Media & Storytelling
Changing the story around mental health.
Research tells us what is happening. Stories make people care.
WeBelong Institute uses documentary film, social media, books, podcasts, speaking, and public education to translate complex mental health research into stories people can understand, share, and act on.
Our media work is part of a larger strategy: understand the crisis, explain it, mobilize people, test solutions, and turn what works into lasting change.
CRISIS GENERATION
Crisis Generation is a feature documentary being built exploring the forces shaping the mental health of a generation and what it will take to build something better.
Through personal stories, expert interviews, and research, the film looks beyond simple explanations for rising distress and examines loneliness, belonging, treatment, community, social conditions, and the systems driving the Crisis Generation.
The documentary is created and directed by WeBelong Institute founder Aly Vredenburgh.
Volunteer positions are currently open across production, research, post-production, outreach, fundraising, marketing, and distribution.
Social Media
Turning research into conversations people actually want to have.
We use short-form video and social media to make mental health research understandable outside of academic journals and policy rooms.
Our content examines youth mental health, belonging, therapy, schools, loneliness, prevention, public policy, emerging research, and the stories shaping how society understands the crisis.
It also gives people a way to do something about what they learn.
Follow our work:
Aly Vredenburgh
Founder commentary, research, mental health, culture and advocacy
Instagram: @alyvredenburgh
WeBelong Institute
Research, belonging, programs and organizational updates
Instagram: @webelonginstitute
California Can't Wait
The movement to expand student access to licensed therapists in California schools
Instagram: @californiacantwait
Crisis Generation
Documentary updates, clips, research and stories from the film
Instagram: @crisisgenerationfilm
Unhinged But Thriving
