According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is the leading cause of suicide, two-thirds of people struggling with depression never get help, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. TWLOHA launched The Storytellers High School Campaign in October 2011 as an initiative to change these numbers and open a conversation in high schools that discusses mental health and community.
The Storytellers is a two-month campaign where a student organizer works with a faculty advisor on behalf of their high school to create awareness about mental health issues, bring the TWLOHA message to their school, and foster community on their campus, while also raising funds for TWLOHA. The program is completely free and of no cost to the student or school involved. There are a variety of incentives for participating, including the opportunity for a TWLOHA event. Our hope and goal is that by reaching high school students in their everyday environment, and by engaging the student body as a whole, we can change the numbers.
How it Works:
· Students submit an application online and return a permission form byemail or fax. Before submitting, students must secure an advisor who is a faculty member or administrator at the school they attend and willing to supervise their participation for the duration of the campaign.
· Upon acceptance:
· Each school is assigned to one of four brackets.
· The student organizer will receive a detailed manual explainingthe campaign further, and be given a variety of tools to help their campaign be as successful as possible.
· Approximately two weeks before the term starts student organizerswill receive:
· A materials box mailed to the school containing info cards, “TheStorytellers” bracelets, and “Cents of Hope” coin drive stickers.
· A version of our info book that has been tailored to “TheStorytellers” and a high school audience.
· An online platform to discuss the campaign with other students.
· An online fundraising page for the school via StayClassy set upby TWLOHA.
· The only fundraising activity we require is the selling of “TheStorytellers” bracelets. This is an exclusive item and is only available to participating high schools.
· We strongly encourage students to host a variety of communityactivities that actively engage their fellow classmates and local residents. A minimum of two community activities (one per month) is required. The activities would serve as a space for students to talk about mental health with their peers in a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment. These community activities (and the campaign) are not to serve as any form of counseling or group therapy. The manual details a list of ideas, talking points, and materials for these events, including a Fears vs. Dreams campaign.
· At the end of each month, each school will return a check-in sheetoutlining their hard work along with any funds raised. These check-in sheets are essential to awarding the incentives outlined below.
Incentives:
We want to celebrate the student organizers and their high schools for all of their hard work. We have created a variety of incentives to inspire, encourage and motivate schools. The primary incentive is a TWLOHA Event, and although every school cannot receive a TWLOHA event, this does not discredit the work each school does. There are five special acknowledgement incentives available to schools and student organizers. These incentives are our way of saying thank you.
There are three ways your school can receive a TWLOHA event:
· Be the top fundraising school in your bracket.
· Be the Most Active School.
· Raise over $5,000.
Special Acknowledgement Awards:
· Most Active School (Recipient receives a TWLOHA event)
· Most Involved Student Organizer (Recipient receives a TWLOHA trip)
· Biggest Individual Fundraising Event (Recipient receives a TWLOHA trip)
· Most Creative Event (Recipient receives two (2) concert tickets)
· Best Use of Online Media (Recipient receives two (2) concert tickets)
TWLOHA Event: This incentive is modeled after our college speaking events. It will include a video presentation, Staff Speaker, musical performance by a musician who supports TWLOHA and TWLOHA merchandise for sale.
TWLOHA Trip: A trip for you and a guest (Must be 18 or older; if recipient is under 18, guest must be a parent/guardian) to one (1) of the following: MOVE Community Conference, HEAVY AND LIGHT, or a speaking event by TWLOHA Founder Jamie Tworkowksi. Trip includes airfare for two (2) and hotel accommodations for two (2) evenings. This incentive is not available to Australia schools at this time. We will offer a comparable substitute.
Concert Tickets: Two (2) tickets to a tour on the TWLOHA calendar of the recipient’s choice. This can include Vans Warped Tour. TWLOHA is not responsible for travel and accommodation. Subject to availability.
Please note: All schools participating in The Storytellers will receive recognition for their participation in the campaign in the form of a certificate of participation. All schools that reach their fundraising goal will receive one (1) TWLOHA swag bag for.
Dates:
Spring 2012 - In progress.
Term Runs from: February 1st to May 1st
Australia - Term 3 2012 (Australian schools ONLY)
Applications accepted: May 15 to June 15. Apply here.
Term Runs from: July 15 to September 15
Fall 2012
Applications accepted: TBA
Term Runs from: October 1st to December 1st
Spring 2013
Applications accepted: TBA
Term Runs from: February 1st to April 1st
**International schools may run on different dates/deadlines based on school terms TBD later. **
