Smarty Pants Liberal
LightNews LightNews
banner
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Smarty Pants Liberal
@smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
89 followers 89 following 82 posts
Servant Leader | Community Builder | Advocate

#mentalhealthwarrior #endthestigma #itsoktonotbeok #itsokaytonotbeokay #mentalhealthishealth #mentalhealthishealthcare
Posts Replies Media Videos
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
It’s Oct 3rd. If you know, you know. 💅 Millennials and younger don’t need the explanation.

Shoutout to @namicommunicate.bsky.social for flipping Mean Girls Day into a reminder to check in on your mental health. 🧠💖

#MeanGirlsDay #MentalHealthMatters #YouGoGlenCoco
Scene from the movie Mean Girls. In a classroom, a teenage boy in a brown shirt and blue T-shirt looks down while a girl with long red hair in a gray hoodie looks at him, smiling. Yellow captions read: “On Oct. 3rd he asked me what day it was.” In the next frame, the girl says, “I said, ‘It’s a good day to check in on your mental health.’"
October 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
The recent death of Jessie Mobley shows how easily our neighbors can fall through the cracks. We need housing-first policies, better access to behavioral health and peer support, and trauma-informed care that meets people where they are. Small policy changes can save lives.
#DignityForAll #EndStigma
Parents say son would be alive if Houston restaurant staff had called 911
Jessie Mobley, Jr., 34, passed out after eating dinner at an African steakhouse in west Houston, police said. Staff carried him outside, where he was found dead the following morning.
www.houstonchronicle.com
September 21, 2025 at 4:47 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Amid the constant stream of hard news, I find hope in *Invisible Threads*.

As a reader, I value how it connects mental health and democracy and reminds us that healing is possible. I am glad to celebrate their growing reach.

#MentalHealth #Democracy #Resilience #Hope
Why NPR called me to explain America's anxiety
Good news: Our message just reached millions.
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has raised global concern about #politicalviolence. In this @pbsnews.org interview, an extremism scholar explains that preventing violence isn’t only about leaders. It begins with conversations we have across our own tables, with family, friends, and communities.
Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is drawing reaction and concern around the world. Kirk's widow Erica spoke for the first time last night, vowing that his movement will not only continue, but grow. M...
www.pbs.org
September 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
I stayed up too late reading about the shooting of Charlie Kirk and ran into disturbing images. Today I felt it: tired, irritable, distracted. Political violence ripples far beyond its targets. Take care of yourself and others
#GunViolence #PoliticalViolence #MentalHealth #TraumaInformed #Resilience
When political violence hits, your body feels it, too
From Charlie Kirk's shooting to arson to genocide, the body politic is fraying. Caring for our nervous systems is key to breaking cycles of fear and reactivity.
open.substack.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:56 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs, ⚠️normalize help-seeking, and let people know there are proven treatments that work. Check out SAMHSA’s #SuicidePreventionMonth toolkit ➡️ samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention-month
Illustration of two women hugging, one younger with long brown hair and one older with short white hair. Both look comforted. The background is a soft watercolor wash. Text reads: “You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be present.
September 1, 2025 at 3:06 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
A supporter shared this Ripple of Hope passage with us, and it couldn’t be more timely.

Small acts of courage join together to create powerful change, and your kindness and encouragement mean more than you know.

#RippleOfHope #Gratitude #CommunitySupport
Decorative framed text titled ‘Ripple of Hope.’ The quote reads: ‘It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice. He sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest wall of oppression and resistance.’ — Robert F. Kennedy, June 6, 1966. The text is bordered with light blue trim, ornate black corner designs, and small dove illustrations.
August 11, 2025 at 11:23 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
PTSD can affect anyone who’s lived through trauma:
Domestic abuse • Combat • Sexual assault • First responder trauma • Natural disasters • Gun violence • Sudden loss • Accidents

You don’t have to be a veteran to get help.

Take a 5-question screen:
ptsd.va.gov/screen/

Healing is possible. 💙
A square graphic with a teal textured background. The heading reads “June is PTSD Awareness Month” in bold white letters. Below, it states that PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, listing examples: domestic abuse, combat, sexual assault, first responder trauma, natural disasters, gun violence, sudden loss, and serious accidents. A teal awareness ribbon appears on the left. The graphic emphasizes that you don’t have to be a veteran to seek help and ends with the supportive message: “You’re not alone. Healing is possible.” A blue heart emoji is included at the bottom.
June 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
🧵 1/ Caretaking for an elderly parent has challenges, but also unexpected joys. Tonight, I used AI to bring my mother’s childhood memories to life—creating images of her childhood pets: a javelina and a bobcat.
Alt-text: A vintage 1950s hospital room features a middle school-aged tomboy sitting in a hospital bed, wearing a vintage-style hospital gown, Granny-style glasses, and having slightly longer brown curly hair. The door to the room is open, reflecting another hospital room across the hall where an older woman with grey hair is resting. In the hallway, a realistic javelina with a stocky body, short sturdy legs, coarse dark fur, and a slightly elongated snout sits curiously on the floor. The scene has warm nostalgic tones, evoking a classic 1950s hospital atmosphere. Alt-text: A vintage 1950s car interior shows a mother with white wavy hair, glasses, and a terrified expression as she lifts one leg out the window to avoid a javelina on the floorboard. She grips the steering wheel with a panicked look. In the passenger seat and backseat, her two adolescent daughters are laughing heartily. The younger daughter has brown curly hair, wears glasses, and is laughing with delight, while the older daughter, with red wavy hair, is also laughing at the chaotic scene. The javelina, a stocky animal with short legs, coarse dark fur, and a slightly elongated snout, is actively trying to nip at the mother’s ankle. The scene has warm, nostalgic tones, evoking the feel of the 1950s. Alt-text: A vintage 1950s rural setting features a middle school-aged tomboy with slightly longer brown curly hair, brown eyes, and Granny-style glasses. She is wearing jeans and a simple shirt. An adolescent bobcat, appearing youthful yet mature, is comfortably perched on her shoulders. The tomboy stands confidently, with a natural connection to the bobcat. The background suggests a small-town or rural environment with warm, nostalgic tones, evoking the 1950s era.
February 21, 2025 at 5:41 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Black history is American history. It’s the story of resilience, innovation, and progress that shaped our nation. Let’s honor the past, celebrate achievements, and build a future of equality and inclusion. #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory #RepresentationMatters #EqualityForAll #LearnOurHistory
The image features bold metallic gold text on a black background that reads: "Black History is American History." Within the text, faint images of Black historical figures are subtly blended, creating a textured effect that highlights the message's significance.
February 1, 2025 at 7:29 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Even though National Stalking Awareness Month is over, the work is not done! Stalking is a prevalent, traumatic, and dangerous crime that impacts every community. Keep the conversation going by using SPARC’s resources to help you elevate the dialogue on stalking! #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A 2025-themed graphic with a navy blue background featuring fireworks and light accents. The text reads: '2025 National Stalking Awareness Month is over. The work continues.' Below is the SPARC logo, which stands for Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center. The design includes green borders and celebratory elements.
February 1, 2025 at 1:07 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Training on stalking strengthens support for survivors and offender accountability. SPARC offers free training and resources, including eLearning, webinars, and guides. Request training at StalkingAwareness.org/request-a-training. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text:"A graphic promoting National Stalking Awareness Month 2025 with the slogan 'Know It. Name It. Stop It.' The text highlights that 'Receiving training on stalking leads to more stalking charges and support for survivors.' Icons include a person presenting to an audience, a police badge representing stalking charges, and hands holding a heart symbolizing support for survivors. References to relevant studies are included at the bottom. Alt-text: A graphic promoting the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). The text states, 'SPARC provides trainings to multidisciplinary professionals across the country. Also, it’s usually free, and lots of it is already available on our website!' The graphic features three highlighted sections: 'eLearning Courses' with an icon of a person raising their hand at a computer, 'SPARchives' offering webinars, podcasts, and seminars (including in Spanish), and 'Request a Training.' The website address, StalkingAwareness.org, is displayed at the bottom.
January 30, 2025 at 4:52 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Did you know? Most stalking victims tell friends or family before seeking formal help. A supportive network can mitigate stalking's effects. Learn how to help at StalkingAwareness.org/for-friends-loved-ones. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A graphic with a blue background featuring three simplified figures sitting on a couch. One figure says, "I blocked them on everything, but they just keep making new accounts and messaging me from those. Am I overreacting?" Another figure responds, "Well..." The text below reads, "HOW WOULD YOU HELP A FRIEND?" The bottom of the graphic includes "www.StalkingAwareness.org" and a logo for National Stalking Awareness Month 2025, along with the tagline "Know It. Name It. Stop It." Subtle heart icons are patterned in the background. Alt-text: A graphic with a blue patterned background featuring interlocking hands. At the top, large text reads "StalkingAwareness.org/for-friends-loved-ones." Below is an image of a document titled "Supporting Loved Ones Experiencing Stalking" by SPARC (Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center). The document provides steps for helping victims, including believing and validating victims, focusing on the offender’s actions, respecting privacy, and encouraging professional help. A small video thumbnail on the right shows an illustrated figure with a speech bubble that says, "I believe you." The overall tone emphasizes support and actionable advice for those helping someone facing stalking.
January 29, 2025 at 11:31 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Too often, stalking victims are blamed and judged for not living intensely private lives. Nothing victims do – or do not do – causes stalking. Only stalkers cause stalking. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A graphic promoting National Stalking Awareness Month 2025. The background is navy blue with light bulb icons. A spiral notebook is displayed in the center with the text: "CAUSES OF STALKING:" followed by three bullet points. The first two—"sharing location" and "being 'too nice'"—are crossed out in red. The third, "STALKERS!!", is underlined and emphasized with bold, energetic text and lightning bolt illustrations. The National Stalking Awareness Month 2025 logo is at the top of the graphic, featuring the slogan "Know it. Name it. Stop it."
January 29, 2025 at 2:02 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Stalking incidents add up – but only if we do the math. Document incidents and complete the SHARP assessment. Logs in 10 languages and a risk assessment are on SPARC’s site at StalkingAwareness.org/risk-and-safety. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A table with a pen and a coffee cup with the text 'Document Every Stalking Incident' above it. The coffee cup features a logo for National Stalking Awareness Month 2025, with the tagline 'Know it. Name it. Stop it.' Below the text is a detailed 'Stalking Incident and Behavior Log' featuring columns for dates, descriptions of incidents, locations, witnesses, evidence, and reports made to law enforcement or other authorities. The logo of SPARC (Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center) is also included on the document. Alt-text: A graphic promoting National Stalking Awareness Month 2025, featuring a logo in the top center. The text reads, 'This powerful stalking risk assessment can be utilized free of charge by victims, friends, and/or professionals at COERCIVECONTROL.ORG.' Below, a computer screen displays the Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SHARP), showing questions about stalking behavior with response options: 'No,' 'Yes,' and 'Suspected.' The page design emphasizes the importance of accessing the assessment tool for awareness and support.
January 28, 2025 at 4:36 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Is substance use affecting your life or the life of someone you love? You're not alone. Help is available. Recovery from substance use disorder is possible. SAMHSA has resources that can help you or someone you know: samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/samhsa_families_family_support_guide_final508.pdf
Alt-text: A graphic for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. At the top left, there is an icon of two overlapping hearts with figures inside and the text 'Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month' in orange and purple. The SAMHSA logo is in the top right corner. Below, a stylized blue hill with a growing plant featuring three overlapping leaves symbolizes growth and recovery. The text reads: 'Support Treatment & Recovery.' In orange, it states: 'It takes a village. Community support is key.' Below, in smaller text, it says: 'Find treatment options and resources for substance use disorders.'
January 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Stalking is criminal, traumatic, dangerous, and often deadly. Victims need urgent support NOW. Learn more in SPARC's webinar on lethality risk (StalkingAwareness.org/training-archive). Don’t wait! #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: "A graphic promoting National Stalking Awareness Month 2025. The text reads, 'Stalking increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by 3x.' Below is a citation: 'Spencer, C.M. & Stith, S.M. (2018). Risk Factors for Male Perpetration and Female Victimization of Intimate Partner Homicide: A Meta-Analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 21(3): 527-540.' The image features an older Black man and a white woman sitting closely, each holding a small lit candle, symbolizing remembrance or solidarity. A National Stalking Awareness Month logo is in the bottom left corner."
January 26, 2025 at 8:31 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Stalkers often commit multiple crimes to intimidate, threaten, and scare victims. Visit StalkingAwareness.org/resources for guides, videos, and tools to help law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial officers identify stalking and hold offenders accountable. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
**Alt-text:** A graphic promoting National Stalking Awareness Month 2025. The text reads: "Stalkers often commit multiple crimes in their course of conduct." The background includes faint text listing various crimes associated with stalking, such as trespassing, harassment, and invasion of privacy. The design features a silhouette of a person peering over a fence, symbolizing stalking behavior, with the logo for National Stalking Awareness Month 2025 in the bottom right corner. **Alt-text:** A graphic promoting resources for addressing stalking, titled "StalkingAwareness.org/resources." It features nine resource panels, including: "Protective Order Violations as Stalking," "Identifying Stalking on Law Enforcement Calls for Service" with a police car icon, "Judicial Officer Bench Card: Stalking," "Webinar: Charging Stalking," "Law Enforcement Stalking Response Guide," "Webinar: Responding to Stalking in Court," "The Prosecutor's Guide to Stalking," "Law Enforcement Investigations & Reports" with handcuff and clipboard icons, and "Judicial Officer Guide: Responding to Stalking." The bottom row includes illustrations of a law enforcement officer and a judge at their desks.
January 25, 2025 at 6:25 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Pop culture often romanticizes stalking, portraying it as heroic, funny, or edgy. While media doesn’t cause stalking, misrepresentations can hinder victims from getting the support they deserve. Watch SPARC’s video on stalking in the media: StalkingAwareness.org/videos. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: "Graphic with the words 'Stop Romanticizing Stalking' in bold neon-like lettering. The design includes a filmstrip on the right showing illustrations of a person feeling distressed, a car following someone, and a person kneeling with their hands raised. On the left, a figure appears to gesture 'stop.' At the bottom is a circular logo for National Stalking Awareness Month 2025, featuring the tagline 'Know it. Name it. Stop it.'"
January 25, 2025 at 4:33 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Many survivors experience multiple forms of victimization, so it’s important to screen sexual assault survivors for stalking. See more statistics on the intersection of stalking and sexual violence at StalkingAwareness.org/fact-sheets-and-infographics. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A National Stalking Awareness Month 2025 graphic highlighting the overlap between sexual assault and stalking among survivors aged 18-24. The title reads, "Sexual Assault Survivors Who Also Experienced Stalking." A pie chart shows that 48% of survivors experienced stalking, while 52% did not. The design includes a silhouette of a person, the slogan "Know It. Name It. Stop It.," and a citation: "Brady, P. Q., & Woodward Griffin, V. (2019). The Intersection of Stalking and Sexual Assault Among Emerging Adults: Unpublished Preliminary Results. mTurk Findings, 2018."
January 24, 2025 at 4:26 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Struggling with substance use disorder? You're not alone. There are effective medications available to help you feel better and meet the goals you have for yourself. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your options. samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
Alt-text: A graphic for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month featuring an abstract design of a brain in orange and blue. The text reads, "Treatment is effective. Treatment works. Find the best treatment options for you." Below, it displays the website "FindTreatment.gov" in bold text. The Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month logo is at the bottom left, and the SAMHSA logo is in the bottom right corner.
January 24, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Reposted by Smarty Pants Liberal
aclu.org
Regardless of your immigration status in the U.S., you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Know your rights and assert them.

Independientemente de su estatus migratorio en los Estados Unidos, usted tiene derechos garantizados por la Constitución. Conozca sus derechos y hágalos valer.
If You Interact with ICE Agents at Work: Ask if you are free to leave. If so, you may calmly walk out. You have the right to refuse consent to a search. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss your immigration status with anyone, such as about where you were born, whether you are a citizen, or how you entered the country. If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them. Never provide fake documents. If you are arrested, say that you wish to remain silent until speaking with a lawyer. You have the right to record your interaction with immigration agents as long as you do not interfere. If ICE Agents Show Up at Your Door You do not have to open the door. If you do, stay calm – you have rights. Ask what they are there for (and ask for an interpreter if you need one). If they ask to enter, ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge and if so, ask to see it (through a window or slipped under the door). If they do not have a warrant signed by a judge, you may refuse to let them in. Ask them to leave any information at your door. If they force their way in, do not resist. Tell everyone in the residence to remain silent. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent. Do not sign anything until you speak with a lawyer. Si Agentes del ICE Llegan a Tu Lugar de Trabajo Pregunte si puedes marcharse. De ser así, salga tranquilamente. Tú tienes derecho a no prestar consentimiento a una búsqueda. Diga en voz alta que no consientes a que registren tus pertenencias. Tú tienes derecho a guardar silencio. No tienes que discutir tu estatus migratorio con nadie, ni dónde naciste, ni si eres ciudadano, ni cómo entraste al país. Si tienes documentos de inmigración válidos, deberías mostrarlos. Nunca presente documentos falsos. Si eres arrestado, diga que quieres permanecer en silencio hasta que hables con un abogado. Tú tienes el derecho a grabar su interacción con los agentes de inmigración, siempre y cuando no interfiera. Si Agentes del ICE Llegan a Tu Puerta No abras la puerta, pero mantén la calma. Tú tienes derechos. Pregunta para qué están ahí (y solicita un intérprete si necesitas uno). Si piden entrar a tu casa, pregúntales si tienen una orden firmada por un juez y si la tienen, diles que te la muestren (por la ventana o que la pasen por debajo de la puerta). Si ellos no tienen una orden firmada por un juez, puedes negarte dejarlos entrar. Pídeles que dejen cualquier información en tu puerta. Si entran a la fuerza, no te resistas. Dile a todos que estén en la casa que permanezcan en silencio. Si eres arrestado, permanece en silencio y no firmes nada hasta que hables con un abogado.
January 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Victims are often told to make major life changes to stop stalking, placing the burden on them and minimizing offender accountability. Learn about risk assessment and safety planning at StalkingAwareness.org/risk-and-safety. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Alt-text: A graphic for National Stalking Awareness Month 2025. The image shows a green figure hunched over, carrying a heavy load of floating quotes, including: "You should really get a new phone number," "Could you find a new place to live?" "Don't go out alone," "Change your routes to and from work," "Keep the lights off so they can’t tell if you’re home," and "Get off social media." On the right, white text reads, "Stalking victims are often advised to make their lives smaller. Help victims balance safety and freedom." The background is dark blue with subtle contour lines, and the National Stalking Awareness Month 2025 logo is in the bottom-right corner.
January 23, 2025 at 5:04 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
The harms of stalking extend past individual victims and can affect entire communities by compromising the safety and security of friends, families, and neighbors. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
"A graphic featuring a woman holding a young girl closely, conveying a sense of comfort and protection. Overlaid text reads: '[The stalking] not only affected me, but more importantly, it affected my family. It affected my co-workers. It affected my friends.' - Stalking Survivor. At the bottom, the National Stalking Awareness Month logo for 2025 appears with the tagline 'Know It, Name It, Stop It.' In smaller text, a citation is provided: 'Hodge, R. (24 August 2023). ABC13 News…' followed by additional details about a news story involving stalking and its consequences."
January 22, 2025 at 4:19 AM
smartypantsliberal.bsky.social
Stalkers may target victims based on actual or perceived identities, exploiting biases to avoid accountability. Find SPARC resources for working with immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, and Native communities at StalkingAwareness.org/intersections-with-stalking. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
Stalkers may target victims based on their actual or perceived identities, exploiting biases against marginalized groups to avoid accountability. Check out SPARC resources for working with specific populations, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, and Native communities at StalkingAwareness.org/intersections-with-stalking. #NSAM2025 #KnowItNameItStopIt
January 21, 2025 at 5:16 AM