YOUTH MINDS MATTER SPIRIT WEEK

104th Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Hernandez

Declares April 13–19, 2026 as Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week to promote youth mental health awareness, leadership, kindness, and coping strategies in Illinois.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR0782 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

Declares April 13 through April 19, 2026 as Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week in the State of Illinois.

Recognizes and honors the efforts of Project Altogether (an after-school program of Talented Tenth Social Services) and its leadership in promoting youth mental health awareness.

Emphasizes the value of youth leadership in reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and promoting well-being among peers and communities.

Background and program context

Talented Tenth Social Services is described as a community-based organization focused on youth and family empowerment through leadership development and culturally responsive programming.

Project Altogether serves East Aurora School District 131 students in grades 6–8, providing a platform to identify community needs, practice leadership, and create impacts.

Youth Minds Matter (YMM) originated from Project Altogether to promote understanding of mental health, encourage open dialogue, and reassure young people that they are not alone.

The initiative includes:

The Youth Minds Matter ribbon (green and white) symbolizing mental health awareness, healing, hope, and community support.
A Mental Health Gallery website for creative expression (art, poetry, reflections on anxiety, depression, resilience) and to offer educational resources and crisis support for families.
The creation of Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week to promote kindness, self-care, healthy coping strategies, and mental health education.

Key provisions (as a resolution)

Formal proclamation by the Illinois House of Representatives:

The week of April 13–19, 2026, shall be recognized as Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week in Illinois.
Recognition of the students of Project Altogether and Talented Tenth Social Services for leadership and dedication to youth well-being and to Illinois residents.
A request to present a suitable copy of the resolution to Talented Tenth Social Services as a symbol of esteem and respect.

Affected parties and impact

Primary beneficiaries: Youth participants in Project Altogether (especially students in East Aurora District 131) and their families; the broader Illinois community through mental health awareness and education.

Schools and districts may observe and participate in Spirit Week activities, promoting kindness, self-care, and coping strategies.

Organizations involved:

Talented Tenth Social Services
Project Altogether

The bill serves a ceremonial and awareness-raising role rather than establishing new funding, programs, or statutory duties.

Procedural and timeline details

Action history indicates committee workflow:

Filed with the Clerk: April 9, 2026
Assigned to Rules Committee: April 14, 2026
Referred to Mental Health & Addiction Committee: April 27, 2026
Reported favorably and placed on the Calendar Order of Resolutions: May 7, 2026

Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Hernandez (co-sponsor)

The resolution is non-binding and symbolic, aimed at formal recognition and celebration within the state.

Notable details

Uses symbolic elements (Youth Minds Matter ribbon in green and white) and digital platform (Mental Health Gallery website) described as part of the initiative’s broader suite of actions.

Emphasizes positive themes: leadership, empowerment, resilience, open dialogue, and community support.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph snapshot for quick briefing, or a side-by-side comparison with similar past resolutions.