We invite you to select the award recipients for the 11th Mental Health Advocacy Day. Kindly review each nomination form to understand the nominee’s contributions, accomplishments, and impact. You may cast one vote per category. The nominee with the highest number of votes will receive the award. Voting has closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Advocate of the Year
The Advocate of the Year is an individual who has effected meaningful change for their community through advocacy for mental health and wellbeing. Nominees may excel in:
- Using lived experience and storytelling to raise awareness and drive change, whether within their local community or across systems
- Wielding their passion to champion the human rights of those who identify with the mental health community
- Building partnerships to advance the well-being of marginalized and underserved communities
Excellence in Leadership
The Excellence in Leadership Award honors an individual who exemplifies leadership within the mental health community. Recognizing that “leadership” can take many forms depending on context, need, culture, and values, this nominee might:
- Display tact and skill in guiding others to promote mental wellness, whether that be through quiet mentorship or bold, public advocacy
- Inspire others to effect the change they wish to see
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment in which colleagues, clients, and members of the community can advocate for mental wellness in ways that are meaningful to them
Nominees for any award might also embody the following criteria in various capacities, again recognizing that these qualities manifest in many ways with diverse meanings to different people:
Increases a Sense of Community or Belonging
Excels at improving the lives of people who feel marginalized by supporting them to strengthen their voice, sense of belonging, and community, and effectively reducing social isolation.
Influences Public Policy
Exemplifies outstanding passion advocating on behalf of those experiencing trauma, substance use, a mental health condition, or intellectual/developmental disability to successfully influence public policy.
Reduces Stigma
Actively strives to reduce stigma, improve awareness, inspire others, and influence public opinion by speaking out about their own or the experiences of others with trauma, substance use, mental health conditions, or intellectual/developmental disability.
Overcomes Barriers to Services
Demonstrates strong commitment and success in supporting those experiencing trauma, substance use, mental health conditions, or intellectual/developmental disability in overcoming barriers and challenges with accessing necessary services and supports in the community.
Displays Leadership
Active leadership in local, regional, and/or statewide groups that address trauma, mental health conditions, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disability, which successfully impact access to quality services and/or peer support, informs public policy, or improves public awareness and education.
Advocate of the Year Award Nominees
Excellence in Leadership Award Nominees