As the New Year approaches, I just want to issue a call to all artists and writers out there to try to contribute to Out of the Silence. One of the integral parts of this organization is spreading awareness about youth mental health. We have been invited to participate in an art show with NAMI Connecticut this spring, and we frequently go to mental health organization conferences to spread the word about youth issues. People are amazed by the insights provided by the work submitted to Out of the Silence; the youth perspective is truly underrepresented in the mental health community. Out of the Silence wants to change this.
Just a few points I want to make before proceeding:
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All work submitted is and will be identified only by the submitter's username. Privacy is our greatest concern, and we do our best to protect that of our members.
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Posts in the forums are never used in print (unless at the request of other publications with the promise of anonymity).
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Work is NEVER sold for personal profit. All submissions are used for educational and awareness purposes only. If any profits/donations are made at art shows or conventions, all go to Out of the Silence, a non-profit organization.
In keeping with our slogan, "Share your story. Stop the stigma. Save a life," I would like to collect some writings (poetry, essays, narratives, memoirs, etc.) and artwork (graphic art, photography, traditional art, drawing, painting, digital painting, etc.) to bring to these art shows and conventions. I hope to design some packets and brochures to distribute. Soon I would like to start hosting contests, but I need to have enough interest first.
To submit Artwork, go here, find your photo gallery, and submit. To submit Stories, go here, find your blog, and submit.