The Semicolon Project is one that is near and dear to my heart. In fact, it’s a project I will physically support for the rest of my life. I have a semi-colon permanently tattooed on my left wrist.
Despite that fact that I began drawing a semicolon on my wrist with a sharpie when I was in elementary school, a lot of people still have no idea that this project exists. When I decided to make this series happen, I knew this project had to be the focus of one of my posts. It’s a project that supports, guides, educations, inspires and provides faith to so many people all around the world.
I am passionate about the work this project does, and I believe strongly in the messages it sends. Let me explain why.
The Founder
Before I explain the project, let me introduce you to it’s founder. The semi-colon project was founded by a woman names Amy Bleuel. She was an individual that deal with bullying, rape, addiction, depression, self injury and rape.
Despite what Amy had been through, she was an advocate for helping others get the support and help she needed. She was brutally honest and open when it came to everything she had been through, with the belief that if she shared her story than others would feel comfortable talking about their too. Amy was an advocate for individuals dealing with mental health issues, and was determined to help others find their worth.
Unfortunately Amy lost her battle to depression in 2018 at the age of 31, her cause of death being pronounced a death by suicide.
If you want to read more about her story, click this link.
The Project
The Semicolon Project, a faith-based nonprofit organization, was founded by Amy Bleuel in 2013 in honour of her father who died by suicide in 2003. She founded the project on with aim of showing both love and hope for individuals dealing with suicidal ideations, depression, addiction and self-injury.
The project strives on a simple message, your story isn’t over yet. Believing that suicide is preventable if everyone gets involved and plays their part in supporting others in seeking the help that they need.
While it was founded and is based in the United States, the semicolon project works internationally focusing on a public health model. By focusing on this model, the project conducts its work by raising awareness to all, while also educating as many people as they can on what they can do.
Why a Semicolon?
In 2015, Amy gave an interview where she explained her belief for why the semicolon was the right image for her project. Amy said, “In literature, an author uses a semicolon to not end a sentence but to continue on. We see it as you are the author and your life is the sentence. You’re choosing to keep going”.
The semicolon is a reminder to individuals that they have the power to write their own story and that there are resources available to help them continue their story.
Why do I support this project?
This project is one I stand strongly behind. Theres a couple reasons for this, so let me break them down for you.
- This project has been a part of my own recovery, one that I will discuss further in the post where I talk about my own mental health journey
- This project does more than just educate, it starts conversations. I get a lot of questions on why I chose to tattoo a semicolon on my body, to most people it seems like a strange commitment. I love that it allows me to start conversations about mental health with friends, family, co-workers and even strangers.
- It has created a community. My tattoo has allowed me to connect with a lot of people who have gone through similar situations that I have. My tattoo has created long lasting friendships, adding to my support system.
- It’s a sign that I’m a safe place. What I didn’t know when I got my tattoo was that it would be a sign for others that I could be someone who could support them, help them. People have seen my tattoo and instantly become opening up to me, children, teenagers, adults and even seniors. I have helped others seek help, while just simply being am ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.
How can you get involved?
The great thing about the semicolon project is the fact that there are so many ways to get involved. Interested? here’s a few ways you can support this project.
- Donate — The semicolon project is completely funded completely by donations. This means that in order for this project to continue advocating and educating people around the world on suicide prevention, they need people to be willing to make donations. On their website, you can make a one time donation, set up monthly donations or make a memorial gift in honour of someone.
- Fundraise — The semicolon project encourages fundraising initiatives, and if contacted can also offer some support.
- Volunteer — As the initiatives run by this project run completely off of donations, the size of their team isn’t huge. While the project has no opportunity to volunteer on a weekly basis, they do have opportunities for individuals to help out working on some of their projects. Some of these volunteer opportunities include translations, creating courses, creating educational material and updating resources.
If you’re interested, you can send an email to engage@projectsemicolon.com - Take Part — Displaying a semicolon on your body is one way you can get involved. While you can get it permanently tattooed on your body like me, you can also simply just use temporary tattoos or draw in on your skin when you can.
As I said above, simply showing your support with a semicolon creates conversations and allows people to see you as a safe place. You don’t have to have dealt with depression, addiction, self harm or suicidal ideations to take part. Just be someone who care enough to want to be involved. - Share Your Story — One of the most beneficial aspects of this project is the community is has built. A small symbol has created conversations, support systems, friendships and education. They have a spot on their website where individuals can sign up and share their story on their website.
- Talk — The project strives for education and being willing to talk about the project, the resources or even just suicide prevention overall means that you are contributing.
If you’re looking for more information the semicolon project, or ways you can get involved, you can find their website at this link.