Safe Person Decals, a No-Cost Way to Stick Up for Stigma Elimination

A simple sticker sends a strong message: “I seek to listen & support.”
 
Decals with that message are available for free, allowing those who display them to show their commitment to others in need. They were developed by the Wise Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE), a Rogers-led coalition of organizations and individuals promoting stigma elimination and support for those impacted by mental illness.
 
The Safe Person giveaway includes “The Safe Person 7 Promises,” which are designed as guidelines on how to be a safe, supportive person for those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
 
The decals can go just about anywhere: a door, locker, refrigerator, bulletin board, window, or computer. Small versions of the sticker can fit on your phone or water bottle.
 
“If for example, a student sees the Safe Person Decal on a teacher’s or other adult’s door, they know that they could go and talk to them and that person is someone safe,” says Alison Wolf, Community Learning and Engagement operations and development manager. “I think that’s the most important thing. We have to open the door to conversation.”
 
Supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the first order of decals came in 2017. Since then, Rogers has distributed about 50,000 to schools, organizations, and individuals. The decals are also available in Spanish.
 
Those interested in ordering up to 25 decals for free can head to eliminatestigma.org/safeperson.