‘I Will Listen’ event aims to raise awareness of mental health through music, art, speakers

'I Will Listen' event aims to raise awareness of mental health through music, art, speakers

The Behavioral Science Association at Northwest Missouri State University will again host "I Will Listen" this month to help reduce stigmas surrounding mental illness through educational activities, support and advocacy.

The annual event supports a movement developed by the National Alliance of Mental Illnesses (NAMI) to reduce stigmas surrounding mental illness and promote mental health well-being. The event will include multiple breakout rooms with an art exhibit, exercise activities and guest speakers.

It is free and open to the public, from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, on the third floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union.

"I Will Listen is more than just a single annual event. It is a time for self-reflection and positive mental health growth," said Katelyn Briggs, a senior psychology major from Eagleville, Missouri, who is co-president of the Behavioral Sciences Association. "This event allows individuals to attend and see they are not alone. I Will Listen is a time for us to not only promote the end of stigmas surrounding mental health on campus and in our community but also show people that they can do anything they put their mind to. Something as simple as a piece of art is a step toward peace."

Musicians will perform with piano, guitar and voice, while speakers address topics including parental mental health, reading with children and engaging elderly individuals. The event also features artwork created by community members of all ages to share experiences and thoughts about mental health.

All proceeds raised during the event are donated to NAMI.

A complete schedule of sessions is provided below. For more information about I Will Listen, contact Briggs at [email protected].

I Will Listen session schedule

• Art Exhibit, 1 to 7 p.m., Student Union Ballroom

Musical sessions

• Enzo Coniglio, 1:30 to 2 p.m., piano
• Dr. Travis Dimmitt, 2 to 3 p.m., guitar and vocals
• Gabi Rowan, 3:30 to 4 p.m., piano
• Dr. Jacob Tengelsen, 4 to 5 p.m., guitar and vocals
• Ben and Gus Plavoski, 6 to 7 p.m., piano

Speaker sessions

• Sarah Hayes, 1 p.m., children and parenthood education, parent mental health
• Dr. Keely Cline, 2 p.m., parent-child book reading and mental health
• Sam Mason, 3 p.m., "You don't know Jack-Engaging the Elderly"
• Robin Lewis, 4 p.m., middle school and mental health
• Dr. Jacob Tengelsen, 5 p.m., "How can we use our voice to promote change," photovoice journalism
• Jada Irving, 6 p.m., college student/young adult perspective