Celebrating Outstanding Applications of the Science of the Positive

We created The Montana Institute Awards—affectionately known as the “Normies”—to honor and elevate your innovative, creative efforts to promote health and grow positive norms using the Science of the Positive. The Normies celebrate a wide array of exceptional people and efforts that promote health, impact positive norms, and drive positive community transformation.

We encourage you to submit your own materials or to nominate the efforts of another person or group. Awards will be granted in multiple categories, depending upon the submissions received. Recipients will be announced during the Montana Summer Institute.

Read about our past Normie Awardees here.


Why submit for a Normie?

  • Each year’s awardees will receive three streaming registrations to the Montana Summer Institute. 

  • All Normie recipients will receive recognition of their award at the Montana Summer Institute and on The Montana Institute’s website and social channels.

Submission Timeline: Submissions are now open for the 2026 Normies. Submissions will be accepted until January 31, 2026. 


Subject Categories: Normies may be granted in multiple categories depending upon the submissions received. Categories may be based upon prevention topic, audience of focus, type of media, or other key element. The list below includes just some of the subject areas we hope will be reflected in the submissions. If your work is focused on transforming community health with the Science of the Positive or Positive Community Norms, please submit! 

  • Substance Use

  • Mental Health 

  • Environment

  • Social Justice/Health Equity

  • LGBTQIA Acceptance

  • Bullying, School Climate, or other school-related issue

  • University/Higher Education

  • Military/SMVF audiences

  • Parenting/Early Childhood

Eligible Materials: You may submit print, social media, television ads, radio spots, websites and web-based media, or information about events, live interventions, and  individual leaders and changemakers. The Normies are not graphic design awards, though we may recognize materials that have a stellar look.

Languages: We welcome submissions in all languages. 

Fees: $95 per submission. We are currently waiving all submission fees.

SUBMISSION FORM: