Working Minds Contest Press Release

 

 

Contact:          
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas                                                                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CEO & Co-Founder
Carson J Spencer Foundation
Cell 720-244-6535
Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org

WORKING MINDS CONTEST

Celebrating Mentally Healthy Workplaces in Colorado

DENVER, Colorado. May 8, 2012. With so much focus on toxic workplaces and the stress of the economy on the employee, the Carson J Spencer Foundation decided to do something a little bit different: focus on the workplaces that are getting it right. While we know many workplaces are suffering under intense pressure resulting in bullying, depression, and dissatisfaction among the ranks, other workplaces have found ways to not only survive this rough spot, but to help their staff thrive. In recognition of this, the Carson J Spencer Foundation is hosting a contest to acknowledge mentally healthy workplaces.  Applications due date is June 29, 2012.
Criteria:

• Must be a Colorado workplace (nonprofit, for-profit or governmental)
• Innovative and effective approaches that promote mental health at work
• New and creative methods implemented in your workplace
• Positive outcomes (e.g., lower absenteeism, increased productivity, increased retention)

Contest Guidelines: Submit a 500-word essay that answers the questions:  
How is mental health promoted at your workplace? What strategies have you implemented and how have they been effective?   Please give examples and data to support your statements.
Consider the following questions:

• How do you educate your workforce about mental health as part of overall wellness?
• What are the practices and policies that minimize distress at work?
• How does the workplace support those who are experiencing mental illness, trauma or bereavement?
• How does the workplace promote a sense of purpose and belonging?

Awards
First Place ($1219 award value)

• Recognition at Shining Lights of Hope Benefit Auction Evening (August 26th  @ 6:30pm, Turnhalle at the Tivoli in Denver )
• Award ceremony
• Prominent display of company logo (program and slide show)
• 5 complimentary seats at honoree table ($500 value)
• Public Relations
• Interview and feature article in CJSF newsletter and blog (reaching 2,000)
• Press release recognition as “mentally healthy workplace” sent to local media outlets
• Feature on Carson J Spencer Foundation website
• Training
• One year membership to Working Minds Network ($120)
• Complimentary Working Minds Toolkit ($99) and 2-3 hour training ($500)

Second Place ($769 value)

• Recognition at Shining Lights of Hope Benefit Auction Evening
• Award ceremony
• Logo display (program and slide show)
• 3 complimentary seats at honoree table ($300 value)
• Public Relations
• Announcement in CJSF newsletter (reaching 2,000) and website
• Training
• One year membership to Working Minds Network ($120)
• Complimentary Working Minds Toolkit ($99) and 1 ½ hour training ($250)

Third Place ($419 value)

• Recognition at Shining Lights of Hope Benefit Auction Evening
• Award ceremony
• Logo display (program and slide show)
• 2 complimentary seats at honoree table ($200 value)
• Public Relations
• Announcement in CJSF newsletter (reaching 2,000) and website
• Training
• One year membership to Working Minds Network ($120)
• Complimentary Working Minds Toolkit ($99)

Applications should be sent electronically to Sally Spencer-Thomas: Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org.  For more information or to get an application, please call 720-244-6535.

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Life
The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for life. We sustain a passion for life by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

Working Minds Mentally Healthy Workplace Contest
Registration Form

 

500 word essay --How is mental health promoted at your workplace? What strategies have you implemented and how have they been effective? (Please include examples and data documentation award review)?

Disclaimer:
By entering this contest, you give permission to allow the Carson J Spencer Foundation and the “Working Minds” program to share your success stories including pictures, appropriate interviews and the use of your logo.

Questions:   Please contact Sally@carsonjspencer.org or 720-244-6535.