Author’s note: please scroll down for event registration info.
Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to support someone facing mental health challenges. The #IWILLLISTEN campaign encourages open and honest conversations about mental health. It brings together college campuses, workplaces, and other communities to start conversations, learn more about mental illness, and to understand what stigma is and how to overcome it. The campaign is organized by NAMI Metro Baltimore, which has engaged college campuses in the Baltimore area since 2016, and Johns Hopkins University is proud to be one of these partners.
This year, we have two NAMI Campus Ambassadors, Catalina Lyon (BPSH ’23) and Julia Wang (BSPH ’23), alongside various student groups who will be organizing activities all through the week of October 3 – 7, on the Homewood and the East Baltimore campuses. The campaign’s goal is to encourage students to break down the stigma of mental illness and pledge to be listeners in their communities.
We invite you to come take part in our week of activities! Sign-ups can be found on Hopkins Groups through the event title links. The schedule of events are below:
Monday October 3
Event: Meet your NAMI #IWILLLISTEN Ambassador! – Homewood Campus
Time: 11:30AM-1:30PM
Location: The Breezeway
Description: Swing by our campaign tables to meet your NAMI campus ambassador, and take a pledge at our photobooth. Find out about mental health resources, and grab some #IWILLLISTEN swag.
Event: Meet your NAMI #IWILLLISTEN Ambassador! – East Baltimore Campus
Time: 2PM-4PM
Location: Gallery, BSPH
Description: Swing by our campaign tables to meet your NAMI campus ambassador, and take a pledge at our photobooth. Find out about mental health resources, and grab some #IWILLLISTEN swag.
Tuesday October 4
Event: Yoga
Time: 6PM – 7:15PM
Location: Feinstone Hall, BSPH
Description: Come and listen to your own body with instructor Vennela Avula. This class is open to participants of all experience levels. Dress comfortably in something you can stretch in. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats, but there will be limited mats available for borrowing.
Wednesday October 5
Event: Active Listening Workshop + Mixer
Time: 4PM – 6PM
Location: Feinstone Hall, BSPH
Description: Swing by our Listening Mixer, organized by the BSPH Mental Health Graduate Network. You’ll find an interactive workshop table about active listening, read mental health stories (or share your own) with Brave Minds Gallery, meet representatives from NAMI Metro Baltimore, and more.
Friday October 6
Event: Sip and Color
Time: 4PM – 8PM
Location: Meeting Room A, Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center
Description: Wind down campaign week with some therapeutic coloring and boba. Only 30 spaces are available for this event, so please register at the link.
Be sure to also follow @jhuwellbeing on Instagram for more #IWILLLISTEN content all through the week!