BASIC INFO
Q: What is The Storytellers?
A: The Storytellers is a high school campaign that exists as a way for high school students and their advisors to share the message of To Write Love on Her Arms and put on small-scale fundraisers for the organization. In doing so, students will raise awareness for mental health issues within in their high school and learn more about their classmates. To apply, click here.
Q: Is The Storytellers a club?
A: No. The Storytellers is a high school campaign designed to foster awareness and community through events, but it is not to operate as a student club. If you are working with other students, you should only meet in order to plan events as they relate to the campaign.
Although To Write Love on Her Arms is supportive of people reaching out to one another and opening up honest conversation with their peers, TWLOHA does not have the means to support high school clubs in this way. Students are still encouraged to use the resources at their school, such as counselors and teachers, to discuss issues they may be struggling with.
Q: Can I create a TWLOHA Club at our school?
A: No. We do not have the ability to support specific TWLOHA clubs in high schools. We cannot allow for you to use our name or logo in association with a group on your campus, apart from official materials we will provide you.
Q: Can we (as a club, team, band, theatre group, etc.) work on The Storytellers together?
A:Yes. We encourage you to work with clubs, student groups, and sports teams (the ones you’re a part of and the ones you aren’t) to facilitate The Storytellers events. There will be only one student contact, but you may work with as many people as you need. Great clubs to work with could be a Suicide Prevention club, LGBTQ Alliance, Community Service club, or Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Q: Who can apply?
A: The Storytellers is only open to high school students, grades 9 through 12. You must be a full time, on-campus high school student to apply. We cannot accommodate for home school or alternative programs at this time.
Q: Is The Storytellers open to colleges, universities or middle schools?
A: No. The Storytellers is a high school campaign for students in grades 9-12. At this time we do not have the means to run a middle school based campaign but hope to do so in the future. If you are in college, please visit the UChapters section of our website for info on how to bring TWLOHA to your college.
Q: Is The Storytellers limited to schools in the U.S. or can international students apply?
A: We would love to have this be an international campaign. Applications are open and if enough international schools apply and are accepted, we will be able to have an international bracket(s). If you are located outside of the U.S. please to do not hesitate to apply here!! Please note: international schools may run on different dates / deadlines than U.S. schools based on school terms for that country.
Q: Who cannot participate?
A: Students or friends who do not attend your high school cannot participate in the events held by your team if they take place within your school and are closed to the public. If your event is an extracurricular activity, such as a sporting event or dining out at a fundraising restaurant, you can invite anyone to participate.
Q: How many people can participate in the campaign?
A: Your campaign can involve as many people as you would like! An event for The Storytellers can be composed of one individual (with the help of their advisor) or an entire pre-existing club. We are hoping to see events held by both small groups of TWLOHA supporters and also those held by after-school clubs, sports teams, and even certain classes. There will be only one student organizer and advisor per school, but we encourage you to get as many people involved as possible. If your school is already participating in the campaign and you want to join, we can connect you to your student organizer.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVISORS
Q: Do I have to have an adult/staff advisor from my school?
A: Yes. This is required, and your advisor must be a faculty or staff member at your high school.
Q: Who can our advisor be?
A: Your advisor needs to be affiliated with your high school. This can be a teacher, a guidance counselor, a coach, or other faculty member. Your advisor should be someone who is interested in what you are trying to do. We hope that you find an advisor who wants to be involved with the campaign and genuinely cares about TWLOHA’s message. Please note: your advisor cannot be a parent or guardian.
Q: What are the duties of the advisor?
A: Your advisor must be willing to approve your additional fundraising event ideas and be willing to supervise larger events. Their main responsibility is to maintain the bracelet inventory, keep track of money raised, and fill out the End of Month Report. The bracelets and money raised should always stay with your advisor.
Q: Does my advisor need to be present at the event?
A: Your advisor does not need to be present for all moments of the event if it is a small-scale event within your school, such as a bake sale or bracelet sale. If, however, your event takes place outside of school hours or is a large-scale event, such as a benefit concert, we do suggest the advisor be there the entire time to facilitate the event.
Q: Can I change my advisor?
A: We encourage you to have the same advisor for the duration of the term, but we understand things may change from term to term. In order to continue participation in the campaign, another advisor must be willing to take your previous advisor’s place. Under no condition can you plan or operate The Storytellers events without an adult staff advisor who is aware of your plans.
QUESTIONS ABOUT “THE STORYTELLERS” BRACELETS
Q: Why do I have to sell bracelets?
A: We wanted to provide you with a fun and inexpensive fundraiser that could be done easily, while also giving you an opportunity to represent the story you’re sharing with your campus and community. We wanted to show participants in this campaign that we are invested in it, too. It is also a great way to get the TWLOHA message out on your campus.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EVENTS
Q: How many events can I do?
A: You are required to sell “The Storytellers” bracelets, though how you sell them is up to you and your creativity. You may do as many events as you can manage during a term, given that your staff advisor has approved it, you have permission from your school, and you follow the guidelines provided.
Q: Can I talk about TWLOHA at these events?
A: Yes. We encourage you to talk to your classmates about TWLOHA and what we do, using the reference material in the Info Book PDF file you will receive. We would like for you to have the info book printed out and available to the people at your event as a physical reference to TWLOHA.
Q: Can I have a speaker at the event?
A: We ask that you not have a designated speaker at any of your events, unless it is your school counselor or adult advisor. This is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. There is great power in words and conversation, and we encourage you to use them to share your story with each other individually rather than in a large group.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FUNDRAISING
Q: How does TWLOHA keep track of the money?
A: We have a database to keep track of funds raised for each participating school. This database will be available to the public through The Storytellers tab of the website.
QUESTIONS ABOUT INCENTIVES
Q: Are there any incentives?
A: Yes!! The point of these incentives is to provide motivation for fundraising and show appreciation for students who have dedicated over-the-top time and effort to fundraising for TWLOHA. Each school who raises the most funds per bracket (one school per bracket) will be awarded a TWLOHA event.
This is an event where the TWLOHA team will go to your school for all of the student body at your school to be a part of. There will be a video presentation and a performance by a musician who supports TWLOHA, and you’ll also get to hear from a TWLOHA staff member. There will also be other surprise incentives. All students who participate in The Storytellers and work toward their fundraising goals will be recognized for their hard work.
Q: How are the top schools determined?
A: All schools are assigned to a bracket of schools, which is determined by school size and similar factors. The school that raises the most money within their bracket will be awarded a TWLOHA event. All schools will have the same amount of time to participate. There will be multiple winners all over the country, but only one winner per bracket. We will also be awarding schools with other things for Most Creative Event, Top Fundraising Event, etc. Because of these other incentives, we encourage you to try new ideas, have fun, and go big with your events.
OTHER FAQS
Q: Can our high school get free TWLOHA merchandise?
A: Due to the scale of The Storytellers, TWLOHA is unable to provide free merchandise.
Q: Can we sell TWLOHA merch aside from “The Storytellers” bracelets?
A: No, as we do not have the ability to distribute TWLOHA merch to all the high schools involved. However, you could make your own t-shirts with creative and encouraging messages of hope and sell them. We just ask that you not use the TWLOHA logo or similar TWLOHA designs, slogans, etc. to avoid copyright infringement.
Q: Can our school withdraw from The Storytellers?
A: First, we hope that you will continue participating in the campaign during the entire term. We don’t want to lose you. However, we understand that things come up and situations beyond your control sometimes happen, so you may withdraw from the campaign if it is necessary. Please know that if you withdraw, all funds raised must be turned in and will not be refunded as it has been raised to benefit a charity. You must return all bracelets, info cards, money raised, and materials. Withdrawing also means that you are no longer eligible to receive any of The Storytellers end-of-term incentives.
Q: Can the student contact change?
A: When you applied, you committed to this campaign for a term. We strongly recommend that the student contact remain the same during the duration of the whole term. However, we also understand that circumstances and situations arise that cannot be prevented or avoided. If you are unable to continue as our student contact, please let us know. We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis.
If your question has not been answered here or for more info please email: thestorytellers@twloha.com
Q: What is The Storytellers?
A: The Storytellers is a high school campaign that exists as a way for high school students and their advisors to share the message of To Write Love on Her Arms and put on small-scale fundraisers for the organization. In doing so, students will raise awareness for mental health issues within in their high school and learn more about their classmates. To apply, click here.
Q: Is The Storytellers a club?
A: No. The Storytellers is a high school campaign designed to foster awareness and community through events, but it is not to operate as a student club. If you are working with other students, you should only meet in order to plan events as they relate to the campaign.
Although To Write Love on Her Arms is supportive of people reaching out to one another and opening up honest conversation with their peers, TWLOHA does not have the means to support high school clubs in this way. Students are still encouraged to use the resources at their school, such as counselors and teachers, to discuss issues they may be struggling with.
Q: Can I create a TWLOHA Club at our school?
A: No. We do not have the ability to support specific TWLOHA clubs in high schools. We cannot allow for you to use our name or logo in association with a group on your campus, apart from official materials we will provide you.
Q: Can we (as a club, team, band, theatre group, etc.) work on The Storytellers together?
A:Yes. We encourage you to work with clubs, student groups, and sports teams (the ones you’re a part of and the ones you aren’t) to facilitate The Storytellers events. There will be only one student contact, but you may work with as many people as you need. Great clubs to work with could be a Suicide Prevention club, LGBTQ Alliance, Community Service club, or Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Q: Who can apply?
A: The Storytellers is only open to high school students, grades 9 through 12. You must be a full time, on-campus high school student to apply. We cannot accommodate for home school or alternative programs at this time.
Q: Is The Storytellers open to colleges, universities or middle schools?
A: No. The Storytellers is a high school campaign for students in grades 9-12. At this time we do not have the means to run a middle school based campaign but hope to do so in the future. If you are in college, please visit the UChapters section of our website for info on how to bring TWLOHA to your college.
Q: Is The Storytellers limited to schools in the U.S. or can international students apply?
A: We would love to have this be an international campaign. Applications are open and if enough international schools apply and are accepted, we will be able to have an international bracket(s). If you are located outside of the U.S. please to do not hesitate to apply here!! Please note: international schools may run on different dates / deadlines than U.S. schools based on school terms for that country.
Q: Who cannot participate?
A: Students or friends who do not attend your high school cannot participate in the events held by your team if they take place within your school and are closed to the public. If your event is an extracurricular activity, such as a sporting event or dining out at a fundraising restaurant, you can invite anyone to participate.
Q: How many people can participate in the campaign?
A: Your campaign can involve as many people as you would like! An event for The Storytellers can be composed of one individual (with the help of their advisor) or an entire pre-existing club. We are hoping to see events held by both small groups of TWLOHA supporters and also those held by after-school clubs, sports teams, and even certain classes. There will be only one student organizer and advisor per school, but we encourage you to get as many people involved as possible. If your school is already participating in the campaign and you want to join, we can connect you to your student organizer.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVISORS
Q: Do I have to have an adult/staff advisor from my school?
A: Yes. This is required, and your advisor must be a faculty or staff member at your high school.
Q: Who can our advisor be?
A: Your advisor needs to be affiliated with your high school. This can be a teacher, a guidance counselor, a coach, or other faculty member. Your advisor should be someone who is interested in what you are trying to do. We hope that you find an advisor who wants to be involved with the campaign and genuinely cares about TWLOHA’s message. Please note: your advisor cannot be a parent or guardian.
Q: What are the duties of the advisor?
A: Your advisor must be willing to approve your additional fundraising event ideas and be willing to supervise larger events. Their main responsibility is to maintain the bracelet inventory, keep track of money raised, and fill out the End of Month Report. The bracelets and money raised should always stay with your advisor.
Q: Does my advisor need to be present at the event?
A: Your advisor does not need to be present for all moments of the event if it is a small-scale event within your school, such as a bake sale or bracelet sale. If, however, your event takes place outside of school hours or is a large-scale event, such as a benefit concert, we do suggest the advisor be there the entire time to facilitate the event.
Q: Can I change my advisor?
A: We encourage you to have the same advisor for the duration of the term, but we understand things may change from term to term. In order to continue participation in the campaign, another advisor must be willing to take your previous advisor’s place. Under no condition can you plan or operate The Storytellers events without an adult staff advisor who is aware of your plans.
QUESTIONS ABOUT “THE STORYTELLERS” BRACELETS
Q: Why do I have to sell bracelets?
A: We wanted to provide you with a fun and inexpensive fundraiser that could be done easily, while also giving you an opportunity to represent the story you’re sharing with your campus and community. We wanted to show participants in this campaign that we are invested in it, too. It is also a great way to get the TWLOHA message out on your campus.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EVENTS
Q: How many events can I do?
A: You are required to sell “The Storytellers” bracelets, though how you sell them is up to you and your creativity. You may do as many events as you can manage during a term, given that your staff advisor has approved it, you have permission from your school, and you follow the guidelines provided.
Q: Can I talk about TWLOHA at these events?
A: Yes. We encourage you to talk to your classmates about TWLOHA and what we do, using the reference material in the Info Book PDF file you will receive. We would like for you to have the info book printed out and available to the people at your event as a physical reference to TWLOHA.
Q: Can I have a speaker at the event?
A: We ask that you not have a designated speaker at any of your events, unless it is your school counselor or adult advisor. This is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. There is great power in words and conversation, and we encourage you to use them to share your story with each other individually rather than in a large group.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FUNDRAISING
Q: How does TWLOHA keep track of the money?
A: We have a database to keep track of funds raised for each participating school. This database will be available to the public through The Storytellers tab of the website.
QUESTIONS ABOUT INCENTIVES
Q: Are there any incentives?
A: Yes!! The point of these incentives is to provide motivation for fundraising and show appreciation for students who have dedicated over-the-top time and effort to fundraising for TWLOHA. Each school who raises the most funds per bracket (one school per bracket) will be awarded a TWLOHA event.
This is an event where the TWLOHA team will go to your school for all of the student body at your school to be a part of. There will be a video presentation and a performance by a musician who supports TWLOHA, and you’ll also get to hear from a TWLOHA staff member. There will also be other surprise incentives. All students who participate in The Storytellers and work toward their fundraising goals will be recognized for their hard work.
Q: How are the top schools determined?
A: All schools are assigned to a bracket of schools, which is determined by school size and similar factors. The school that raises the most money within their bracket will be awarded a TWLOHA event. All schools will have the same amount of time to participate. There will be multiple winners all over the country, but only one winner per bracket. We will also be awarding schools with other things for Most Creative Event, Top Fundraising Event, etc. Because of these other incentives, we encourage you to try new ideas, have fun, and go big with your events.
OTHER FAQS
Q: Can our high school get free TWLOHA merchandise?
A: Due to the scale of The Storytellers, TWLOHA is unable to provide free merchandise.
Q: Can we sell TWLOHA merch aside from “The Storytellers” bracelets?
A: No, as we do not have the ability to distribute TWLOHA merch to all the high schools involved. However, you could make your own t-shirts with creative and encouraging messages of hope and sell them. We just ask that you not use the TWLOHA logo or similar TWLOHA designs, slogans, etc. to avoid copyright infringement.
Q: Can our school withdraw from The Storytellers?
A: First, we hope that you will continue participating in the campaign during the entire term. We don’t want to lose you. However, we understand that things come up and situations beyond your control sometimes happen, so you may withdraw from the campaign if it is necessary. Please know that if you withdraw, all funds raised must be turned in and will not be refunded as it has been raised to benefit a charity. You must return all bracelets, info cards, money raised, and materials. Withdrawing also means that you are no longer eligible to receive any of The Storytellers end-of-term incentives.
Q: Can the student contact change?
A: When you applied, you committed to this campaign for a term. We strongly recommend that the student contact remain the same during the duration of the whole term. However, we also understand that circumstances and situations arise that cannot be prevented or avoided. If you are unable to continue as our student contact, please let us know. We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis.
If your question has not been answered here or for more info please email: thestorytellers@twloha.com
