Privacy & Submission Policy

Stories should be shared with care, consent, and respect.

Broad Shoulders Initiative exists to make student mental health feel less hidden. These guidelines explain how submitted stories are reviewed and protected before they are published.

What Happens After You Submit

  • Every submission is reviewed before it is considered for publication.
  • Submitting a story does not guarantee that it will be published.
  • Stories may be lightly edited for grammar, clarity, formatting, privacy, or safety.
  • When possible, significant edits will be shared with the contributor for approval before publication.
  • Review can take time. Broad Shoulders may contact a contributor if clarification or additional permission is needed.

Anonymous and Named Submissions

  • An anonymous published story will not display the contributor's name.
  • A name, first name, or other attribution will only be displayed with clear permission.
  • Do not include a school, team, address, family detail, or other identifying information you do not want made public.
  • The current Google Form may require sign-in. Broad Shoulders cannot promise that Google will not associate or collect the email connected to that sign-in, so the form should not be treated as fully anonymous.

Consent, Photos, and Privacy

  • Submitting a story gives Broad Shoulders permission to review it and consider it for publication.
  • Contributors may ask questions, request changes, or request removal of a submitted or published story.
  • If you submit a photo or artwork, you must own it or have permission from the owner and anyone clearly pictured to use it.
  • Do not identify or share private details about another person without their permission.
  • Submission information is used for review, contributor communication, and possible publication. It is not sold or used for advertising.

Minor and Youth Safety

Many Broad Shoulders contributors may be students or minors, so stories are reviewed carefully for privacy, identifying details, and emotional safety.

  • Share only what feels safe. You never need to submit graphic details or anything you are uncomfortable making public.
  • Consider talking with a trusted adult, counselor, or support person before sharing something especially sensitive.
  • Broad Shoulders may ask for additional permission before publishing a photo or story involving a minor.

Crisis and Immediate Support

Broad Shoulders Initiative is a storytelling and awareness platform. It is not a crisis service, medical provider, or substitute for professional mental health care. Submissions and email are not monitored 24/7.

If you or someone nearby may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services. In the United States, call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (external link), or text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line (external link).

Withdrawal and Removal

To withdraw a submission or request removal of a published story, email broadshouldersinitiative@gmail.com. Include the story title or enough information to identify it. Broad Shoulders will respond as soon as reasonably possible.

Community Standards

  • No harassment, hate speech, or language that targets someone for who they are.
  • No graphic harmful content or content that could encourage unsafe behavior.
  • No identifying or private information about another person without permission.
  • Stories should be respectful and centered on reflection, support, understanding, or growth.
  • Broad Shoulders may decline content that cannot be published safely or respectfully.