Send Silence Packing Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSP?
Send Silence Packing (SSP) is a traveling exhibit and an immersive experience that tells the stories and centers the voices of youth to end the silence surrounding suicide. The exhibit serves as a mobilizing force to change the way we think, talk, and feel about mental health, and (perhaps most importantly,) how we show up…
What is the history of SSP? When/Why did it begin?
Since its inaugural exhibit on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 2008, Send Silence Packing (SSP) has reached more than 350 communities and 1,000,000 visitors with messages of hope and support. As one of the longest running programs at Active Minds, SSP was launched to end the silence surrounding suicide through the power of…
What are the goals of the program?
At Active Minds, we believe that everyone has mental health and we all play a role in changing the conversation about mental health. As culture makers and movement builders, we know that our youth is our power in mobilizing the next generation. As a signature program at Active Minds, Send Silence Packing aims to validate…
I’m familiar with the old exhibit. Why did it change?
In an effort to align Send Silence Packing with Active Minds’ strategic plan and newly released Theory of Change, the team made the decision to ground the program for one season (Spring 2023). With this time, the Send Silence Packing national staff researched and designed a revamp of the nationally acclaimed program to ensure that…
What new things can we expect from SSP 2.0?
SSP 2.0 focuses on a wraparound experience for hosts and community members for long term impact that promotes ongoing conversations about mental health rather than a one-time intervention in the form of a singular event. In addition to a customized needs assessment, menu of options, and one-year impact report offered to each host as part…
How does it work in practice?
SSP is a traveling exhibit that visits schools and communities nationwide. The program tours twice a year for three months at a time at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Before booking the program, you meet with the SSP Team at Active Minds National to discuss what’s included in the package, review expectations…
How do I book the program at my school or community?
To begin the inquiry process, please fill out the online interest form on our website: https://www.activeminds.org/ssp-interest-form/. From there, the SSP Team will be in touch to communicate our upcoming regional schedule and whether we may be able to accommodate a tour stop in your community. Next, we will discuss packaging options, pricing, and contracting to…
I’m not ready to book SSP just yet, but I want to take action. What else can I do?
There’s a lot you can do to get involved! Start by checking in with a friend who may be struggling, downloading our free stress-less toolkit, learning V-A-R to navigate tough conversations, and sharing our postvention guide to offer support to communities in the wake of loss. For more information, explore our array of program offerings…
I’m in distress after reading the stories. What should I do next?
Whatever your reaction may be to the stories you interacted with today, know that your feelings are valid and you are not alone. It’s okay to experience a range of emotions and it’s often helpful to hold space for all of them, big or small. As you process these emotions, we encourage you to center…
Are you accepting new stories on the exhibit? How do I share mine?
We welcome stories about hope, recovery, or help-seeking to accompany a backpack in the Send Silence Packing® traveling exhibit. Please read our Story Guidelines carefully and then fill out the Story Submission Form. Our storytelling committee will review your story and be in touch with any questions, should your story be selected. We thank you…
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.