Brookdale's "World Wellness Center" (WWC) could represent a campus-wide paradigm shift in which "wellness" is conceptualized and addressed on both the macro (societal) and micro (individual) levels. Just as mental health issues may impact an individual, racism and xenophobia can be conceptualized as illnesses that pose a serious threat to our social structures and institutions. Similarly, environmental degradation puts our entire planet in peril and exacerbates illnesses—both mental and physical—in many people. (Recent research demonstrates the impact that racism and environmental degradation have on the psyche of the individual.) Additionally, much academic research on mental health has supported the importance of establishing an individual's sense of purpose and connection. Thus, "wellness" movements—if they are to be truly effective—must broaden their focus beyond the individual and seek to reposition each person within a healthy ecosystems of connections.

Brookdale's WWC could be a space where students and employees go to relax, recharge, and connect. In addition to providing a space that offers individuals the opportunity to practice self care and relaxation on campus, parts of this flexible space could be used for classes, clubs, and events. It can provide a centralized space where information and opportunities will be available to all. Sustainable materials and artwork that promotes inclusivity and social justice will contribute to the positive and healthy atmosphere of the space. Information about local efforts to promote social justice and environmental awareness and action will be available to all in the WWC. In short, this physical space may serve as the locus for a larger movement that prioritizes wellness and equity for our individual students and the larger environment in which they live.

Mission, Vision, and Teams

Mission Statement: “Brookdale’s World Wellness Center” will serve students, employees, and the community by offering a safe and inclusive space that centralizes activities related to environmental education, preservation, social justice, and personal well-being while honoring our connections to ourselves, all living things, and the planet.
Vision Statement: To create a healthy future for the planet and its caretakers

Subcommittees or Teams

INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM: This team would design and decorate the interior space, while addressing environmental considerations. The goal is to make this a welcoming, calming, and environmentally friendly space. The interior must be energy efficient, made of recycled materials, and follow the WELL Building Standard(Links to an external site.). The downstairs space will be devoted to mental health, while the upstairs space can address environmental education. Within this space we hope to have a yoga/meditation room, space for green tech, a room for lectures, events, meetings, workshops, etc.
- Volunteers: Celeste Chirichello*, Elana Maloney*, Synde Kaufman
- Relevant Contacts/References: Christopher Otis, Marie Maber, Meg Natter, Dinneen Jackson
- Student Clubs: The Innovation Network; Interior Design Student Association; Environmental Club; Engineering Student Association; Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology; Architectural Society
EXTERIOR DESIGN TEAM: This team would design and decorate the exterior space, while addressing environmental considerations and implementing greening projects and habitat restoration on campus grounds.
- Volunteers: Brooke Batchler*, Barbara Barrella*, Harry Compton, Pat Dillon, Carey Fox
- Relevant Contacts/References: Christopher Otis, Ed O'Neill
- Student Clubs: Phi Theta Kappa, The Innovation Network; Biology Club; Environmental Club; Engineering Student Association; Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology; Architectural Society
FUNDING, PUBLICITY, & PARTNERSHIPS: This team would brainstorm ideas for community partnerships and address financial “wellness,” as the Center must raise money and should also offer opportunities for student scholarships related to wellness. This team would also brainstorm ways that Brookdale can publicize its commitment to the environment and wellness. This team might organize a conference or fair for the purpose of bringing people together and building support for the Center.
- Volunteers: Debbie Mura, Shanna Williams, Judi Ungar, Anita Voogt
- Relevant Contacts: BCC Foundation, Joan Scocco, Ed Johnson, Kathy Kamatati, Dinneen Jackson, Laura Quaisanne, District 11 officeholders
- Student Clubs: The Innovation Network; Phi Theta Kappa; Women in Learning and Leadership; Circle K International; Collage; The Current (student newspaper); National Society of Leadership and Success; Business Club; Computer Science Club
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM: This team would brainstorm ideas for advocacy and civic engagement. This team will identify gaps in global and personal wellness and create an action plan that works to ameliorate these issues. Examples of issues addressed might include mental illness, climate change, environmental racism, xenophobia and other forms of bias.
- Volunteers: Danielle Jones*, Debbie Mura, Ashley Zampogna-Krug
- Relevant Contacts: District 11 officeholders, Chhange
- Student Clubs: The Innovation Network; Phi Theta Kappa; Students for Global Citizenship; Women in Learning and Leadership; Black Student Union; EOF Student Alliance; Jewish Club; Asia Society; Jewish Student Union; Dreamers+; LGBT+; Circle K International; Filmmakers Club; History and Political Science Club; Student Veterans of America; Theater Club
CURRICULUM & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM: This team would create a plan for engaging students via curricular and co-curricular activities that involve the Center. This team will focus on wellness and environmental curricular and co-curricular activities while ensuring that a variety of institutes and student clubs engage with the Center.
- Volunteers: Suzanne Parker*, Terry Konn, Margo Wolfson, ErinMarie Tierney, Judi Ungar, Raj Wesley, Marlena Frank
- Relevant Contacts: Lauren Brutsman, Angela Saragusa
- Student Clubs: Phi Theta Kappa; Students for Global Citizenship; International Student Association; Creative Writing Club; Psychology Club; EOF Student Alliance; Filmmakers Club; History and Political Science Club; Student Nurses Association;

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