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2018 Champion for Change Award
As part of our third annual Champion for Change Awards, we’re recognizing two young people who’ve been champions for positive mental health in their schools and communities. In celebration of their advocacy and commitment to advancing children’s mental health, this year’s award recipients will be honored and videos showcasing their stories will be shown at MACMH’s Evening of Heart Silent Auction & Awards Gala on November 2 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.
Sanjana Dutt, 12th Grade, Mounds View High School
In 2017, Sanjana Dutt founded a chapter of Helping Every At Risk Teen (HEART) at Mounds View High School, a nonprofit that aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Through her leadership, the organization implemented numerous wellness events throughout the year and is currently working to start a wellness tip line available to all students in the Mounds View School District. Beyond her efforts at school, Sanjana is also spreading awareness about mental health throughout her community. She collaborated with the Shoreview Library to organize a week of presentations during Suicide Prevention Week—and moving forward, she’s working to bring in therapy dogs for students during finals week. Sanjana is also active with the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative and sits on a multicultural board developing an anti-stigma campaign for diverse communities. As she prepares for college, Sanjana is excited to continue her advocacy efforts, helping students with mental health disorders know they’re not alone.
Learn more about Sanjana’s story and help us celebrate her achievements by joining us at our Annual Silent Auction & Awards Gala on November 2.
Esperanza Lee, 10th Grade, Woodbury High School
15-year-old Esperanza Lee started Stick With Hope, an initiative that advocates for youth mental wellness through educational presentations and resources. Working in collaboration with a variety of organizations, Lee disseminates packs of sticky notes with the words “There is ALWAYS hope” to schools and community groups across Minnesota. With these packs, youth and adults have the opportunity to craft handwritten notes of encouragement to share with young people. To date, more than 500 note packs have been donated. In addition to spreading words of hope, Esperanza also prepares presentations for elementary and middle school students to introduce them to depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. Esperanza’s hard work and passion for ending stigma have touched the lives of countless students and will continue making a difference throughout her community.
Learn more about Esperanza’s story and help us celebrate her achievements by joining us at our Annual Silent Auction & Awards Gala on November 2.
Submissions are now closed for our third annual Champion for Change Awards
Are you a young person between the ages of 10 and 21 who’s been a champion for positive mental health in your school or community? Whether you’re a teen who started a program to reduce bullying in your high school or a middle-school student who organized a fundraiser to help young people experiencing depression—we want to hear your story!
Young people like you make amazing things possible, and we want to celebrate your awesome commitment to mental heath by inviting you to submit your story for our Champion for Change Award. Record a video sharing how you have been a champion for those with mental health needs and submit it along with the entry form. Up to three videos will be selected, and the award recipients will be celebrated at MACMH’s Evening of Heart, Silent Auction and Award Gala on Friday, November 2 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington.
View our 2017 award recipients!
Award Submission Rules Video Content Guide
Winners will receive a Commendation from Governor Mark Dayton and a $100 gift card!
How to get started:
- Read our Award Submission Rules to review our guidelines and see if you’re eligible to participate.
- Check out our Video Content Guide with tips to help make your video clear, concise and impactful.
- Film a short video (no more than 3 min.) about how you have either helped change/influence a system or policy, engaged in efforts to raise awareness about child or adolescent mental health, or advocated on behalf of other young people with mental health needs. No fancy equipment or editing is necessary! You can use the basic video recording feature that is automatically provided on most cell phones, tablets and computers.
- Review your video to make sure it meets the requirements laid out in our Video Content Guide. Also make sure everyone who talks in the video can be heard clearly.
- Complete the online Entry Form and Legal Guardian Consent Form (if under 18 years old)
- Submit your video in the Entry Form by either:
- Uploading your video to your existing YouTube account and including a link to your video in the section indicated in the Entry Form. (If you don’t have an account but want to set one up – it’s free and only takes a minute!)
- Uploading the video file where indicated in the Entry Form
- The deadline to submit an entry is Monday, September 17, 2018. Award recipients will be notified no later than Friday, September 28.
Questions? Email or call us at 651-644-7333