Michigan State University (MSU) is set to host its It’s On Us Week of Action from April 3 to 7, aimed at raising awareness about resources and information for the prevention of sexual violence, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence. The initiative is part of the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department’s (POE) ongoing efforts to engage the campus community in preventing gender-based violence through education, outreach and social change. The event will see a series of engaging and mindful events, according to Kelly Schweda, director of POE.
The events are designed to bring awareness to facets of prevention that have not been represented in the past. “We are excited to continue to work together to prevent gender-based violence at MSU and empower the campus community to become agents of change,” Schweda said.
POE has partnered with the Residence Halls Association, Center for Survivors, and MSU Safe Place to sponsor the events, which include tabling, vision-boarding healthy relationships, survey results discussion session, taking action through the Bandana Project, and Let’s Grow! – a free activity painting pots, among others.
The week is about bringing the community together to take a stand against sexual violence, while encouraging members to become mindful and generate change in relationship violence and sexual misconduct prevention and response. “This week is not only about fun and freebies but also gathering our community around a topic that we take extremely seriously,” said Alex Babbitt, POE peer education manager.
The It’s On Us Week of Action began in 2014 under the Obama administration to encourage campus communities to take a stand against sexual violence. MSU has a history of weeks of action and student-led initiatives around the It’s On Us movement.
Event Details
Monday, April 3
Tabling at People’s Park outside of Wells Hall. Free giveaways while supplies last, 1 to 4 p.m.
Vision-Boarding Healthy Relationships, STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, Room 1001, 5 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4
Lunch and Learn: Making Boundaries Your Bestie, Brody Hall, Room 175, 1 to 2 p.m.
Know More Survey Results Discussion Session, 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom
Wednesday, April 5
The Bandana Project: Taking Action, Brody Square Atrium, noon to 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 6
Lunch and Learn: “It’s Complicated” Virtual and Cyber Safety, Brody Hall, Room 175, 1 to 2 p.m.
Friday, April 7
Let’s Grow! A free activity painting pots (free plants and pots while supplies last), People’s Park outside Wells Hall, 2 to 4 p.m.
The events will run across various locations on the MSU campus, with some taking place via Zoom.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in the events and join the conversation about preventing gender-based violence. For those who cannot attend in-person, the sessions will be streamed live on the POE’s Facebook page.
The POE’s commitment to education, outreach, and social change regarding gender-based violence has seen MSU ranked in the top 10% of institutions nationwide for prevention programming by the Culture of Respect Collective.
As the community prepares to come together for the It’s On Us Week of Action, Schweda emphasizes that “We must continue to engage in prevention, education, and advocacy efforts to create a safer and more inclusive community.”