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 2026 Montana Summer Institute.

You can view past Normie Awardees here.

Why submit for a Normie?

Each year’s Transformational Leadership Award will receive one in person and three streaming registrations to the Montana Summer Institute.
Category winners will receive two streaming registrations to the Montana Summer Institute.
All Normie recipients will receive an award certificate and recognition of their award on The Montana Institute’s website and social channels.

Submission Timeline: Submissions are now open for the 2026 Normies. Submissions will be accepted between July 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026.

Subject Categories: Normies will be granted in multiple categories. The exact categories will depend 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, 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:

Full Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Are you submitting this material on behalf of yourself or someone else?

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

Company/Organization

Type of Organization

If you choose "other" for your type of organization, please list here below what type of organization it is.

Job Title/Role

LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Website (if applicable)

Physical Address (Please include complete mailing address)

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Submission Category

Entry Title

Provide the name of your entry here. The title you provide will be used for the "For" line on an award certificate should your entry receive an award and also as the name of your entry on the list of recipients.

Credited Organization or Individual

The organization or individual you provide here will be used for the "Presented to" line on an award certificate should your entry receive an award and also as credit on the list of recipients.

Physcial Submission Request

I will physically submit materials after filling out this online submission form

Supporting Materials

Please provide links to or upload supporting materials for your application. Materials may include, but are not limited to: • Published articles, reports, or documentaries • Broadcast segments or podcasts • Photography portfolio • Social media accounts or campaigns • Websites or web campaigns • Branding and Communications • Campaign Media and Materials • Pre- and Post-Test data or other Evidence of Community Transformation Submit your materials: • Link to entry, if applicable • Password to view entry, if applicable • File Upload • High Quality Screen Resolution Preferred. Please use meaningful file names such as: EntryTitle_EntryIndividualOrOrganization_TypeOfMaterial.pdf. We accept .jpg, .png, .pdf. (Please do not send native files such as .ai, .psd, etc) Max file Size: 25mb *If you have multiple files, please submit a zip file. If you have large files, please send a link to dropbox or similar. • File Upload (max file size 256 MB) • Physical Entries: If you need to submit physical materials, please complete the online submission form and check “physical submission” in the question above. Send your entries to: The Montana Institute, P.O. Bos 5015, Bozeman, MT, 59717. Please note that physical entries cannot be returned. Please add links below (separate any links with a comma before adding another link)

Statement of Purpose

In 500 words or less, please describe the Spirit, Science, Action, and Return of your effort. Describe the community need, the focus audience you serve, and the community impacts you have seen or measured so far, if any.

Submission Authentication

By checking the box below, I confirm that all of the information provided in this application is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I grant The Montana Institute, LLC, permission to use the submitted materials for award judging, promotion, and in presentations about applications of The Science of the Positive to promote community health and cultural transformation.

I agree to the above statement

Confirmation and Signature

Please sign and date below

Questions?

Questions? Concerns? Trouble submitting your materials? Reach out to us at info@montanainstitute.com.