Accounting & Legal
Occupancy Costs 2000.00
Supplies & Equipment 330.00 2000.00
Equipment & Furnishings 1000.00
Office Supplies & Services 190.00 1000.00
Transportation & Travel
Evaluation costs
Advertising, Printing & Publications 470.00
Other / In Kind (specify)
Training
Product for sales (e.g. ENP)
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 3390.00 51250.00 0.00
Net Revenue 2510.00 1750.00 0.00
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BDSBC Letterhead
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