Fight the Good Fight | Kimmy Mullis
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Fight The Good Fight started as a high school passion project, where I (Kimmy) created bracelets to raise money and spread awareness for adolescent substance use. The beaded design said "FTGF" in morse code, as substance use is often a battle fought in secret. I noticed those trapped in addiction felt outcasted, ashamed, and given up on. The Lord began to give me a glimpse of His heart– that those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse are worth loving, believing in, and fighting for. All I wanted was to make a difference in an issue that felt overwhelmingly large.
Fight The Good Fight made its way back into my life as I completed my college degree. My double major in theology and social work required two senior capstone projects. This presented a unique opportunity to continue the work I started years ago.
Now, FTGF is a social advocacy organization that empowers communities to fight to end adolescent substance use. Researchers recognize the significance of drug and alcohol use in teens, talking about it as a rampant public health issue. Though its widespread, middle and high schools often lack the necessary awareness, resources and understanding to effectively support students who struggle. Fight The Good Fight exists to bridge the gap between adolescent substance use and support systems in public schools, by providing support, spreading awareness, and preventing adolescent drug use.
Fight The Good Fight serves schools and communities in order to reduce the impact of adolescent substance use. As an advocacy organization, the demographic served is broad. Each phase of FTGF will work to make a difference from various angles, implementing a community-wide approach to end substance use.
Phase I: Awareness
This is the most widespread avenue which serves all!! "Awareness" involves the creation and distribution of bracelets, stickers, and other merchandise to spread the message of FTGF, educating church communities on the battle of substance use, and hosting community events. All will encourage participators to "use their influence" to bridge the gap in substance use support.
Phase II: Assemblies
This is where FTGF will begin to directly serve schools and adolescents, by hosting school assemblies. These will prevent addiction by (1) showing students who are fighting "hidden" mental health battles that they aren't alone and (2) empowering students to fight for others.
Phase III + IV: Assets and Advocacy
Pushing further, FTGF's long term goal is to provide schools with evidence-based resources and financial support to fight adolescent substance use. This may include health class curriculum, support group instructions, staff trainings, and financial grants for staff support.
For more information on adolescent substance use and the way we're making an impact, visit ftgfight.org.
- Prayer for adolescents and adults battling substance use– that the Lord would wrap them in His compassion and grace, and provide a way for them to feel seen, heard, and believed in.
- For the Lord to be preparing the hearts of church and community members to receive a compassionate perspective of substance use and addiction. That God would begin to break our hearts for this issue, which breaks His. For God's people to become passionate about seeing our communities set free from drug and alcohol addiction.
- Prayer for discernment and confidence in the Lord's leading of Fight the Good Fight, to break down this big "dream" into attainable goals.
- For the right financial partners, team members, and prayer warriors to be connected with Fight The Good Fight. For opportunities to share the mission of FTGF with churches and communities, and for doors to open in schools for FTGF assemblies.
- That God's heart would be reflected in Fight The Good Fight, and those involved in its services would be drawn to Him.