BECOME A RETHINK MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

If you are passionate about combatting the stigmas on mental health, being a voice for those who suffer in silence, and spreading the message that it is "ok to not be ok," we invite you to sign up as a Rethink Mental Health Advocate! Our Advocates are influential individuals who are committed to leveraging their platform for social good in support of our mission at Rethink Mental Health Incorporated and in alignment with the tenant of a Rethink Mental Health Advocate. 

​The contributions made by Rethink Mental Health Advocates are invaluable to our organization, and more importantly, to the millions of people who experience mental health issues, many of whom suffer in silence due to the stigma. As such, we want to reward your efforts and show our appreciation for your support as much as possible! 

​Here are some of the ways we give back to our Advocates:

• Advocates have a bio on our website and links to their social media accounts/websites. 
• Advocates have access to the Advocate Hub through the BAND App to share ideas and collaborate 
• Advocates are interviewed for our PodCast, Blog Articles, and/or Press Releases.
• Advocates can be recruited for paid speaking engagements at schools, workplaces and conferences.
• Advocates are invited to attend future Events at no cost.
• Advocates periodically receive free Rethink branded merchandise.

To become an Advocate, please read the guidelines below and submit your application for review. 

WHO ARE ADVOCATES?

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Rethink Mental Health Advocates are individuals who are passionate about combatting the stigmas those with mental health issues face and debunking stereotypes around mental illness. They are passionate about the mission of Rethink Mental Health Incorporated and have a strong desire to leverage their platform for social good.

​While a professional background in mental health (i.e. psychologist or psychiatrist) is not required, a personal relationship to mental health and mental health issues is preferred.

Advocates can be (but are not limited to)…

• Individuals who have faced their own mental health challenges
• Individuals who have a loved one who has faced their own mental health challenges
• An educator, author, blogger, coach, or therapist who educates about mental health issues
• Individuals who have empathy for those suffering from mental health challenges
• Individuals who are experts in the field of mental health

We want advocates to empower their audiences to “rethink the stigma” around mental health and come to the realization that we all, in some shape, or form have suffered from mental health issues by virtue of being living, breathing human beings. Advocates are not required to have a large social following, however, given our organization’s need for expanded reach and impact, prefer those who have a quality audience that they have influence over. Rethink Mental Health Incorporated is mostly interested in your knowledge, passion, and commitment, rather than possessing an exact social following.

WHAT Do ADVOCATES Do?

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Rethink Mental Health Incorporated advocates will be committed to their advocacy (in essence, an advocate is akin to a brand ambassador). We have standard guidelines or requirements we hope to achieve through this partnership, but we also understand this is a voluntary role and each Advocate brings unique qualities to their contributions. As such can also create modified goals or campaigns that fit each Advocates specific availability & skills. 
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​Upon submitting your application to become an Advocate we will schedule a call to discuss your relationship to advocating for mental health and our mission and determine steps moving forward. All Advocates are provided an assets folder with templates, talking points, and information pulled directly from our organization to support you in this new journey of advocacy.

Here are some ways our Advocates can contribute to the cause. 

• Include mention of @RethinkStigma in their social media bios i.e. "I'm a Mental Health Advocate for @RethinkStigma"
• Collaborate with us and other Advocates on mental health campaigns (we also share our monthly theme calendar)
  
• Suggest ideas for campaigns, projects or events
  
• Create at least four social posts related to mental health per month and tag @rethinkstigma or #rethinkstigma
• Engage (like, share, comment) on at least four social posts by Rethink Mental Health Incorporated per month
• Participate in at least one monthly Advocate meeting/brainstorm session
• Recruit at least one new Advocate per quarter​
• Help drive traffic, engagement, or fundraising to Rethink Mental Health Incorporated’s Instagram

WHY BECOME AN ADVOCATE:

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You are passionate about making a difference and educating your audience on the stigma surrounding mental health, but are not sure how to approach this passion. Rethink Mental Health Incorporated is here to empower you to create the impact you set out to make with your platform.
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We often see mental health movements that promote awareness, but at Rethink Mental Health Incorporated we believe the time for awareness has long passed. Now is the time for advocacy, education, and most of all empowerment so no one has to feel alone or isolated in their struggles with mental health. By building this network of Mental Health Advocates, our organization hopes to continue spreading this message through the powerful voices of influencers like yourself! 

The Advocacy Tenants are to:

• Advocate for people suffering from mental health issues
• Combat the stigmatization of mental health issues
• Be mindful and understanding of people suffering from mental health issues
• Stand up to those who discriminate against people suffering from mental health issues
• Promote mental health literacy and education to eliminate the stigma on mental health
• Spread the word about the mission of Rethink Mental Health Incorporated
• Use actions to set a good example for mental health acceptance and empowerment

To become an Advocate, you must agree to the Advocacy Tenants and complete your application for review.