As students across the country return to classrooms (and late-night study sessions!), there’s a shared energy in the air — one full of excitement and unfiltered group chats about how stressful everything is in the world! The pressure to perform, get good grades, and to “get it all right” can quickly become overwhelming. This school year, instead of letting that stress take over, students have a powerful alternative: connection. By prioritizing relationships and meaningful conversations, you can create a more supportive and inclusive environment where no one feels like they have to carry it all alone.
If there was one moment at this year’s Active Minds Mental Health Conference that had the room holding its breath, it was when Alexander Stewart took the stage. For the second year in a row, the independent artist and mental health advocate joined hundreds of young people in Washington D.C. for two days of powerful storytelling. He continues to be a trusted voice in the movement to change how young people talk about mental health. Alexander’s keynote address centered around vulnerability, healing, and how creativity can be a form of advocacy. Pulling from his personal experiences, he spoke with honesty, offering not just stories, but solidarity.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to share your truth,” he told the audience. “Sometimes, just showing up is the most honest thing you can do.” Throughout the conference, students shared how Alexander’s presence helped them feel seen, understood, and more empowered to speak about their own mental health journeys. That message — that showing up matters — is one we can all carry with us this Fall. For many of us, mental health is finally becoming part of daily life: we talk with friends about anxiety, read articles about self-care, or connect with a therapist when things get tough. But the reality is, not everyone is having those conversations yet. Many students still walk through school hallways or sit in classrooms where mental health is rarely acknowledged. That’s where you come in. You can be the one who opens the door and starts the conversation.
There are countless ways to take action, and it all begins with tapping into the powerful resources from Active Minds. Start or join a student-led Active Minds Chapter to build community and create change on your campus. Invite a speaker from the Active Minds Speakers Bureau to bring powerful, lived-experience storytelling into your school. Download and use our Mental Health Curriculum, a free discussion guide perfect for classrooms, clubs, or youth groups. Check out the Your Voice is Your Power Resource Hub — it’s packed with everything you need to own your story, support your mental health, and make real change at your school and in your community. These tools make it easy to start meaningful conversations, no matter your experience level.
If you’re looking to take your advocacy even further, apply for the Active Minds Advocacy Institute. This paid, year-long leadership program is designed to help students transform their ideas into real, lasting impact; on campus, in their communities, and in future careers. Participants will develop detailed action plans during fall 2025 and implement those plans in spring 2026, with mentorship and support from Active Minds every step of the way.
In partnership with Active Minds, you can expand your impact beyond campus; maybe all the way to CONGRESS! Through our policy initiatives, students can explore current legislation that supports mental health and add their voice to the conversation. This school year, make sure to familiarize yourself with the issues and then contact your elected officials in your community. Right now, we’re working on a growing initiative to add the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number to student ID cards. This student-driven effort is making mental health support more visible and accessible while helping to normalize help-seeking behavior and reduce stigma. By advocating for this simple yet meaningful change, students are showing that policy doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, it starts with a small, strategic step that makes a big difference on campus.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been advocating for years, this school year offers endless opportunities to care for your own mental health while also creating space for others to do the same. You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. You just need to be willing to show up, speak out, and support one another. Whatever step you decide to take this school year, remember that your voice matters, and your advocacy can help shape a system that prioritizes access to care for all.
Ready to get involved? Visit activeminds.org to explore resources, join a chapter, or apply to a program today. The future of mental health starts with your story!
