So this project advocating for something… I’m not going to lie, I haven’t given as much thought as I should have for this project. I have been completely slammed with work in the past week, and it’ll only get worse. So I don’t have a definitive idea just yet, but here’s what I’ve been considering:
Option 1: A TED talk. I feel this is kind of “unoriginal,” but I feel like it might be an effective way of spreading the message I want. The trick would be getting it out there. I would need to promote this video because I want it to have an effect on people. Taping it and turning it for a grade won’t make an impact. So, along with the talk, I would implement a plan for trying to get the video out there in the Penn State community. This could possibly be accomplished through social media.
Option 2: Something big. Mental health stigma is a rather large issue, therefore, I think it justifies something bigger around campus. Part of me wants to organize an event of some sort. I want people to know about this issue. I need to get my message out there. How though? I’m not sure. I could hold some sort of talk, or other type of event that people can participate in. I think it would be kind of cool to organize a candlelight vigil or something to kind of signify how there are so many “voices in the dark” not heard. Or perhaps something like a day of silence. These things would be highly symbolic, and thus really powerful if I can get enough people to participate.
Option 3: Writing and/or visual. I think I could attempt to write an article for Onward State or something to advocate for more support towards mental health, but I don’t know how much of an impact that would actually have towards my issue. Another option is to create a website that demonstrates this issue, and then creating a poster of some sort that I could put around campus and State College (and other places as well) to bring awareness to the lack of social support towards those with mental illness.
Honestly, I’m leaning towards some sort of an event. I think it would be difficult, and certainly something I couldn’t accomplish within the next 3 weeks, but also very rewarding if successful.
Do you guys have any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions? I’d greatly appreciate some feedback.