Fast Facts

Active Minds is seeking a Youth Mental Health Speaker for a contract role to engage K-12 audiences with personal mental health stories, fostering understanding and encouragement for mental wellness among youth.

Responsibilities: Deliver presentations about mental health advocacy and resilience to K-12 audiences, adapting messages for different age groups, and participate in training to enhance storytelling and engagement skills.

Skills: Strong storytelling, communication skills, and comfort in speaking to large groups; ability to build relationships with diverse audiences and inspire youth

Qualifications: Personal experience with mental health, preferred experience working with youth, understanding of diversity and inclusion in mental health contexts.

Location: Must be based in the United States; travel for in-person events is required.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $150 - $300 per event, depending on event format and audience.

Position Title: Youth Mental Health Speaker (Contract Role)

Status: Contractor (1099)

Location: Must be based in the United States

ABOUT ACTIVE MINDS

Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to change the culture around mental health. Through our presence in more than 1,000 high schools, colleges, and communities, and with a wide-reaching public audience, Active Minds is creating communities of support and saving lives. Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon after the tragic suicide of her brother, Brian, Active Minds is dedicated to supporting a new generation in ending the silence, helping to make mental health as highly valued as physical health. We approach our work with a racial equity lens and are committed to the continued process of being and becoming a more antiracist and inclusive organization. Through our many programs, we are changing social norms and behaviors related to mental health across the country.

ABOUT ACTIVE MINDS SPEAKERS BUREAU 

Research shows that peer-peer-peer outreach is the best way to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health and encourage people, especially young adults to seek help if they need it. Since 2009, the Active Minds Speakers Bureau have provided mental health outreach for students and young adults nationwide, sharing their personal stories regarding mental health struggles and resilience. Our Speakers shed light on educational mental health experiences for audiences, opening up the conversation about mental health and creating a lasting impact on the way people talk about mental health.”

KEY RESULTS

As an Active Minds Speaker, you will share your mental health story in an authentic, age-appropriate, and engaging way with elementary, middle, and high school audiences. You’ll help create spaces where young people feel understood and motivated to take care of their mental health, and encourage actionable takeaways through engaging activities. From classrooms to assemblies, you will share real stories and honest conversations with thousands of young adults. Your story will open hearts, shift perspectives, and help students, educators, and community members connect over what it means to truly care for our mental health, and for each other. Ideal speakers are open, empathetic, and skilled at connecting with youth through storytelling, compassion, and positive energy.

ACTIVE MINDS EXPECTATIONS 

• Deliver authentic and relatable presentations about mental health, mental health advocacy, resilience, and help-seeking to encourage youth audiences to take action for mental health ( K-12).
• Adapt tone, language, and examples to suit different age groups (elementary, middle, and high school).
• Participate in training and coaching to refine your storytelling and youth engagement skills. (If applicable)
• Represent Active Minds with professionalism and care during all events.
• Communicate promptly with staff about scheduling, logistics, and feedback.
• Attend virtual planning calls for booked events, and attend virtual bi-annual speakers' calls
• Model healthy boundaries and self-awareness when sharing your lived experience.

ABOUT YOU

Required:

• Personal experience with mental health that can be shared appropriately for youth audiences.
• Strong storytelling and communication skills, and comfortability speaking to large groups of young people.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to inspire and build relationships with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Dependable, responsive, and adaptable in scheduling and communication.
• Committed to the mission of Active Minds, including centering youth and young adults as experts and leaders in championing a new era of mental health.
• Willingness to receive coaching and support from staff.
• Willingness to travel for in-person speaking engagements

Preferred:

• Prior experience working with or presenting to youth.
• Ability to engage audiences through storytelling, creativity, humor, and empathy.
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion, and how identity shapes mental health experiences.

COMPENSATION

Speakers are paid per event, with rates varying by format (virtual or in-person) and audience. All travel expenses are covered for in-person events.

OUR CULTURE: 

Active Minds is a place where every person matters. We value diverse perspectives, radical authenticity, and a community-driven approach. We dream big, offering flexibility to staff while we work to achieve our mission. Active Minds is an equal opportunity employer that works to advance racial equity and social justice in an increasingly multicultural and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background, intersectional identities, and lived experiences. We make a particular effort to recruit people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with other marginalized identities. Active Minds encourages all to apply for our open positions as we depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and answers to application questions below! 

Selected applicants will be invited to interview and audition as part of the speaker selection process.