Creating a Global
Hopeful States™
Movement

A playbook for teaching the what, the why,

and how of Hope community-wide. One state at a time.

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What we do

Hopeful States™ believes every state has the potential to cultivate and sustain Hope within their communities. Our mission is to provide states around the world with the resources, strategies, and support needed to build Hope as a public health priority.

We partner with states and equip them with the Hopeful States Playbook, a comprehensive guide to activating Hope at all levels –from individuals and families to organizations and entire communities in the sectors of Government, Science, Education, Workplace, Healthcare, and Art. By following the evidence-based strategies, our playbook provides actionable steps moving from Hopelessness to Hope. 

Our Approach Includes:

Education and Awareness

Offering state-wide accessible training and resources to help communities understand the science and benefits of Hope.

Resource Access

Providing free access to the Hopeful States online training for state staff and partners, ensuring everyone involved is equipped to drive meaningful change.

Support and Partnership

Collaborating with state leaders, community organizations, and local networks to integrate Hope-building practices into everyday community life.

Join the Hopeful States Movement!

We are working to activate Hope around the world. Hope is measurable, definable, and teachable.

All marketing campaign materials are available for download and for use in your own state or business. Get your state activated here.

GET YOUR STATE ACTIVATED HERE

Be sure to sign-up for campaign updates, and reach out if you want to engage.

Government

Science

Education

Workplace

Healthcare

Art

“Hope is like a muscle. Think of it like a muscle, something that we can grow and expand on.” "We're doing whatever we can to activate Hope around the state and we're really excited about it."

 

-Mayor Hillary Schieve, Reno, NV

"We are tremendously grateful to be part of the Hopeful States movement. It is a powerful initiative that aligns with our mission at Hope Means Nevada to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live Hopeful lives,”

 

– Ciera Bellavance, Executive Director, Hope Means Nevada

"I love to see Hope in action in our community, and the sunflowers serve as such an important symbol of Hope. The Green Our Planet Team is thrilled to be working with our schools to expand Gardens for Hope and ensure everyone knows these resources are available for use to ensure all children, teachers, and parents are equipped with skills for ‘how’ to Hope."

 

– Ciara Byrne, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Green Our Planet

"I'm so proud of the City of Las Vegas for operationalizing Hope as part of its commitment to mental health and being a Compassionate City. Stories are the language of the heart, and sharing mine is an offering of light and connection. Each of us has a story of Hope that shines bright,”

 

– Will Rucker, host of the Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast, Community Health Director at Intermountain Health, and member of the board of directors for the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE

"Hope and Compassion are THE most practical values for creating a better community. They express that when we view the other with compassion we create a Hopeful path forward."

 

– Gard Jameson

"We are proud to be a part of this initiative and excited to get the work in the hands of those that can help spread the word"

 

– Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen

"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, Hope Means Nevada Teen Committee Co-Chair

About Hopeful States

Hopeful States is working to activate all states around the world. iFred is a 501(c)3 aimed at rebranding mental health, through the science of Hope and is the first to have operationalized Hope, globally, in the classroom through Hopeful Minds. The Shine Hope Company joined on board in 2023 to manage the programs, create a global business model and plan through the Hopeful Cities Playbook, and work to fully operationalize and create a Global Movement for Hope.

We use the sunflower and color yellow as international symbols of Hope, and ask people all around the world to join in the global activation of Hope, celebrating May 1st as the International Day for Hope, and joining in a Five Day social media activation campaign of the ‘how to’ of Hope. It asks all to paint murals, teach Hope in the classrooms, engage workplaces, plant Gardens for Hope, and more. This website provides a comprehensive guide on the ‘how to’ activate, and asks anyone that cares about making communities better.

 

Learn More

Myron Belfer

“Hope is tangible and teachable, and it is an essential ingredient for a successful life trajectory.”

MD, MPA, Hopeful Minds, Professor of Psychiatry Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School

Kathryn Goetzke

“We’ve got to stop just talking about Hope as a wish, as it is much more, and there is a robust scientific field in Hope.Hopelessness is both a feeling of despair and a sense of helplessness, so we aim to teach individuals the ‘how to’ of getting from despair to positive feelings, and helplessness to inspired action. And share the resources available of where to go for support if they can’t find it. Hope is always possible, though I will never say easy. Yet always, always possible.”

Founder of iFred, Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, Creator of Hopeful Minds®, Author of The Biggest Little Book About Hope and Host of The Hope Matrix™

Hillary Schieve

“Now, more than ever, people are feeling incredibly isolated…People have been at home for months on end and our lives have changed,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve during the December 2 Reno City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board Meeting. “I think everyone needs to be at the table…I’m grateful for my entire council to realize the magnitude of this [mental health] epidemic.”

Reno Mayor

Disclaimer

The materials listed on this website are designed to assist you in learning about Hope. They should not be used for medical advice, counseling, or other health-related services. iFred, The Shine Hope Company, and Kathryn Goetzke do not endorse or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided herein should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition and cannot be substituted for the advice of physicians, licensed professionals, or therapists who are familiar with your specific situation. Consult a licensed medical professional, or call 911 if you are in need of immediate assistance.