Penn State student organizations and units at campuses across the Commonwealth are presenting programming during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Here’s a look at some of the events taking place at the University’s campuses during the month of April.
This list will be updated as events are added throughout the month; the University community is invited to send diversity and inclusion events for consideration to DiversityEvents@psu.edu.
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK
April 8 — Honoring Survival: Transforming the Spirit, an annual event honoring strength and resiliency of survivors of all forms of interpersonal violence and their loved ones. Sponsored by Gender Equity Center, Centre Safe, and the University Park Undergraduate Association. The event is part of UPUA’s Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Free and open to the public. 6:30 p.m., Memorial Lounge, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center.
April 9 — "What Were You Wearing?" a survivor art installation showing descriptions of outfits worn by survivors of sexual violence during their assaults. Meant to show what someone was wearing should not lead to victim blaming. Sponsored by Gender Equity Center and University Park Undergraduate Association. The free, public event is part of UPUA’s Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 134 HUB-Robeson Center.
April 10 — Men Against Violence Walk: Annual walk led by the Gender Equity Center’s Men Against Violence peer education group. If the weather is nice, the meeting point will be HUB lawn. Register at tinyurl.com/MAVWalk2019. Individuals and organizations welcome. Sponsored by Men Against Violence, Gender Equity Center, and University Park Undergraduate Association. The free, public event is part of UPUA’s Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Noon, Flex Theater, HUB-Robeson Center.
April 9 — Stand for State Student Program: Interrupting Sexual and Relationship Violence — Learn to step in when it counts through this bystander intervention program for students. Dinner will be provided. Register here. 6-8 p.m., 129 A&B, HUB Robeson Center.
April 10 — Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino will share her #MeToo experience and journey of worldwide advocacy as the keynote event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Penn State. Free and open to the public. 6:30 p.m., Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
April 10 and 11 — Navigating How You Step In — Learn about your personal intervention style by reflecting on scenarios as you move through a life-sized maze. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Philanthropy Row (HUB 1st floor by Pollock Entrance).
April 11 — Stand for State Faculty/Staff Program: Interrupting Sexual and Relationship Violence — Learn to step in when it counts in this bystander intervention program for faculty and staff. Bring your own lunch. Register here. Noon-1:30 p.m., 233A HUB Robeson Center.
April 11 — The Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Gala, benefiting Centre Safe, will be hosted by the UPUA and Lion Ambassadors. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, musical performances and guest speakers. A donation, recommended at $5 for students, will be requested at the door. The dress code for the evening is formal. Register here. 5:30 p.m., The Atherton Hotel, downtown State College.
PENN STATE ABINGTON
April 9 — Penn State Abington welcomes speaker Adrian Shanker, founder of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center to discuss LGBTQ+ health and advocacy issues. There are two events for the entire campus community. 1-2:30pm is for faculty and staff; 3-5pm is for students. Lares Lubert Commons.
PENN STATE BERKS
Ongoing through April 13 — The Berks Commission For Women is sponsoring a donation drive for SAFE Berks through April 13. So that means you have 2 more weeks to do some spring cleaning and donate any gently used and new items! Safe Berks is a non-profit organization that provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. For a list of acceptable items, contact Aubrey Edwards, are12@psu.edu. Donation boxes are located in the main entrance lobby of Franco, Gaige, Thun and Perkins.
April 1 — Night Walkers: At this event, Penn State Berks illuminated the topics of Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking with support from SafeBerks and Tower Health, demonstrating Stand for State strategies for how to get involved, and available resources for the campus community. 9 p.m., Perkins Lawn.
April 9 — Join us for SAAM Glow Bingo: Each bingo square will contain a different statistic relating to sexual assault. The full statistic will be read upon announcing each number. 9 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Perkins Student Center.
PENN STATE BEHREND
April 17 — Social activist Tarana Burke, founder of the "Me Too" movement and a Time Magazine 2017 Person of the Year, will discuss the movement and society’s shifting response to sexual violence and workplace harassment. The program, free and open to the public, is part of Penn State Behrend’s annual Gender Conference. 7:30 p.m., McGarvey Commons, Reed Union Building.
PENN STATE HARRISBURG
April 18 — #SurvivorLoveLetter is a movement for survivors of sexual assault and their allies to publicly celebrate their lives. Help us share messages of support for anyone impacted by sexual violence. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Olmsted Lobby.
April 9 — Sexual Assault Awareness with MorningStar: Check out the MorningStar Pregnancy Services information table to learn more about all of the services they offer. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Olmsted Lobby.
April 12 — Join Student Health Services for an open campus event, "Sex Education in College ... what you SHOULD know, and what you OUGHT to know!" 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Educational Activities Building Room 104.
April 15 to 19 — The Red Flag Campaign brings attention to the red flags in relationships. Come to the Olmsted lobby, learn more, and sign a flag. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Olmsted Lobby.
April 17 — Join Sexual Assault Awareness with Hamilton Health for a table event about sex education and the services they offer, including free clinics, testing, counseling and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Olmsted Lobby.
April 18 — What Happens Next – Post Sexual Assault Awareness: Join members of the YWCA in a new discussion about what happens after sexual violence occurs. Show your support and learn about the processes that individuals go through to recovery. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Russell E. Horn Spiritual Center.
April 19 — Walk-A-Mile In Her Shoes: As part of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming, this event is open to all members of the Penn State Harrisburg community, and everyone is encouraged to join in learning about and supporting sexual assault awareness. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Vartan Plaza.
PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY
April 16 — Join us for a Walk a Mile in her Shoes event, beginning at the sports court and ending up at the Lion Shrine. Hosted by the students of RISE, the Campus Engagement Committee, and the Office of Student Life. The mission of RISE is to unite and empower members and students to rise up against sexual violence, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation in our community, through awareness prevention, action and aftercare. 12:15 p.m., meet at the sports court.
PENN STATE NEW KENSINGTON
April 16 — Campus community members are invited to take part in the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Keynote speaker Marty Miller, with more than 25 years of experience working in the domestic violence field, will address the role of men in stopping violence against women. Local resources, including the Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center and the Blackburn Center, will be introduced. The event culminates with male participants receiving their shoes and taking part in the walk around campus before returning to the Athletic Center to enjoy complimentary food. To register and for more information: Contact Kendra Kitko, campus counselor, at 724-334-6744 or kxk88@psu.edu. 12:05-1:20 p.m. (Common Hour), Athletic Center.