A Portland nonprofit, OK YOU, in partnership with the Portland Art Museum and Weiden+Kennedy, invites high school students to submit strategies for dealing with anxiety and maintaining well-being.
The “OK Challenge” offers cash and art prizes for the best activities on how to navigate through feelings and stay connected to their “OK” self.
When the world is overwhelming, how does one find their own ‘OK’? With youth mental health issues sharply on the rise, educators, parents and health professionals are looking for answers. OK YOU has found that art, creativity and community are powerful tools to support young people in navigating anxiety and maintaining inner well-being.
“Do you have a creative practice or ritual that helps you when you’re having a hard time? Now is your chance to share it,” OK YOU founder Kathleen Lane said. “The OK CHALLENGE gives students the chance to tap their creativity to support wellness in their own lives and in the lives of young people everywhere.”
Oregon and Washington high school students are invited to submit videos or slideshows of their best ideas for promoting creativity and emotional wellness by March 31,
2023. Winners are eligible for cash and other prizes, including having their project featured on the OK You website and YouTube channel where they will be made available for use by
counselors, teachers, families and others looking for strategies that promote mental wellness.
“Creativity can be any idea that engages the imagination,” Lane said. “We are looking for ideas, not masterpieces.”
Information and submission guidelines can be found at okyou.org/ok-challenge.
At the end of the project, all participants are invited to the OK Celebration hosted by the
Portland Art Museum on May 7.
OK YOU is a nonprofit that offers free online projects and creative resources for navigating
anxiety and staying connected to our OK selves. Their work supports 60+ schools and
youth-supporting organizations in and around Portland and thousands more individuals
nationwide. More information is available on their website: www.okyou.org.