Big Conversations, Local Impact & Ways to Get Involved

Hopeful Cities Spotlight: Las Vegas

Las Vegas is leading with Hope.

As a certified Hopeful City, Las Vegas is proving that even in a city known for lights and entertainment, mental health and community well-being can take center stage. Leaders across the city are using evidence-based tools to teach Hope and build lasting resilience.

“I’m so excited to take the mission of Hope to the next level in Las Vegas so it can impact and save lives. For too long, mental health has been in the shadows, and now our community has the chance to empower each other to make sure nobody ever feels alone in this battle.”
— Grace Netski, Co-Chair, Hope Means Nevada Teen Committee

If you’re from Las Vegas, access no-cost Hope resources today.

International Day of Hope: Still Time to Activate

July 12th marked the first-ever International Day of Hope, with participants across the globe planting sunflowers, teaching Hope, and creating Sparks in their communities.

• Did you do something to honor IDOH?
• Plant sunflowers?
• Teach a lesson?
• Host a local event?

We’d love to include your work in our 2025 Impact Report.

Join us for a virtual session: The Biggest Little Book About Hope with Kathryn Goetzke, presented by UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute – Open Mind Series

Join Kathryn Goetzke on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 5–6 PM PT for a moving virtual discussion about her journey through hopelessness and loss—and the birth of a global movement to teach Hope as a life skill.

This candid conversation is part of the Open Mind Series and will include insights from top researchers on the science of Hope and mental health.

Valid Dream Mentorship Sparks Hope in the Community

or the International Day of Hope, Valid Dream Mentorship led a powerful community activation focused on youth empowerment and mental resilience.

Their activation included:

• A mentorship session centered on self-worth, purpose, and the power of Hope
• Hope Cards with uplifting affirmations, shared throughout the community
• Stories of resilience posted across social platforms
• Guided discussions using the official Hope Toolkit

Their efforts are a clear reminder that Hope is a skill that can be taught—and when we teach it, we create lasting change.

HOPE Dementia Support Celebrates the Spirit of Hope

In July, HOPE Dementia Support launched a month-long campaign to highlight their work supporting individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Through education, emotional support, and community connection, they brought awareness to the many ways their organization builds and sustains Hope.

Their campaign was a celebration of compassion, resilience, and the belief that Hope can—and must—be shared.

Keep the Movement Going

Hope can be taught. Hope must be taught.
If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to do something in your school, workplace, or community to Shine Hope.

Tell us what you’re doing—we’ll feature it.