Events

Share Hope for Suicide Prevention

September is dedicated to raising worldwide awareness about suicide prevention. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources, or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. By sharing hope with one another and throughout our communities, we can work through pain and connect individuals to resources before and in times of crisis. ​Sharing can create a sense of belonging while also reducing the weight of our burdens – allowing us to take action for suicide prevention together.

Share information about the warning signs of suicide. Pain isn’t always obvious. Yet most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. The signs or changes in behavior may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. These are of most concern if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. 

Share Hope by submitting to the Hope and Justice Film and Art Contest! All art forms, including narratives and original music accepted. The contest is open to youth ages 12 to 24 with submissions due the last day of the month. The prompts for September and October are sponsored by the CalHOPE Schools Initiative. Visit their website for additional resources! By submitting an entry to the Hope and Justice contest, youth can win Amazon gift cards. Win prizes! Learn more here.

  • September Prompt (due September 30, 2023): Find Your Anchor. Think about what your anchor is when you are going through a tough time. How does it remind you to stay hopeful? Express your anchor through art, writing, music, or film. You can have one anchor or many! An anchor could be a hobby or activity, a form of self-care like music, journaling, or breathing, or any little thing that brings you joy, helps you cope, and reminds you about your reason for living.
  • October Prompt (due October 31, 2023): HEY! WHAT’S UP? R U OK? If you’re worried about a friend, checking in lets them know you care and that they are not alone. This month, use your artistic talent to show what a conversation about suicide prevention or mental health can look like in real life with a film, podcast, comic, story, or any other form of art. What are some different ways to check-in with a friend and start those conversations?

Share information about suicide prevention by hosting an event in your school or community.

  • Use the Suicide Prevention Activity Guide to plan youth-led mental health and suicide prevention activities. Also available in a print-ready version.
  • Share youth-created films about suicide prevention. Download films and screenings here.
  • Share information about suicide prevention with parents. This brochure is available in English and Spanish.
  • Find additional resources in a multitude of languages as part of the Know the Signs campaign here.

Share the Student Mental Health Thrival Kit. Celebrate wellness and promote positive coping skills for youth with easy to follow activities to enhance basic skills for social emotional wellness. Share the journal electronically or print and share with students! To be added to the waitlist for printed journals please submit a request form.

  • Mental Health Thrival Kits are available in English, Spanish, for Korean-American youth and for Filipino-American youth! Download digital copies here.

Bring the Directing Change program to your organization or school! This is a free and evaluated curriculum delivered as a film contest. Young people learn about mental health and suicide prevention, apply what they learn to film projects, and inspire hope by sharing the created projects with their peers.

  • Youth can win up to $1000 in cash prizes and be recognized at a statewide red carpet award ceremony! Learn more here.
  • Apply for the 2024 Mini Grant. Schools and organizations can receive $1,500 or more to implement the program. Apply here: 2024 Mini Grant Application

Sign up for the monthly newsletter “Teaching Resilient Students and Raising Healthy Teens.” The newsletter provides mental health, substance use and suicide prevention resources for educators and parents. Subscribe here.