The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy (Academy) is a leadership development and mental health advocacy program that equips BIPOC and LGBTQ+ high school students to address mental health-related issues and affect change in their schools, communities, and states. Recently, four alumni from the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy told us about their experiences and what they learned from the program as well as how they are leading mental health change in their schools and communities.
Javier Sotelo, California, Summer 2024 Academy Participant
Mental health is ingrained in everyone’s daily lives; it varies daily and controls our actions. However, in many societies, mental health isn’t believed to be real or is undervalued. This is why advocacy is important; coming from a predominantly Mexican-American community, I saw the impact mental health can have in a community that undermines it. Due to my experience, I desire to advocate for the awareness and recognition of mental health in all communities, not just my own. In my journey with Active Minds, I have garnered more opportunities in advocacy than ever. I was able to give my feedback on A.S.K by MTV and work with Mental Health America. Each experience has taught me new aspects I can bring into my advocacy projects. The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy combines hands-on experience with knowledge from influential mental health advocates, making it impossible not to learn. I would say that even youth who have experience in mental health advocacy could benefit from this program.
Sahana Gade, Texas, Summer 2024 Academy Participant
As society has evolved, so has the culture surrounding perfection, leading to stigma around vulnerability and the imperfect moments that make us human. Mental health advocacy plays a crucial role in eradicating this taboo by highlighting the inequalities many face. It pushes for systemic change by amplifying voices, fostering a more open and compassionate dialogue around mental health. As a high school student, I’ve seen how stress impacts both my well-being and those around me. The lack of adequate mental health resources in schools and the dismissal of youth struggles as mere “phases” or “over-dramatic” has fueled my passion to raise awareness, foster meaningful conversations, and advocate for improved support systems. Before joining Active Minds, I was passionate about making a difference in my community but lacked the direction to take action. Working with Active Minds has empowered me with the guidance I needed to move forward. I’ve applied these skills to advocate for many changes in my school district’s policies that impact student mental health, working alongside my superintendent to address these crucial issues. This program brings importance to each individual’s voice. Through in-depth, hands-on learning with influential mental health advocates, the Academy helps students recognize their voices’ power and how to effectively harness it to push for change on prevalent matters in their communities. Everybody deserves the chance to learn to make a difference, and this academy does just that.
Kolby Gupton, North Carolina, Summer 2023 Academy Participant
Just one person speaking up can encourage the conversation about mental health. I had always been aware of the importance of discussing mental health, but realized that others did not feel the same because they were not given the space or resources for them to feel like their mental health mattered. Being an advocate helps me create a safe space for those people. Advocating with Active Minds has helped me realize that my voice matters and that I can make a difference. My experiences over the past year has given me the confidence to articulate the importance of mental health. I now have the education to explore my own complex mental health, all while representing the next generation of change. The Mental Health Advocacy Academy does not only provide students with educational resources to start their own advocacy journey, but helps them make lasting connections within Active Minds and further. By joining the Academy, you are joining a community there to support you and offer unparalleled opportunities towards promoting mental health.
Malcolm Ferrouillet, Louisiana, Fall 2022 Academy Participant
Mental health advocacy is crucial to me because we cannot be ourselves without a healthy state of mind. Life is an emotional roller coaster; if we do not take time to care for ourselves mentally, we cannot be our best selves. When we put ourselves first, we are always better. I became a mental health advocate because I saw people in my community struggling, and I wanted to come up with solutions for and with my peers. When I saw the advertisement from Active Minds, I knew it would be a great opportunity and would be life-changing. Advocating for mental health and participating in Active Minds have changed my life by challenging me to examine my own mental health. As leaders, we always put others before ourselves, and Active Minds taught me the importance of self-check-ins. This helped me get through living far away from home as a college student. Others should join this fantastic organization to meet other amazing advocates and learn the history of mental health. Even though it is a trending topic, you should always know the history before preaching about it.
Click here to learn more about the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy.
