Virginia’s ‘Commonwealth Conversations’ Event with Arthur Brooks Promotes Mental Health and Happiness

Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, alongside Dr. Arthur Brooks, led a powerful conversation earlier this week focused on mental health and building fulfilling lives at Old Dominion University’s Chartway Arena. This event, part of Virginia’s “Commonwealth Conversations” initiative, highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the rising mental health challenges faced by the community while promoting strategies for improving overall well-being.

Hundreds of students, educators, families, and community members gathered on March 26 to hear Dr. Brooks, a New York Times bestselling author, Harvard professor, and leading expert on happiness, share his insights. Brooks, who co-authored Build the Life You Want with Oprah Winfrey, outlined his research on the four pillars of a fulfilling life: faith, family, friendship, and meaningful work.

During the event, Dr. Brooks emphasized the importance of actively engaging in practices that foster happiness and well-being. He discussed how America is currently experiencing a “happiness slump” and presented practical steps individuals can take to increase their fulfillment.

“Doing the work means getting the knowledge, changing your habits, and sharing it with others,” said Dr. Brooks, encouraging the audience to take action and invest in their own happiness. “This is why I was so glad to partner with First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin to bring this science to students, faculty, and other leaders across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin facilitated a dynamic live conversation with Dr. Brooks and concluded the evening with an interactive Q&A session, addressing key questions from the audience. She shared her strong belief that these conversations are vital for Virginians’ well-being.

“It’s imperative that Virginia lead by providing these essential conversations dedicated to the well-being of every individual, every family, and every future,” said First Lady Youngkin.

The event also featured comments from key officials who emphasized the importance of well-being in the state’s approach to education and public health. Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera noted the importance of incorporating Dr. Brooks’ teachings into everyday life, especially for students who are at a crucial point in shaping their futures.

“Dr. Brooks expounded on the vital importance of faith, family, friendship, and meaningful work to creating lives of meaning and impact,” said Secretary Guidera. “This conversation provided an inspiring message of resilience and joy.”

Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in helping Virginians discover joy, connection, and purpose.

“Governor Youngkin is working every day to ensure that Virginia is the best place to live, work and raise a family,” said Secretary Kelly. “Tonight’s conversation gives a blueprint on how individual Virginians – especially students – can contribute to the common good.”

The gathering followed a meeting of the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force, which has been addressing the negative impacts of screens and social media on children and adolescents. This task force, which aligns with Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 43, continues to explore recommendations for improving well-being across Virginia.

Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill also praised the event, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to support student success and holistic well-being.

“The forum equips individuals with the tools to thrive in all aspects of life,” President Hemphill said.

This successful event further underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering healthier, more fulfilling lives for its residents through ongoing initiatives like Commonwealth Conversations, which seek to empower Virginians by providing valuable resources and discussions on well-being.