Jefferson Educational Society

Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis in Erie County

Our 2024 Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy cohort invites you to a crucial community discussion on youth mental health. They will present their research findings and actionable strategies from their report, “It’s Broken, So Let’s Fix It,” aiming to improve access to mental health services for young people in our region.​

📅 Friday, April 25 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Jefferson Educational Society (3207 State Street, Erie)
🎟️ Free admission | Optional lunch: $5 (Please register in advance.)

Join us to contribute to meaningful change.
jeserie.org/events/details/our-youth-are-in-crisis-how-you-can-make-a-difference

Thank you for joining us last night for Dr. Jeff Bloodworth’s, ‘Men in Crisis: Class, Despair, and Politics’ - Exploring a New Series and Why It Matters.

We examined why working-class men feel left behind as cultural focus shifts to other social issues and many feel mocked or ignored by elites and media. Also, we learned how class now plays a bigger role than race, and higher education often alienates men.

Dr. Bloodworth presented how this growing frustration fuels a broader men’s crisis, especially among the working class, and is a key driver of the far-right’s appeal, specifically to white men.

For learn more about this topic, please subscribe to our Publications to receive Dr. Bloodworth’s new series right to your email inbox: jeserie.org/email-signup

Why are so many boys and men falling behind—socially, economically, and emotionally? What’s fueling the growing sense of disconnection, and what does it mean for our families, communities, and democracy?

🚨Join us for an urgent and timely conversation: 'Men in Crisis: Class, Despair, and Politics' - Exploring A New Series and Why It Matters.

Dr. Jeff Bloodworth, professor of history and co-director of the School of Public Service & Global Affairs at Gannon University, has launched this powerful new JES publication series and will dive further into this topic with a lecture and discussion exploring how class, politics, and shifting identity norms are shaping a generation of American men.

This is not a culture war debate—it’s a call to civic awareness and responsibility.

Read more from the series and why it matters here:
💡Dr. Bloodworth's Introduction Article: jeserie.org/uploads/mike%20mic%20(1).pdf
💡Megan Maldanado's Article on Chivalry: jeserie.org/uploads/chivalry%20mic.pdf

This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
👉 RSVP on our website: jeserie.org/events/details/fairview-satellite-men-in-crisis-class-despair-and-politics-exploring-a-new-series-and-why-it-matters

A reminder that our office is CLOSED today in observance of Good Friday. We wish all who celebrate a Happy Easter weekend!

Our regular business hours will resume on Monday.

📣Calling all JCLA alumni and change-makers!

Join us for a fun and relaxed evening at Lavery Brewing Company as we reconnect, raise a glass, and talk leadership in Erie. Whether you’re a proud graduate of the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy or curious about joining the next cohort, this mixer is for you!

👥 Meet past participants
🍻 Enjoy drinks and good conversation
🌟 Learn what JCLA is all about

Let’s build the next generation of Erie County's leadership—together.

We're accepting applications for this year's cohort on a rolling basis until May 5! Learn more and apply on our website: jeserie.org/civic-leadership-academy

Did you miss JES Scholar-in-Residence Diane Chido's fascinating presentation on the "Rebel Yell" with us at the JES in March?

Not to worry! She is giving it again - this time for our friends at the Henderson Memorial Public Library THIS weekend!

📅Saturday, April 19
🕰10-11:30AM
📍54 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio

Head over to their website to learn more and register:
henderson-lib.libcal.com/event/14320818

Thank you to all who joined us to hear from Richard Arthur on, “Lafayette on Western Pennsylvania: His Time on the Trail and Impact through History,” last night.

Special thanks to our friends at the Hagen History Center who magnified this event by bringing along plenty of artifacts for our community to see!

If you missed this program with Richard, there are more chances to hear from him about Lafayette’s history throughout Erie County during our Spring Schedule. Be sure to join us!

4/28: “Lafayette: Founding Father and American Citizen” at our Fairview Satellite location
5/6: “Seeing George Washington through the Eyes of Marquis de Lafayette” at our Corry Satellite location
5/22: “Lafayette: Founding Father and American Citizen” at ECAT
5/22: “Seeing George Washington through the Eyes of Marquis de Lafayette” at our Harborcreek Satellite location

Sign up for one, some, or all of these programs by heading over to our website: jeserie.org/events

🗣️ Happening TODAY at Noon - 100 Black Men: From National Impact to Erie’s Chapter and the JES.

Looking for something meaningful over your lunch break? Bring a lunch with you and join us for a powerful conversation with Dr. Parris Baker and Marcus Atkinson on 100 Black Men Of America, Inc. and how it’s making an impact right here in Erie.

No RSVP? No problem. Walk-ins are welcome!

🧠Come curious. Leave inspired.

Thank you for joining us last night for, “Fear: Why We Have It, How We Understand It, What We Can Do to Defeat It” with Dr. Arpan Yagnik.

We were reminded that fear is a subjective reality. In order to control our fear, we need to understand it, and the easiest way to defeat fear is through joy and laughter.

Miss this great program? Thanks to our community partner, CAM Erie, it was recorded! We will post once it is available on our YouTube channel.

TONIGHT at Erie Center for Arts & Technology: "OK, Boomer": How the Baby Boomers Lost a Generation.

What happened between generations—and can we fix it? Dr. Rhonda Matthews and Alycia Olivar explore the growing disconnect between Baby Boomers and younger generations in this thought-provoking evening of dialogue.

📣Partnership with Erie's Black Wall Street Lecture Series
📍 ECAT - 650 East Ave., Erie
🕰 7pm - 8:30pm
🎟️ Free event – reserve your seat:
jeserie.org/events/details/east-erie-satellite-ok-boomer-how-the-baby-boomers-lost-a-generation-or-why-your-grandkids-stopped-talking-to-you

One month since his passing, we remember Dr. David Kozak, 80, a distinguished political analyst, educator, and community leader.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he served as the second chair of the JES Board of Trustees and delivered insightful lectures on politics and elections. His influence extended to Gannon University, Chautauqua, West Point, and beyond.

Join us at the JES tonight for, "Fear: Why We Have It, How We Can Understand It, What We Can Do to Defeat It," with Arpan Yagnik, Ph.D.

Fear shapes our lives in powerful ways—but do we really understand it? Join Dr. Yagnik for an insightful and accessible conversation about the science of fear, how it impacts our choices, and how we can take back control.

🎟️Purchase your tickets: jeserie.org/events/details/fear-why-we-have-it-how-we-can-understand-it-what-we-can-do-to-defeat-it