Eliminating Stigma - One Story at a Time

B Stigma Free and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Fairfield are accepting entries from area residents from 6th grade through adulthood for the “Eliminating Stigma – One Story At A Time” 2014 Essay Contest. The deadline for entries is May 28, 2014. By encouraging community members to share ideas and experiences, the organizations hope to promote a culture of compassion in our community. Whether sharing a painful experience of rejection or an inspiring encounter with kindness, these stories shine a light on how our lives, and our actions, profoundly affect those around us.

“This contest encourages writers to share their feelings and experiences about how they’ve been affected by stigma,” said Loretta Jay, Executive Director of B Stigma-Free. “When people share personal stories, they create opportunities for others to better understand how they’ve been hurt, and this leads to creating change in our culture. It reminds us all of the importance of kindness and compassion.”

This year’s event expands last year’s successful essay contest that focused on mental illness. B Stigma-Free encourages  communities to empathize with and learn from people who struggle with stigma for many reasons: mental illness, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, dwarfism, nationality or religion, and more.

These stories will be an important part of B Stigma-Free’s and NAMI’s efforts to promote messages of hope and support, encourage positive beliefs and attitudes and dispel the myths and stereotypes that cause stigma.

“NAMI’s ongoing mission is to provide support to people with mental and emotional illnesses and their families,” said Judy Gardner, President of NAMI Fairfield. “Despite the fact that one in four Americans have a diagnosable mental illness, nearly two thirds do not seek treatment, fearing stigma, rejection and discrimination. This contest encourages people to describe their fears and experiences, to challenge discrimination, and to seek help when needed.”

The contest is open to all residents of Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: 6-8th grade, 9-12th grade and adult. Essays should be no more than 500 words, and will be judged on the ability to motivate action or inspire change, creativity and originality, and writing quality. For more information and a link to the complete rules, visit www.bstigmafree.org/sct. To submit essays electronically please email sct@bstigmafree.org. Essays may also be submitted by mail to B Stigma-Free, 2490 Black Rock Turnpike, #294, Fairfield, CT 06825-2400. All entries must be received or postmarked no later than 5PM on May 28, 2014.

A panel of B Stigma-Free community representatives will choose the winning essays and authors will be recognized at an award ceremony on June 4, 2014. Prizes will include scholarships, gift certificates, goods, and services generously donated by local businesses.  

For more information on B Stigma-Free’s advocacy and awareness services, please visit www.BStigmaFree.org. For more information on NAMI Fairfield’s mental health efforts and supportive services, please visit www.NAMIFairfield.org.