From Play to Positivity

The Parachute People was first started in 2014 by a group of friends from Columbus, OH that recognized the need for a little more positivity in the world. They threw some cash together, bought a gym-class style parachute, and took it to a music festival to see if anyone would even want to play. The response was overwhelming. Not only did people come to play, but they flocked to this bold, colorful display of fun. The resounding feedback was that this simple activity had made them happy. The realization that this “chute” could be used as a beacon to bring people together and as a tool for happiness became the motivation to expand the mission. The Parachute People recognized the need for a different approach to addressing a significant piece of daily life: our mental health. We decided that we would use these parachutes to help address the mental health crisis in our country through cooperative play, community engagement, and celebratory discussions of the everyday lows and highs of mental health.

Since then The Parachute People has been traveling to events across the country with the hope of sharing moments of fun with as many people as possible while emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in daily life.

Each one of The Parachute People has a story to share about the importance and effects of mental health on their lives. We recognize the stigma that prevents open and honest discussions about these issues. We believe that the power of cooperative play can break down those barriers between strangers and allow for meaningful conversations about this crucial aspect of our overall health.