I. Ask Bob.
Have a data question? Email our Chief Data Scientist: bob@crisistextline.org
Two weeks ago, we launched a Mobile Web Texter Survey. It is optional at the end of a conversation.
Already, nearly 2k texters have responded.
- 6% of texters identify as Native American and 14% as Hispanic.
- Only 57% of texters identify as straight/heterosexual.
- 74% of texters are age 13-25...and 6% of texters are under age 13.
II. Heroes
Sarah Derby is a Crisis Counselor on some of our toughest shifts- late nights and early mornings. She’s handled over 100 conversations!
1. How did you learn about Crisis Text Line?
On November 29, 2015, my little sister's best friend lost her ongoing battle with depression, a battle that very few of us even knew that she was fighting. She was only 16 years old. On top of my devastation and grief, I felt downright angry that Ellie wasn't given the chance to fight through to the other side of her pain and learn to grow from it all. I would do anything to give her that chance. I knew I had to do something, and during one fateful Google search, I found what that something could be. Working with Crisis Text Line is one of the greatest things I've ever done, and I feel honored to be able to help carry on Ellie's legacy. Through Crisis Text Line, I can give others that chance to fight.
2. What is your favorite thing about being a Crisis Counselor?
I'm absolutely amazed by Crisis Text Line's power to change lives. It's unreal to me that I've been able to touch and possibly save over 100 lives at this point, and that most of it has been done while sitting on the couch in my pajamas. I love being apart of such a positive, supportive community that stands for an incredibly meaningful common goal!
3. How has your time as a Crisis Counselor helped you off the platform?
Becoming a Crisis Counselor has greatly enhanced my relationships off of the platform. I strongly believe that empathy is a skill that can be improved, and becoming a Crisis Counselor has definitely helped me do this. I also love having the power to open up a dialogue about mental health whenever I tell people what I do at Crisis Text Line.
III. Org News
A. White Label.
We are providing a white label service (at no cost!) for cities, states, issue based orgs and large universities. We’ve already partnered with Montana, Delaware, Ohio, the city of Newark (NJ), the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), TWOLHA, Active Minds, and the Univ. of Alabama (and many more!).
Know a location, large university or issue/org that needs a text line? Tell them about the service and send them this application:http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2612353/CrisisTextLinePartners
B. We’re hiring
Bay Area Director: Looking for a full-time superhero to help make the Crisis Text Line number (741741) as memorable as 911 in the Bay Area. Must live in the Bay Area! Apply here: https://crisistextline.workable.com/jobs/251079
Supervisor: Join our Crisis Counselor Supervision team in ensuring our volunteers offer the best possible support to texters (and have a great experience themselves!). https://crisistextline.workable.com/jobs/85233
C. How big are we?
In the last 28 days, we’ve helped 33,358 texters.
And, we have 1501 active Crisis Counselors...we hope to have 3k Crisis Counselors by the end of this year. Could this be YOU or someone you know? Please encourage folks to apply to volunteer by sending them to: www.crisistextline.org/volunteer
Bob Filbin
Chief Data Scientist
(If I am in the sun for more than 5 minutes, I turn red like a cooked lobster.)
