
Be Prepared to Support Every Scout Become a MESH Advocate
What is MESH?
Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) refers to a Scout’s ability to manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges. Scouting activities can be stressful—trained leaders help reduce stigma, build resilience, and respond to crises.
Who Can Participate: All registered unit leaders.
Path to Becoming a MESH Advocate

Level 1
Awareness
Interpreter Strip
Time Commitment: ~4 hours​
Recognition: “MESH ADVOCATE” interpreter strip
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Complete MESH Level 1 Training
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Review MTC MESH Response Guide
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Watch personal safety videos (Webelos to Older Youth)
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Read Youth Protection materials
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Encourage one person to complete Level 1
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RESOURCES
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Complete MESH Level 1 Training
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Review MTC MESH Response Guides
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Youth Protection Resources:

Level 2
Certification
Mental Health First Aid Cross Device
Time Commitment: ~9 hours​
Recognition: Mental Health First Aid cross device (pin)
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Earn Level 1
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Complete Mental Health First Aid certification (8 hrs)
Click HERE to take training -
Teach MESH Level 1 Training
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Encourage one person to complete Level 2
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RESOURCES
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Level 3
Suicide Prevention
Semicolon Device
Time Commitment: ~3 hours​
Recognition: Semicolon device (pin)
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Earn Level 1 & 2
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Identify 3 local crisis resources
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Promote suicide prevention in 3 ways
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Teach a “Safety Moment” on suicide prevention
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RESOURCES
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QPR Online Gatekeeper Training – Learn to Question, Persuade, Refer.
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C-SSRS Online Training – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
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Resources Hub
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MTC MESH Response Guide
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MESH Level 1 Facilitator Guide
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Mental Health First Aid
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Suicide Prevention Resources
Crisis Support
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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TN Voices
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Crisis Text Line
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MentalHealth.gov
Contact & Support
Cody Christensen Ph.D. – Safeguarding Executive
Email: cody.christensen@scouting.org | Phone: 417.483.3017
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Vance Lackey – Deputy Scout Executive
Email: vance.lackey@scouting.org | Phone: 615.707.9002
