your voice is your power
Calling on mental health advocates to help establish a school culture of caring and support, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students nationwide.
Over the last decade there has been a rise in mental health issues among youth and young adults. This rise has been even more pronounced among Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ young adults.
BIPOC youth are more likely to be impacted by the pandemic, police violence, and longstanding racial discrimination. Similarly, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience discrimination, a lack of social support, and limited access to appropriate health care, all of which impact mental health. Experts predict that mental health challenges will continue to rise.
Right now, we can – and must – prioritize the wellbeing of all students, specifically BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students.
Active Minds is calling on high school mental health advocates to help establish a school culture of caring and support for all students. Through Your Voice is Your Power, students can organize a coalition in your school or start an Active Minds Chapter by using the self-guided resources below.
Organize a Your Voice is Your Power coalition at your school.
You are ready to advocate for mental health awareness in your school. This worksheet will help you research what already exists in your school and what you may need to advocate for.
**After opening the worksheet, download a copy (File -> Download -> choose Word or PDF) and then you can have edit abilities. We are unable to grant editing access, as it is a template document available to everyone. Thanks!**
You now know what you are going to advocate for. This worksheet will help you find your voice and develop a plan for how to grow your school’s mental health resources and if there are any people in your school you should talk to about their advocacy efforts in your school.
**After opening the worksheet, download a copy (File -> Download -> choose Word or PDF) and then you can have edit abilities. We are unable to grant editing access, as it is a template document available to everyone. Thanks!**
Having people working with you to advocate for more mental health awareness in your school is very important to your success. This guide provides you with the steps you will need to build a coalition, the people you should include, planning for your first meeting, setting goals, and your next steps in advocating for more mental health awareness in your school.
**After opening the worksheet, download a copy (File -> Download -> choose Word or PDF) and then you can have edit abilities. We are unable to grant editing access, as it is a template document available to everyone. Thanks!**
As you become a mental health advocate in your school, it is important to manage your time, set boundaries, and take care of yourself. It is also important for the people in your coalition to also practice self-care so that you all can ensure your collective success. This worksheet will help you reflect on your self-care plan.
**After opening the worksheet, download a copy (File -> Download -> choose Word or PDF) and then you can have edit abilities. We are unable to grant editing access, as it is a template document available to everyone. Thanks!**