Youth Mental Health Zine - Open Call - Due Fri, April 4

About the Zine:
Hello, we are part of the UNA's Youth Leadership Program, a program for youth ages 13-18 embarking on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering unique leadership styles, and cultivating essential skills for driving positive change.

We are creating this zine to help spread awareness about mental health. This zine is a space for youth to share their voices and experiences, and we want to make sure it remains a safe, positive, and inclusive space for everyone. A zine is an alternative to a magazine, just smaller and self-published. Watch this video to learn more about zines.

We would like to put an open call to youth ages 13-18 to contribute to our zine. We've compiled a few prompts to inspire you to create a page for the zine. You may create anything, from art to poems to comics to short stories. If there's a direction you'd like to explore that isn't covered in the prompts listed, you are welcome to use your creative freedom to write your own, provided it relates to the topics explored in the zine.

Please submit your document as a PDF in A4 format (8.5" x 11" size - your piece will be printed on 5.25" x 4.25"). Good luck!

Potential Topics
  • School Stresses
  • Social Media
  • Diversity
  • Mental Health Challenges and/or Concerns

Prompts to Consider
  • Describe some of the stresses you face at school.
  • Describe your experience with bullying.
  • Talk about the impact of social media on mental health.
  • Describe your experience with discrimination.
  • How have outside influences (e.g. environment, individuals, family) shaped your identity?

Additional Information:
- Applications are due April 4, 2025 by 6:00 PM
- If your work is selected, we will contact you by April 22, 2025 via email
- Questions? Contact Hannie Chia, Youth Program Coordinator, at hannie.chia@myuna.ca
Basic Information

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* First Name

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* Last Name

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* If selected, what is your preferred Name to be printed on the Zine?

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* Email

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* Phone Number

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* Age

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* Which high school or secondary school are you currently enrolled in?

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* Parent/Guardian Name

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* Parent/Guardian Email

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* Title of submission

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* Type of submission

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* Please keep the following guidelines in mind when submitting your work:

Respectful Language:
We understand that mental health can be a sensitive and personal topic, and we encourage you to express yourself authentically. However, we ask that you avoid using rude, offensive, or inappropriate language in your submission unless it is directly relevant to the message or the story you are telling. This helps ensure that the zine remains accessible to a wide audience and that the focus stays on promoting understanding and healing.

Safe Space:
The zine is meant to foster open, supportive conversations around mental health. Please be mindful of the language you use to avoid hurting others or creating a negative environment. We want everyone to feel welcome and understood, and using positive, thoughtful language helps achieve that goal.

Context Matters:
If you feel that strong or intense language is necessary to communicate your experience, please ensure it’s used in a context that serves a clear purpose in your work. Remember that the zine aims to raise awareness, provide support, and encourage growth.

By submitting your work, you agree to the guidelines outlined above, and we may provide feedback if we feel that your language could be adjusted to better fit the zine's tone and purpose.

We can’t wait to see your submissions and to help create a space where young voices on mental health are heard and valued!

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* Verification of Originality

By submitting this form and your work to the University Neighbourhoods Association, you are confirming the following:

I hereby confirm that the work I am submitting is entirely my own original creation and has not been copied, reproduced, or plagiarized from any other source, whether it be written text, visual art, or other forms of intellectual property.

I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the content of my submission and that the University Neighbourhoods Association assumes no liability for any copyright infringement, plagiarism, or violation of intellectual property rights related to my submission.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the University Neighbourhoods Association, its affiliates, and its representatives from any claims, damages, or legal consequences arising from the submission of this work.

I understand that if my submission is found to be plagiarized or not original, my work will be disqualified, and I may be banned from future submissions.

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* Consent of Use

By submitting my work, I grant the University Neighbourhoods Assocation permission to use my work in the publication, as well as for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, and marketing materials.

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* Please attach your file here. We only accept PDF, DOC, DOCX, or JPG files. File size limit is 16 MB.

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* By signing below, you verify that the information provided is accurate and that you agree to all terms outlined in this submission form. Please write your first and last name.

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