Finding Your Voice in the First State: A Guide to Delaware’s 25th Annual Wellness Symposium

As the calendar turns to March, a season of renewal takes hold in the First State. In Delaware, specifically, this spring brings a significant milestone for our local mental health community. On March 10, 2026, Dover will host the 25th Annual Empowering Community Wellness Symposium.

For more than a quarter of a century, this gathering has been the heartbeat of Delaware's advocacy movement. Its theme this year is particularly relevant: "Finding Your Voice." At Delaware Psychological Services, we believe mental health is about more than being asymptomatic of illness; it's about being able to speak your truth, advocate for your needs, and participate fully in your recovery.

Whether you are a provider, a person in recovery, a student, or a concerned family member, this symposium is an opportunity for action. Here's everything you need to know about the event and how you can participate.

A Legacy of Advocacy: 25 Years in Dover

When the Symposium was first launched at the turn of the millennium, the mental health conversation in Delaware was very different. Often, resources were fragmented, and stigma was a formidable barrier. Today, we live in a state that pioneers mental health initiatives like school-based centers and crisis intervention programs.

The 2026 Symposium is more than just a conference; it is a celebration of this progress.

Taking place in our state capital, the event provides a link between the clinical community and the people it serves. It reminds us that Delaware, though small in size, has always been a "community of neighbors," in which one voice can make a real difference for the betterment of the state.

Understanding the Theme: What Does "Finding Your Voice" Mean?

Clinically, we often talk about "empowerment." But empowerment is an internal feeling; voice is its external expression. For the 25th Annual Symposium, "Finding Your Voice" focuses on three critical topics:

Self-advocacy in treatment.

It's easy to become a passenger in your own treatment plan when navigating a mental health condition. When it comes to finding your voice, it means learning how to effectively communicate with doctors, therapists, and insurance companies. Rather than asking "What is wrong with me?" you should ask "What do I need to heal?"

Breaking the silence of stigma.

We have made progress, but many Delawareans still suffer in silence. The key to finding your voice is to tell your story on your own terms and in your own time. This will help others realize they are not alone. Whether it's in a support group in Sussex County or a town hall in Wilmington, every story shared is a brick removed from the stigma wall.

Legislative and community advocacy.

Unlike other states, Delaware has very accessible legislators. By advocating for mental health funding, better housing for those in recovery, or expanded youth services, you can find your voice in Dover. Through the Symposium, individuals can transform their individual concerns into collective action.

What to Expect at the 2026 Symposium

The day starts with the Community Resource Fair, showcasing over 50 sponsors and exhibitors. There is no better opportunity for Delawareans to connect directly with organizations offering frontline mental health services, crisis support, and wellness programs.

Further, two powerhouse advocates will give keynote presentations at the event: April Thomas-Jones, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware, and Marla Blunt-Carter, of Rutgers University. Known for their expertise in leadership and community engagement, both speakers share insights about how we can prevail in today's complex social environment.

As a follow-up to the keynote speeches, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and panels. During these sessions, you will receive actionable tools for personal and community growth, such as:

• Finding Your Voice Through Grief: Discovering your voice in the midst of loss.

• Building Connections: Connecting Hispanic advocates with Delaware's Hispanic population.

• Generational Healing: Discussing how to break the cycles of trauma within families.

• Self-Advocacy: Developing the skills to advocate for yourself and others in healthcare.

3 Ways to Prepare for the Symposium

Whether you're attending or following the discussion from home, here are three ways to engage with this month's "Finding Your Voice" theme:

Identify your goal.

What do you want to say? Think about what you want to accomplish before the event. Perhaps you have been reluctant to mention a side effect to your provider. Maybe you should ask your local school board about counseling ratios. Write it down. When your voice is clear, it is most powerful.

Connect locally.

Advocacy is a team sport. Find a local group in the weeks leading up to the Symposium. If you can find others who share your concerns, whether it's through NAMI Delaware or a community wellness center, you'll be more confident in speaking out.

Practice active listening.

To find your voice, you must also learn to hear other people's voices. Take advantage of the Symposium to hear from people whose experiences are different from your own. All Delawareans, regardless of their county or walk of life, benefit from advocacy when it is inclusive of all three counties.

Beyond the Symposium: A Year of Wellness

March 10 marks a milestone in community wellness, but the work continues 365 days a year. At Delaware Psychological Services, we see the ripple effects long after the Symposium ends in Dover. When a client walks into our office with a new sense of confidence, or when a family member requests a specific resource from a workshop, we see it.

We encourage all Delawareans to attend this 25th anniversary celebration. Your voice is an essential component of our state's wellness tapestry, whether you attend or participate online with the #FindingYourVoiceDE hashtag.

Delaware may be the First State, but we want to be the First State in Wellness. It all starts with you and your voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where is the Symposium being held, and do I need to be a professional to attend?

The 25th Annual Empowering Community Wellness Symposium will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m at Delaware State University’s MLK Student Center, located at 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. This event is open to everyone interested in fostering healthier, more connected communities, including community members, professionals, and students.

2. Is there a cost to attend the event?

It costs $20 to register and will be open until March 3, 2026.

3. I’m nervous about speaking in public. Can I still participate in "Finding My Voice"?

Yes! You don't always have to stand at a podium to find your voice. It can be as simple as writing to the editor of the News Journal, participating in an anonymous survey, or simply being honest with your therapist. Remember, there are many forms of advocacy.

4. Will there be continuing education credits (CEUs) for providers?

Please contact the organizers about this. Symposiums, however, frequently offer CEU opportunities for social workers, counselors, and other healthcare professionals, so they can be both learning and community-building events.

5. How can I get involved in advocacy if I miss the Symposium?

Among the organizations you can contact are the Mental Health Association of Delaware (MHA) and NAMI Delaware. For those interested in becoming peer specialists or legislative advocates, they offer training throughout the year.

Image Credit: 25th Annual Empowering Community Wellness Symposium/Facebook