Shining the spotlight on Today, I'm Brave, non-profit partner of this year's Torch Awards

Since the movement started a year ago, it has amassed over 110,000 followers and made 7.5 million online impressions.

The 2017 Torch Awards challenge brief invites young creatives 18-27 the opportunity to develop and pitch an idea for an integrated-mixed media campaign to promote the organisation’s international book release in August 2017. The Torch Awards grand-winning team will also have the chance to further develop their idea with Today, I’m Brave and see it go live.

New York Festivals and the Torch Awards proudly support Today, I’m Brave’s mission and champions its encouraging philosophy that says, “No act of bravery should be ridiculed, marginalised or minimised, which is why no act of bravery is too small or too big for us. Inspiration can come from all walks, all creeds, all deeds, all corners of the Earth, and all of us, individually and collectively.”

“We are excited and honoured to have talented young creatives throughout the world help us raise awareness of our brand,” said Kristen Knape, director of philanthropy, Today, I’m Brave. “With our upcoming book, also titled ‘Today, I’m Brave,’ it made perfect sense to partner with the Torch Awards to get a world-wide perspective in order to help us best inspire bravery for positive change.”

The movement has inspired people to share a variety of stories, videos and pictures of their courage when facing their fears and creating great change in their lives. The triumphant stories shared by individuals overcoming daily challenges have helped people around the globe. Soon, people will be able to read the inspiration behind the movement in an actionable book, ‘Today, I’m Brave’, that will challenge people to take on their fears with specific ways to adapt Brave actions in their own lives.

Speaker event

Today, I’m Brave is dedicated to influence the following areas in 2017: education, cancer research, veteran’s issues, betterment of Los Angeles, Brave ambassador causes, and creation of education video and speaker events. Specific programs include speaker events; developing an online educational tool; securing video sponsorships; collaborating with corporate programmes and continued micro donation and merchandise sales.

It will expand its outreach by hosting its first speaker event featuring a powerhouse line-up of inspirational speakers on the topic, “You’re Braver than You Think.” Each speaker will share his or her unique story about what it meant to face his or her greatest fears and live bravely.

Speakers include David Angelo, founder & chairman of David&Goliath; Ryan Blair, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur and venture capitalist; Cecilia Gorman, motivational speaker, trainer, coach; Leo Flowers, comedian, and Garrain Jones, motivational speaker and author. Proceeds from the event will benefit the 62 children who were orphaned by the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone providing food, healthcare and a greater education.

Since its creation, it has raised awareness for numerous worthy causes including: Shine On Sierra Leone; Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; New Directions for Veterans; Teach for Armenia; Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America; Healing Night of Comedy; Project Angel Food and A21, a non-profit to abolish human trafficking injustice.

The 2017 Torch Awards submission deadline is 17 February 2017. For more information, go to challenge brief and for more information on Today I’m Brave, go to www.facebook.com/todayimbrave.