Our Minds Matter is collaborating with Creative Visions to bring you the #CreateConnectCare Challenge. We share a commitment to creating a world where young people feel empowered to talk about mental health, find support, and thrive.
Leading the charge is Maddie—Vice President of Meridian Minds Matter and a Creative Visions Youth Council Member. She’s bringing the challenge to her club, and you can too. Meridian Minds Matter will use the ‘Let’s Be Stigma Free’ activity on the club portal and turn their posters into creative expressions for the #CreateConnectCare Challenge.
Want to get your club involved? Learn more to join the 2026 challenge here.
2026 #CreateConnectCare Challenge
The annual #CreateConnectCare Challenge runs from January 12th to March 31st, inviting students ages 11–18 to share creative expressions that explore care, connection, and self-expression. It’s an opportunity to reduce stigma, uplift youth voices, and create an open space for honest conversations about mental health.
How To Participate
- Choose a Focus Area – Students explore mental health resources and choose a focus area, such as awareness, stigma, connection, or self-care.
- Create a Piece – Students use literary, visual, performing, film/video, or digital arts to create an original work that expresses their ideas, emotions, and lived experiences.
- Share – Students submit their creative work to www.createconnectcare.org by March 31, 2026.
Awards & Recognition
The #CreateConnectCare Challenge is an opportunity for students and educators to gain recognition for their creative expressions! All work submitted will be eligible for:
- 2026 Awards – 40 Awards available for students ranging from ($100-$500)
- Educator Champion Awards: 3 awards at $500 each
- Youth Gallery – Work may be featured in the Youth Gallery
- Certificate of Participation – All participants receive a digital certificate
- Moleskine Journal – The first 500 students who submit will receive a Moleskine creativity journal (U.S. only)
About #CreateConnectCare
Launched by Creative Visions in 2023, #CreateConnectCare is a year-round global initiative powered by youth voice, creative expression, and mental health advocacy. It’s built by and for young people – with educators, artists, and advocates alongside them – to spark healing, connection, and change.