The DopaMind Youth Initiative

“Children are not your priority. Children are your product”

– Senator Blackburn at the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing, January 2024

At DopaMind, our mission is to help kids and their caregivers create healthy relationships with technology in response to the youth mental health crisis. Depression and anxiety in kids and adolescents has reached its highest point in history, doubling during the pandemic with 25% of youth experiencing depression and 20% experiencing anxiety. Our lawmakers and Big Tech have done little to protect Gen Z and Gen Alpha from the mental health and safety concerns brought about by modern screen technology – and young people are starting to notice and push back. Teens and young adults are smart, capable, and able to make their own healthy choices regarding technology use when empowered with information.

The DopaMind Youth Initiative arms teens and young adults with the knowledge and support they need to enact change in their generation by challenging their peers to think critically about technology. It is also an opportunity for students interested in brain science, mental health, marketing, art, and team leadership – all while supporting the DopaMind cause and mission through their volunteer work.

DopaMind Youth Initiative participants will:

  • Learn the basics of digital wellness & mental health topics supported by emerging data and studies

  • Learn the science behind technology & adolescent brain development and how it relates to mental well-being

  • Understand social media mechanics including the human psychology behind it – a foundation for a potential career in the marketing industry

  • Hone and perfect public speaking and presenting skills – an invaluable tool for many future career paths

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Volunteer in person at events such as fundraisers and live panels by handing out flyers, assisting presenters, and taking photos or videos

  • Volunteer remotely with administrative support including research, e-mail outreach, podcast facilitation, and social media coordination

  • Become an ambassador at your school and spread the work about our programs and events

  • Become an educator and present DopaMind’s proprietary curriculum to your peers or serve as a mentor to elementary program students

  • Host a youth event for your friends and family

Volunteer work will be tailored to support each person’s interest and unique skills whenever possible. Volunteers will be presented with a certificate for their service. Volunteers with 30 or more hours per year will also receive a personalized letter of recommendation for college or job applications.

To become a DopaMind Youth Initiative volunteer, email dopamindkids@gmail.com with a copy of your resume or summary on why you want to get involved. Thank you for your support!

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