This week on The Roggin Report, Amaya, a Palm Desert High School student and Roggin Report community reporter, returned to the show to spotlight an inspiring social media movement: the USC Minds Water Bucket Challenge.
Coordinated by the University of South Carolina’s club Minds (Mental Illness Needs Discussion), the challenge is a fresh take on the original Ice Bucket Challenge that raised awareness for ALS in 2014. This time, the focus is on reducing the stigma surrounding teen and young adult mental health — just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
Amaya shared how the challenge works: once you’re nominated, you film yourself getting doused with ice water, post the video to your Instagram Story, and nominate two or three friends to keep the momentum going. Participants are also encouraged to donate to Active Minds, the largest nonprofit organization in the country dedicated to changing the conversation around mental health for young adults. So far, the effort has raised more than $300,000.
"Social media is such a powerful tool for advocacy," Amaya said. "We all deal with mental health challenges at some point, and it’s important to normalize talking about it."
Amaya even shared a personal story — after being nominated herself, she had her brother pour a bucket of water over her before nominating friends to join in.
For those who want to participate, Amaya recommends reaching out to someone who's already posted about the challenge and asking to be nominated. Then grab a bucket, film your video, post it to social media, and keep the movement alive by nominating others.
Great work as always, Amaya!
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
April 25, 2025
