Please note: Entries within this blog may contain references to instances of domestic abuse, dating abuse, sexual assault, abuse or harassment. At all times, Break the Cycle encourages readers to take whatever precautions necessary to protect themselves emotionally and psychologically. If you would like to speak with an advocate, please contact a 24/7 peer advocate at 866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522.
UPDATE – 2.5.18 – Congratulations to Michaela R., our contest winner! Purchase our official Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month shirt here.
Continuing our tradition from 2017’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we launched a special contest for our community of activists and young people in Let’s Be Real. In November, we hosted a design contest exclusively for our national youth movement, Let’s Be Real (LBR), to design a shirt for teen DV month that encompassed the 2018 theme “Healthy Me, Healthy We.”
Two finalists were selected from a talented group of designs that best represent what it truly means to love yourself and others in a healthy way. We are in the final stages of the contest, and we need your help to decide who will win the Grand Prize of an Amazon Echo Dot and be announced as our official Teen DV Month 2018 shirt. Plus, this portion of the contest raises funds for our youth movement’s 2018 engagement activities!
The Contest
Here’s how you can help your favorite design win the honor of being our official shirt, as well as a cool Amazon Echo Dot:
- Each t-shirt sale of a design = 5 votes
- When you purchase a shirt on Custom Ink Fundraising, you can give an additional donation! Each dollar raised from these donations = 1 vote.
- For example: 10 t-shirt sales with $100 extra given in donations = 150 votes. 10 shirts x 5 votes each = 50 votes; $100 x 1 vote each = 100 votes
The contest only runs until January 17th, so make sure you vote for your favorite design before then! All shirts will be shipped at the end of the campaign, so you will receive them in time for February.
The Shirts
These are perfect for Wear Orange For Love Day on February 13th, a day that we use to raise awareness of teen dating abuse and the programs that prevent it. Show that you believe in healthy love that day and every day with one of these shirts! (They also make a great holiday gift if you are looking for last minute presents)
After consulting with Let’s Be Real, we are happy to announce that we have expanded our colors and product options this year!
- Shirts are a soft, comfortable fabric (either cotton or poly/cotton blend) and available in adult and youth sizes. Colors include orange, white, heather blue, and heather purple.
- Crewneck sweaters are a poly/cotton blend with stretchy ribbed collar and cuffs, and pill resistant. Colors include light pink and forest green.
Please support these talented, young activists! Keep reading to meet the artists and learn how their designs encompass the theme, “Healthy Me, Healthy We.”
Self-Love Heart
Click the design to purchase.
Artist Statement
The heart is both the most valuable, yet the most fragile part of us and can be protected by the strengths of Love, Respect, Trust, and Care. The intention of this simple design is to instill self-love and confidence in the wearer and remind those around us of the importance of loving themselves. As we find love and peace in our relationship with ourselves, we can more effectively have a positive outlook in our relationships with others. Wearing this new design will allow you to spread this message, without even saying a word!
Designed by Michaela R., 19, Nevada.
Languages of Love
Click the design to purchase.
Artist Statement
Love is a universal language. No matter where you live, everyone knows what love is. The idea of having one of the translations of love in a different style and color represents that we need to love ourselves before we can truly love everyone else. The idea behind this design also envelopes love and the affection that we have and at some points, need, of others across the world.
Designed by Aviel W., 17, Arizona.