Take Back the Night: An Evening Supporting Survivors | Thursday, Sep. 26
Take Back The Night is the earliest worldwide effort to combat sexual and interpersonal violence. The goal is to create safe communities where violence is not tolerated. This year TikTok posed the question of who you would rather meet in the woods: man or bear? We will take some time to discuss the response of this viral phenomena while we celebrate survivors, their stories and show our dedication to eradicating violence everywhere.
On Thursday, Sep. 26 at 5 PM, we will start our evening with a BBQ where we can come together and renew our collective commitment as a campus and community to end violence. You will have a chance to mingle with a few on and off campus resources, create posters for the rally and march, decorate luminaries to commemorate loved ones or display allyship, and there will be an opportunity to sign an “It’s on US” pledge which calls all into the conversation of sexual assault prevention.
At 6 PM survivor and mental health counselor Madison Schill will share their story of grit, perseverance and hope followed by a rally and march around campus led by MSUM students and Erienne Fawcett the Coordinator of the Women’s and Rainbow Dragon Centers.
At 7 PM we will end with a survivor speak out and a “from fear to flames” event which encourages folks to share their story either in a written or verbal format with folks that believe and support them. We will conclude the night with s’mores and bonfires.
All portions of this event are voluntary and support from the counseling center staff will be with us during the event. This is an event that is meant to uplift and support though difficult narratives may be told. This event counts for your outside component of Bystander Intervention Training for all FYE students. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Comstock Memorial Union Ballroom.
MSUM is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Chuck Eade at Charles.Eade@mnstate.edu. You will be contacted individually to discuss your request.