Send Silence Packing Frequently Asked Questions
How can we make our display accessible and inclusive of people with diverse abilities?
Accessibility is the ability of an environment, device, or service to be used by as many people as possible. This concept is essential in the design of various spaces, products and institutions because it ensures that individuals of varying physical, sensory, and neurological abilities can equally and fully enjoy them. For more information on accessibility…
Sample Content Warning Language
“The Send Silence Packing Event includes personal stories given by people who have lost a loved one to suicide. While it is not the intent of Send Silence Packing to evoke distress, we caution that exposure to sensitive content may awaken trauma centers in the brain or the recollection of challenging personal history. For this…
Should we let the community know about the event in advance?
Ideally, yes. If at a school, work with campus administration to send pre-event emails to the student body acknowledging that the display will be on campus, the goals of the program, and a map with the alternate routes to avoid the display if necessary. Template pre- and post-emails provided in our Send Silence Packing Media…
What do I provide for the Mental Health Resources and Crisis Planning at the display?
Active Minds requests that at least one mental health counselor and/or trained mental health provider is available at the event for on-site support to respond to any concerns that arise due to the sensitive nature of the exhibit. Additionally, the host should make every effort to market and promote the exhibit at least two weeks…
How many volunteers are needed?
A sufficient amount of volunteer support should be provided throughout the day to help unload the truck at the beginning of the day, hand out educational flyers throughout the day, and pack up the truck at the end of the day. You can consider working with other campus departments, local non-profits, and other volunteer-based organizations…
What is the timing of the display?
Send Silence Packing is an all-day program that runs about 6-8 hours. Typically, the SSP Tour Coordinators arrive at 7:30am with all of the materials in the branded Send Silence Packing® truck. Display set up requires 1.5 hours, and is typically ready to open by 9am. The event closes at about 4pm and take down…
What comes with the display?
Active Minds will work closely with your community and your Active Minds chapter (if applicable) to ensure that your Send Silence Packing display is a success. Two highly trained Tour Coordinators to manage all aspects of the event ~1,000 backpacks, more than 250 with personal stories and photos affixed Signage (an 8×3’ banner displayed with…
Will I meet the team in advance?
Yes! You’ll meet the tour coordinators during a pre-event site visit, typically the day before the exhibit, at a mutually agreed upon time between them and the host. Active Minds staff will communicate with you to arrange parking for the truck during the ~1 hour site visit.
What are the parking requirements for the SSP truck?
Arrangements must be made to park the Send Silence Packing box truck (typically 16-feet in length, 10.5-11.5 feet in height; size of a typical moving truck) during the day, and space must be reserved to unload the backpacks in the morning and reload them at the end of the day – for both indoor and…
What if it rains on our display day?
In the case of inclement weather, it is important to have an effective indoor location secured (i.e. rain, snow, high winds, wet grounds, etc). For your indoor location, aim to find a place with significant, natural traffic and flow of people throughout the day. Examples include a large common area, lobby area of the student…
Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization promoting mental health for young adults.