Active Minds

Active Minds is a leading U.S. nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention — particularly among youth and young adults — through peer‑to‑peer dialogue and advocacy. Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon and now active on over 1,000 high school and college campuses, Active Minds employs programs like Send Silence Packing and the A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep‑in‑Touch) initiative to normalize conversations around mental well‑being and reduce stigma. The organization’s approach is grounded in research: a RAND Corporation study across 12 colleges found that even basic familiarity with Active Minds significantly increases students’ mental health knowledge, decreases stigma, and encourages help‑seeking and supportive behaviors. Through its youth‑led chapters and community outreach, Active Minds directly impacts more than 8 million young adults annually.

Supporting Active Minds through a fundraiser aligns beautifully with Ashburn DeMolay’s mission to foster leadership, service, and positive community impact. Our fundraiser not only raises critical funds for Active Minds’ peer-driven mental health initiatives, but also elevates awareness in our community about youth mental health challenges. By rallying around a cause that empowers young people to be both advocates and allies, Ashburn DeMolay can help dismantle harmful stigma, support resilience in peers, and create a culture where mental health is prioritized. Plus, fundraising for Active Minds offers tangible outcomes — measurable increases in peer support and stigma reduction — that reflect the youth leadership values DeMolay stands for.