For Immediate Release

On Friday, August 12, 2011, mindyourmind will join the world in celebrating International Youth Day by showcasing the creative talents of youth within our community. International Youth Day calls upon communities to engage youth in ways that are both unique and meaningful. To that end, mindyourmind, with the support of Citi Plaza will hold its Second Annual International Youth Day Mash Up with a Challenge!

Participants will submit online auditions which will be judged by their peers and the general public, and those submissions with the highest number of Facebook Likes and Twitter Tweets will advance to the final live performance. Those finalists will be assessed on their natural ability, quality of performance, stage presence, and audience rapport. They will be judged by our panel of Guest Judges from the performing arts and entertainment industry. The top three contestants will receive a cash prize and all final contestants will receive recognition of participation.

mindyourmind is seeking talented youth, between the ages of 14 and 25, to enter the International Youth Day Mash Up Challenge! Individual or group musicians, slam poets, dancers, stand up comedians – whatever talent you have – submit your auditions online mindyourmind.ca/community/mashup! 

“International Youth Day is about full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society”, said Maria Luisa Contursi, Program Director, mindyourmind. “This event is an exciting way to showcase the creative and performing arts talents of youth in our communities.”

“Social Media voting is a fun way to create a buzz around the auditions and a unique way to engage the performers’ peers,” says Brian Blatnicki, Social Media Strategist, mindyourmind. “In order to make the cut, the submitters are encouraged to gain votes by promoting their act to their friends via Facebook and Twitter. We're excited to see the results."

For more information:
Including a full list of rules and regulations, visit mindyourmind.ca or contact
Diana Ali, Content Development/Administration Officer:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 519-858-3502

mindyourmind is a non-profit mental health engagement program that works with youth, emerging adults and the professionals who serve them to develop reliable and relevant resources and communication platforms

 mindyourmind, mindyourmind.ca and mindyourmindpro.ca are programs of Family Service Thames Valley