April 2026 Community Update!

Dear Community,

I hope all is well! It is warming up here and already feels like summer. We’ve got a little extra time off this weekend. It has been very busy. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my family and unplugging for a bit!

Quick updates on the training front. We are in the process of auditing all of our training content. @hope has been doing a great job. It seems like we have about 80% of what is needed to meet the peer support specialist curriculum. Peers are also credentialed by state. We are looking to start in Florida as they have the most stringent requirements. Lots of work here for us to do, but it is all very doable. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Additionally, CMU has been working on a member / client simulation tool that provides robust and real time feedback. See screenshots below. We will also soon be releasing the conversation coach I mentioned last update. 

I hope you all are enjoying the spring and the warmer weather!

Best,

Glen

H

This month, we explored the theme of Empowerment & Healing. Check out the masterpost of all the great content our community contributed here.

I’d also like to personally recommend checking out this thought provoking, sharing-and-learning series by Kiara @jesusredeemedme2425 on Things You Wish People Knew. <- Click this link to go to their master thread, and if you see anything not covered, feel free to suggest it to Kiara! I am very proud of her creativity and will be featuring these posts across our awareness events throughout the year!

In exciting news, I have launched a site-wide initiative that invites everyone to participate and make a direct impact on one another. The Weekly Beacon is our new tradition where we share simple, small ways you can lend a hand around the community. The heart of 7 Cups has always been the people in it, and you do not need official badges, special training, or hours of free time to make a massive difference in someone else's day. We build this community together through everyday acts of kindness!

Every day you reply to these weekly threads to let us know you completed one of the tasks, you earn a star. You can earn up to 7 each week for each day. Once you earn 30 stars, you will receive the exclusive "All for one" badge!

These refresh each week, so subscribe to the General Support forum and pay attention to your notifications bell for each new week's post. We are on Week 2 right now.

You’ve probably heard of our Way of the River series by now. You may have taken part in some of it or completed all of it, holding the exclusive badges of an experienced kyaker on the river of life. We have made an exclusive closed group chat to work through the series together and to bond over the shared themes. I would love to have you, no matter what familiarity you have with the series. We’re here to work through it together! Read about the meaningful culture we’re building here.

Listeners, we are regularly onboarding new hosts to open the Listener Community Room and provide a lighthearted space to hang out and play games. Please come congratulate our current hosts and see how you can get involved by clicking into this post.

And remember, this community is built by you. 7 Cups thrives because of you, and all you do for each other. You are encouraged to make posts, lead conversations in the rooms, and take on leadership roles to grow into the best versions of yourself. We have so many opportunities, and some yet to be dreamt up! If you want to do anything here and need some help, be it finding your path or with a new idea,  my PMs are open, and I am your cheerleader! Thanks for playing for the 7 Cups team and making us winners every day on a global scale.

Hope

Hi everyone! Thank you to those who expressed interest in the Carnegie Mellon University research study. Most of the participant spots have already been filled, but you can still submit the form to join the waitlist if you meet their criteria. The study is focused on improving listener training through “virtual patients” that simulate members with common mental health challenges, giving listeners a chance to practice skills and provide feedback. Please note that the participation criteria are set by the researchers, and they reserve the right to select participants based on their needs.

The 7 Cups internship program continues to be popular, with universities partnering for accredited practicum placements and students joining individually. If your university is interested in partnering with 7 Cups, or you’re planning to do a placement here, please message me beforehand so expectations can be aligned. 

Additionally, on the Academy front! We’re also focusing on recruiting leaders at both the mentor and mentor leader levels, so if you’re interested, please fill out the form. Lastly, the community came together to celebrate Eid. You can view our Eid Mubarak post here!

SoulfullyAButterfly

This month has been focused on lots of content building in relation to FC Mother with a growth path to be launched soon for supporters of maternal wellbeing.

In relation to this partnership and consideration of our inclusive community, we have introduced a language inclusivity guideline for the forums. In light of guideline clarification, we have also put out this guide regarding listener roles and boundaries on the forums.

Ending the month on a high note, you can find our March Milestone Moments event recap and Word Cake here. We’re truly honored to celebrate each and every one of your special moments!