In attempts to break the stigma, build community, and make mental health a valued part of everyday conversation, the Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club at the University of South Carolina has partnered with Active Minds to create the “USC Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge.”

“I got to have fun with my friends as well as support a good cause,” challenge participant Nora McPartlin ‘26 said. “It’s important to raise awareness for suicide prevention as well as break the mental health stigma.”

Over a decade after the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge circled the globe, a new version in support of an under-represented cause is taking over Instagram feeds and almost all conversations. Beginning on March 31, the new, youth-developed adaptation has taken the nation by storm in hopes of raising teen mental health awareness. By partnering with Active Minds, MIND Club strives to reach a larger number of activists for mental health advocacy. 

“After being nominated, I knew I couldn’t not take part in the challenge,” participant Grace Ross ‘26 said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about mental health, and I enjoyed the inclusivity that this project stands for.”

Within days, the project boomed. Spreading to thousands of adults and teenagers the ‘Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge’ has raised more than $190,000 to support new mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts. Celebrity Peyton Manning joined in on the fun on April 16 after the challenge had made it across the country to the state of California. 

“I felt like I was a part of something meaningful,” challenge participant Cassidy Selig ‘26 said. “Although it was cold, I knew that what I was doing would ultimately be making a difference and a positive impact.”

When it reached LT, the “Speak Your MIND Challenge” spread fast, reaching clubs like Student Council, softball coaches, and the student body. When it began, the goal was just to nominate one other person, but now, nominations are anywhere from three to six people, playing out the goal of the challenge exactly as planned. 

“I feel like the LT community has grown so much stronger,” participant Bell Velez ‘26 said. “Watching everyone participate gives me a sense of pride and unity that you cannot find anywhere else.” 

Participating is simple: record yourself doing the ice bucket challenge after being nominated, nominate friends, get creative, and share your video under the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND and tag @uscmind. Once completed, participants are encouraged to donate any amount to support.activeminds.org to save lives and spread the word.