#USA #New York #Active Minds #OK Today #Youth Assembly

Launch of OK Today: A New Era for Youth Mental Health

On August 7, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative known as OK Today was officially launched during the lead-up to the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly held in New York City. This youth-driven movement aims to revolutionize the way society perceives and discusses mental health challenges among young people.

A Dedicated Space for Youth Mental Health

As part of the Youth Assembly, OK Today introduces a specialized program track focused exclusively on youth mental health, marking a significant milestone in addressing these crucial issues. According to Yumna Khan, Director of AFS Youth Assembly Strategic Youth Initiatives, this new track is pivotal given today’s turbulent world that deeply impacts young people's mental well-being. The Assembly serves as a platform for young changemakers to gain knowledge and tools necessary for leading discussions, challenging stigma, and building resilient communities.

The Urgency of Addressing Mental Health

The statistics underscore the pressing need for action: one in seven young people globally lives with a mental health condition, yet stigma remains prevalent. Many Gen Z individuals report feelings of being judged or misunderstood when discussing mental health matters. While a significant number of youth wish to support their peers, almost half express feeling unprepared to do so. In the U.S., a large proportion of young individuals tend to confide in friends rather than adults, but many feel ill-equipped to provide appropriate support.

A Peer-Powered Approach

OK Today is built on the fundamental belief that young voices should drive the conversation around mental health. The movement strives to normalize dialogues about mental health through a range of initiatives including educational workshops, peer-to-peer discussions, and online engagement. The aim is to connect with one million young people aged 18 to 25 over the next three years, helping them navigate the complexities of mental health openly.

The launch will kick off with an activation at the AFS Youth Assembly, featuring a session led by Active Minds, which serves as a peer education advisor for OK Today. This session will introduce the A.S.K. framework (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch), developed in collaboration with SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios, designed to empower participants with practical skills to assist peers in their daily lives.

Future Initiatives

After the launch, OK Today plans to expand its reach through partnerships and local events in various global markets. These initiatives will focus on training youth ambassadors who will facilitate mental health conversations within their communities, thereby fostering an environment of empathy, openness, and support.

Get Involved

OK Today calls for people and organizations to join this important movement. Interested individuals can follow OK Today on Instagram and LinkedIn, sign up for newsletters, and contribute their stories to help spark change. More about the initiative can be found at OKToday.org.

About Active Minds

Active Minds has been at the forefront of mobilizing youth to reshape the norms surrounding mental health for over two decades. With various programs aimed at empowering young advocates, they strive to influence broader conversations and enhance mental health support structures within their communities. For more information about their efforts, visit activeminds.org.

About the AFS Youth Assembly

The AFS Youth Assembly is dedicated to cultivating a global network of young leaders through education and action. This platform allows youth to lead initiatives addressing challenges like mental health, sustainability, and peace. Managed by AFS Intercultural Programs, the assembly empowers young individuals with the necessary skills to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

Conclusion

The launch of OK Today at the AFS Youth Assembly represents a significant step towards addressing youth mental health on a global scale. By engaging young people in the conversation, this initiative seeks to dismantle stigma and foster a culture of openness, ultimately building a supportive network for all.