Directing Change Program and Film Contest

participation in directing change is the catalyst to increase conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in families, schools and communities. schools have implemented awareness weeks, broadcasts, and assemblies on these topics and the films have been integrated into classroom curriculums. during the reporting year, the organization received 982 film submissions from 1836 youths, representing 176 schools and youth/community organizations across 24 counties and tri-city. school shutdowns due to the covid-19 pandemic contributed to a decline in participation since the prior year. nevertheless, while total film submissions decreased 9 percent from the prior year, it was still a 164 percent increase since the beginning of the program, and similarly, while youth participation decreased 47 percent from the prior year, it was a 100 percent increase since the beginning of the program.