Causes

Human services Education Youth development

Posted by

Francesca P.

Executive Director

Our mission

Aevidum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that empowers youth to shatter the silence surrounding depression, suicide, and other issues facing teens. The word Aevidum, which means "I've got your back," was created by students after a classmate died by suicide. Aevidum inspires schools and communities to adopt cultures of care and advocacy, encouraging all members to have their friends' backs. Aevidum exists in over 200 elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation.

What we do

Aevidum is innovative because it encourages motivated adults within a school to step aside and empower student advocates to use their voices to share information about mental health, suicide prevention, and other youth issues. By utilizing the voices and talents of youth, Aevidum shatters the silence associated with these often-stigmatized topics while spreading its message. When students see their peers encouraging help seeking and advocating for those in need, other students follow. The Aevidum message is delivered creatively through a series of student-generated materials, interactive displays, high-energy assemblies, community events, music, artwork, stories, and PSAs, etc. Aevidum students have written original rap music, held pep rallies, and lined the walls of their school with stories, all inspired by information from mental health experts. Schools with Aevidum transform and adopt cultures of care and advocacy, where all students recognize warning signs and know what to do to help someone in need.