MNBC: Call for Submissions | Resilient Roots: Issue #3

MNBC’s Métis Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative is seeking submissions for the third issue of Resilient Roots: Métis Mental Health and Wellness magazine! This magazine works to raise Métis voices and perspectives and to engage in topics around mental health and wellness.

We welcome anybody who is interested to submit content! This magazine is meant to showcase a diverse range of Métis perspectives, and we encourage anybody who is interested to share their voice.

Submitted content can come in many forms (articles, lived-experience stories, art, poetry, etc.), but must be related to the area of mental health and wellness.

The deadline for submissions is January 31st, 2022. All submitted content must meet submission guidelines in order to be accepted for publication.

MAGAZINE PURPOSE

The Métis Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative is seeking submissions for the third issue of Resilient Roots: Métis Mental Health and Wellness magazine! This magazine works to raise Métis voices and perspectives and to engage in topics around mental health and wellness. You can check out previous issues of Resilient Roots at https://www.mnbc.ca/news/2021/resilient-roots-metis-mental-health-andwellness-magazine-issue-2-out-now/

Community Members and Métis individuals are encouraged to submit content, ideas, or questions for the magazine to the Métis Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative Facilitator at jjones@mnbc.ca. Submissions are due by 11:59 PM on January 31st, 2022.

CONTENT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

-We welcome anybody who is interested to submit content! You do not need to be a professional writer, photographer, artist, etc. This magazine is meant to showcase a diverse range of Métis perspectives, and we encourage anybody who is interested to share their voice. Submitted content must follow the
guidelines below:

-Submitted content must be related to the area of mental health and wellness – however this is a broad range that can cover many topics. If you are unsure if your content or idea meets this guideline, please contact jjones@mnbc.ca.

-Some topics around mental health can feel heavier – this doesn’t mean that these stories shouldn’t be told. If writing about topics that are potentially triggering (such as suicide or self-harm), please refrain from sharing graphic details or imagery.

-Please be mindful of your own boundaries when creating and submitting content – practice self-care, connect with your supports, and only share if you feel comfortable and safe to do so.

-This is a project that will not be working to generate any revenue for MNBC, but rather is working to raise Métis voices and expressions around mental health. This magazine will not be sold for any profit and will be distributed for free throughout the community. Selected magazine contributors will be provided with
a small, one-time honorarium.

-There are many ways to share your voice, and submitted content can come in many different forms – including traditional magazine articles; photo blogs; informational pieces; stories of personal experience; poetry; short stories; art; etc.

-This magazine respects all backgrounds, identities, and people. Submitted content that includes tones or ideas that are homophobic, sexist, racist, etc. in nature will not be accepted for publication in this magazine.

-Submitted content must be truthful and accurate. Content with inaccurate or misleading information will not be accepted for publication. If you need support researching information, please contact jjones@mnbca.ca.

-Our stories are often not isolated experiences. If the content includes information about another individual, this individual must consent to being included in the content. If consent is not possible to obtain, other steps to respect privacy must be taken (such as changing names).

-The language that we use to discuss mental illness is important. Mental health illness can often be met with stigma and misunderstanding. When we work to change our language, we begin to shift that stigma. Submitted content must use language that is non-stigmatizing and person-first. Person-first language is language that puts the person before the illness. For example, this means using terms like “person living with schizophrenia” rather than “schizophrenic”.

-While it is okay to speak about difficult or challenging experiences, content must refrain from being explicitly or specifically disparaging towards named individuals or organizations.

-The purpose of this project is to share your own experience with mental illness in ways that are safe and meaningful for both you and the audience. Stories may reflect on your personal experiences but must refrain from providing medical or treatment advice. We recognize that everybody has a unique path when
they navigate mental illness, and what works for some may not work for others. Because of this, it is important to not give explicit advice in the submitted content.

-If your content is selected for inclusion in the magazine, you will be required to sign a consent form for inclusion in the publication.

-While we encourage everyone who is interested to submit content, due to limited space and overwhelming interest, your piece may not be included in this issue – however, if your content meets the above guidelines, it will be held for future issues of the magazine.

CONTENT EDITING PROCESS

Content is reviewed and copy-edited by the Members and the Facilitator of the Métis Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. In the editing process, we will work with you to ensure that your voice is not lost in any edits that are made.

Please note that submitted content with potentially triggering or heavy material will have a trigger warning included at the beginning of the piece.

POTENTIAL CONTENT IDEAS

Interested in submitting but not sure what you’d like to submit? Check out some possible ideas below:

• Personal experiences with mental health; success stories or experiences of resiliency, or sharing experiences that are still ongoing
• Artistic expressions such as poetry, short stories, photos, etc.
• Profile of an individual or community organization working to support mental health
• Informational pieces
• Articles on Métis well-being, culture
• Pieces on well-known professionals/celebrities that are Métis
• Information about the resources out there that Métis individuals can access
• Music/art segment on Métis artists
• How to get connected to Métis culture and community
• Self-care

These are just some ideas – please feel free to get creative and submit mental health-related content that you are passionate about!

For questions, comments, or to submit content, please contact Jillian at jjones@mnbc.ca

NT5