Students standing in front of gazebo with green bandanas tied to their backpacks

WSU Green Bandana Project

The Green Bandana Project is designed to help people who are experiencing mental illness become more aware of resources available.
  
Here’s how the project works. Students attach green bandanas to their backpacks. This is the signal that they are safe and willing to help someone struggling with a mental illness.
 
The students can then direct a person to the right resource for help, whether that’s campus services like WSU Counseling Services or an off-campus organization.

Not only does the Green Bandana Project give practical resources to people across campus, but it provides invaluable visible support.

You are not alone.

If you see a green bandana on someone's backpack, it is a sign of quiet solidarity.

Stop by IWC 138 to get your pledge card and green bandana or to ask any questions.

Why the Green Bandana Project at WSU?


The Green Bandana Project is a national initiative with that exists in many forms. The WSU Green Bandana Project was launched in January 2019.

This project was inspired by WSU Track & Field student-athletes Taylor Juresh and Kari Schneiss, as well as Dr. Betsy Gerbec of University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

 

Taylor and Kari introduced the idea at WSU because they are passionate about solidarity and understanding when it comes to depression and anxiety.


After losing her son to suicide, Dr. Betsy Gerbec created Dan's Bandana Project at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The Green Bandana Project is supported by many departments and organizations across campus including:

  • Integrated Wellness
  • Athletics
  • The Resilience Working Group
  • WSU Counseling
  • WSU Health Services

Take The Pledge

Take the WSU Green Bandana Project Pledge to show your support for people in our campus community dealing with mental health concerns. 

Become an advocate for mental and emotional well-being and a role model for others.

In taking this bandana and tying it to my backpack, I pledge:

I will listen if you need to talk to someone
I will talk to someone if I need to be heard
I will help you find someone to talk to when you need more support
I will find someone to talk to when I need more support.

I will be accepting
I will be honest
I will see a person in need of support and not just their challenges.

With this pledge, I am declaring support for those dealing with challenges to their mental and emotional well-being.

You can talk to me. I want to help.

You are way too important to feel alone today.