Active Minds

Kick-It! with Active Minds 2012

A New Phase of the Active Minds Movement

You already walk for NAMI and AFSP.

Now, KICK-IT! for Active Minds!

Why Play the Game?

Active Minds is just like all of the causes for which our chapters are raising money like NAMI and AFSP.  We create and distribute educational materials, do outreach trips to our chapters and conferences in the field, and develop our own programs like the Mental Health on Campus Conference, Send Silence Packing, National Day Without Stigma, and National Stress Out Day.

With Kick It! we want to engage Active Minds chapters in fundraising efforts to support the national movement and to promote sportsmanship, community, philanthropy, and fun.

What’s the Game?

Kick It! With Active Minds is our signature kickball fundraising program designed to be hosted by Active Minds chapters on their campuses. By organizing a Kick It! event chapters will be raising critical funds to support the work of Active Minds, Inc. and our mission to change the conversation about mental health. 

Who Wins?

The participation fee ($10 per person) goes back to Active Minds, Inc.  Your chapter decides which of the following initiatives those funds will support:

• Send Silence Packing
• Program Resource Mailings (e.g., NDWS, NSOD)
• National Mental Health on Campus Conference Scholarship Fund
• Active Minds Speakers Bureau Scholarship Fund
• Chapter Support

This winter, we invite 15 chapters across the US and Canada to begin planning a Kick It! event to kick-off the 2012-2013 academic year. Beginning the planning process in Spring 2012 means that your chapter will have the opportunity to tap the enthusiasm of a new academic year by holding your event in Fall 2012.

If you're interested in KICKING OFF 2012 with KICK IT! email Maggie Bertram, Program Manager for Student-Led Initiatives by January 15, 2012.

Chapters will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the discretion of Active Minds, Inc. Before signing up to participate in the pilot, please review what is entailed in organizing a Kick It! tournament and participating in the pilot.  

What is the Game Plan?

• You must be a chapter in good standing with Active Minds, Inc. (see list of chapters here if you are unsure).
• As a student group, your chapter must be allowed by school rules to organize a fundraising event for an outside organization.
  
• In order to fully participate in the pilot, your chapter must:
• Confirm a date and venue for your kickball tournament
• Complete all planning documents and steps in accordance with guidelines from Active Minds, Inc.
  
• Complete your tournament between September 1 and October 31, 2012.
• Guarantee at least 4 teams (totaling at least 40 participants) will participate
• Participate in an in-depth evaluation process, both through surveys and possible follow-up by phone, for up to one month after your tournament is complete 

Make it Happen on Your Campus:

• Before your chapter signs up to participate in the pilot, make sure you understand your school's rules and policies on fundraising for student groups.
• Once your chapter has been selected to participate in the pilot, you will be working closely with Maggie Bertram, Program Manager for Student-Led Initiatives, to plan the program. All participant and team registrations will be set up by your Maggie in the national office. All registration fees will go directly to benefit Active Minds, Inc.
• You will receive a number of materials to help you plan and make the most of your tournament, including:
• Program Planning Guide and Checklist
• Official Rules and Regulations
• Team Recruitment Strategies
• Additional Chapter Fundraising Ideas and donation template letters
  
• Press Release Template
• Template posters/flyers
• Game-Day Kit: team rosters, team t-shirts, score-sheet, bracket poster and assumption of risk form