Application to Join Active Minds’ Mental Health Advocacy Academy
The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy is the only leadership development and mental health advocacy academy that empowers Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) high school students to enact change in their schools, communities, and their states. Young adults have made clear that the most pressing mental health-related issues include addressing racial justice, creating equitable access to mental health care, developing youth-centered mental health policies (school board, local, or state), and achieving affordable, culturally appropriate comprehensive health care.
The Mental Health Advocacy Academy is a unique, paid leadership program intended to ensure that high school students have tools and resources to develop mental health advocacy campaigns that will transform and change school, community, and state culture and increase mental health resources. Academy members will have the opportunity to develop a mental health campaign that contributes to the cutting-edge field of mental health policy advocacy.
Expectations:
Academy members will be expected to:
The Academy will be held from July 24th-July 28th, 2023.
Participate in homeroom activities with Active Minds staff or mentors.
Meet virtually via Zoom Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday for 4 hours from 2pm-6pm EST.
Meet virtually via Zoom Wednesday for 4.5 hours from 2pm-630 pm EST.
Screen time breaks in between hours.
Meetings are informal, and participants are expected to be conversational and engaged. It is expected that you attend all the meetings.
Complete between-meeting assignments (est. 1 –2 hours) that may involve meeting with other Academy members, Active Minds staff, or mentors.
Develop an outline for a mental health advocacy campaign. The outline will be showcased during the Academy meeting on July 28th during homeroom time.
Complete Academy evaluations (during and after).
Compensation & Benefits:
Academy members will receive:
$500 total stipend (the stipend will be paid after the completion of the Academy)
Unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world policy advocacy experience and to make a difference in your local community
Professional training from nationally renowned policy and mental health experts
Networking opportunities with other young adult mental health advocates
Unique leadership opportunity that is a resume builder
Will engage in learning communities that specifically focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ related issues.
Qualifications:
Age eligibility: High school students.
Identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+
An interest in civic engagement and a desire to learn more about mental health advocacy, policy, and how to affect change in your community.
Creativity, initiative, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness and ability to work independently and as a member of a team with people of various perspectives and backgrounds.
Reliable internet access
*Not required: past civic engagement
Application is due on or before March 28, 2023
If you have any questions about the application, reach out to the Active Minds K-12 Initiatives team at K12@activeminds.org