Jack Talks Speaker Application

So you want to be a Jack Talks Speaker? Awesome!

How do Jack Talks work?
The Jack Talks program uses peer-to-peer outreach to teach young people across Canada that we all have mental health and we all need to care for it. Young, trained volunteer speakers share tools, tips, and stories alongside a professionally developed curriculum that helps audiences understand important mental health basics and inspires them to take action. Speakers present wherever youth may gather including high schools, colleges, universities, community centres, and summer camps. By delivering vital information to young audiences, you will help make an otherwise uncomfortable conversation comfortable.
 
How do I become a speaker?
You must first complete our speaker certification program. This rigorous, online training program has been designed for passionate mental health advocates with all levels of speaking experience and widely varying backgrounds. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a “stage ready” Jack Talks Speaker. Upon successful completion, you will be added to our active speaker list and matched to talks that come up in your area throughout the year. We provide ongoing coordination, coaching, and logistical support to ensure your talks have a big impact!
 
Application Process
The application consists of three components - your contact info, some questions about yourself, and a 2-3 minute video submission. Once your application is started, you can always save and return to it later. With respect to your video submission, don't worry too much about making it perfect - the training program is designed to help you improve your speaking skills (however developed they may be). We'd like to see what you are bringing to the table to start, but we aren't demanding perfection or fancy video-editing. Be yourself and have fun with it!
 
Applications will always stay open online but will only be considered on a rolling basis in line with available spots remaining in the program. So get those applications in right away to secure your spot!
 
Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of this incredibly impactful program. We look forward to your application and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@jack.org. 
 
Getting started
Note: speakers are typically between 18 and 25 years of age. Occasionally, speakers may fall outside of this age range if they are still able to relate to youth on a peer-to-peer level. If you fall outside of this age group you are welcome to apply and/or contact us to discuss further.

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SECTION 4: DEMOGRAPHIC INFO

Demographic Info

In this section, we will ask you questions about a variety of demographic indicators. In our commitment to equity and inclusion, we are gathering demographic data to help us (1) better understand the identities of the youth we work with, (2) identify the gaps in our programming, and (3) build pathways to break down barriers to participation within our own organization and hold ourselves accountable. In our quest to best serve youth and understand their needs, this data will also allow us to represent what we learn through our surveys and represent those findings more accurately. As we receive responses to these demographic questions, we will continue to adjust them to ensure they are representative of the communities and individuals involved in Jack.org's programs.

 

We understand that can be sensitive information, so we want to reassure you that this information will remain confidential and secure. Please feel free to select 'prefer not to say' if you feel uncomfortable answering any of these questions. Reach out to your Program Coordinator or your Talks Coach if you'd like to discuss this further!

Tell us about yourself!
(max. 150 words)
(max. 150 words)
(optional, max. 150 words)
Submit a video!
Please record and upload a 2-3 minute video answering ONE of the following questions, then copy and paste the link below. Demonstrate how you would deliver your message to a high school crowd - stand up and show us your energy!
 
• What does mental health mean to you and why is it important to talk about?
• How have you been a leader in the mental health movement? Why is youth leadership important?  
• Share a personal experience where you learned something about mental health. This could be a time when your mind was changed, when you realized something important, or when you learned something useful.
 
Video upload instructions:
• Record a 2-3 minute video with a cell, webcam, or general camera. 
• Upload the file to Youtube or a similar streaming site.
• Set the video to UNLISTED if you don't want it to be publicly available
• Paste the link to the video below
 
Once again, please do not let this video discourage you. Videos do not have to be professionally edited or overly scripted. We just want to get a sense of your speaking style as it is now. Either way, whatever your current skill level, we will work with you to build your confidence and speaking dynamism throughout the training program.
 
If for any reason you cannot submit a video, please contact talks@jack.org to discuss.
 
 

Contact Information