March 13, 2026
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 features an art exhibit with artwork created by individuals of all ages as an illustration of their experiences with mental health. (Photo by Chandu Ravi Krishna/Northwest Missouri State University)
Speakers address a variety of topics during Northwest’s annual I Will Listen event. (Photo by Lauren Adams/Northwest Missouri State University)
“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 S557028@nwmissouri.edu.
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