The 2nd Annual Sozosei Summit to Decriminalize Mental Illness was held from December 13-15, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA. A global event, the Summit brings together experts, thought-leaders, people with lived experience, doctors, lawyers, judges, advocates, artists, and funders to collaborate, create, and explore pathways to decriminalize mental illness.

On June 4, 2021, the Sozosei Foundation hosted a virtual book club featuring authors and renowned psychologist, Dr. Joel Dvoskin and renowned psychiatrist, Dr. James Knoll in conversation with Sozosei Board Member Mary Chi Michael, about their chapter, “A Brief History of the Criminalization of Mental Illness” from the recently released book, “Decriminalizing Mental Illness,” published by Cambridge University Press.

Mental illness is an area that has been relatively underfunded by philanthropy when compared to the immense potential for impact. The Sozosei Foundation is helping reignite energy and push the philanthropic community in this area, with a specific focus on decriminalizing mental illness in America. The Foundation recently kicked off a series of Global Solution Labs to surface more knowledge and perspectives about how to create a future where mental illness is not treated as a crime.