The Take Back The Night (TBTN) national organization has selected Fordham to be one of 10 campuses nationwide to serve as a Point of Light, which will hold one of these candlelight vigils and serve as a gathering place for survivors and supporters alike.
A vigil at the Lincoln Center campus will begin on the plaza at 7:30 p.m. Fordham College at Lincoln Center students will lead a presentation featuring poems and personal accounts from survivors of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual abuse.
At Rose Hill, a “Be The Light” event will focus on educating community members on bystander intervention.“Everyone has a role and a responsibility to make sure that our community members are safe,” said Kimberly Russell, director of residential life. “I don’t see this as one type of person’s problem—I see it as a community issue. We all have things we can do to make sure our friends are safe.”
On Thursday, April 30, a banner will be displayed outside the McGinley Center (weather permitting), for students, faculty, and staff to sign in support for those who have been affected by violence.
Evening events will kick off at 8 p.m. outside the McGinley Center with a speaker, followed by a 5k “glow in the dark” run around campus. As they race toward Jack Coffey Field, participants will pass signs displaying information about intervening safely when a friend or peer seems to be in danger. In addition, Fordham’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) will be sponsoring a rock-climbing wall.
TBTN is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence. Communities across the country hold TBTN-themed events throughout the month of April, which is sexual assault awareness month.
During the week of April 13, Fordham’s Women’s Empowerment group and the United Student Government’s (USG) sexual misconduct task force sponsored additional awareness-raising and solidarity events, including a “How to Be An Ally” discussion, a candlelight vigil, and a “Speak Out” event at which survivors of sexual violence could share their personal experiences.
The April 30 event is supported by the Office of Residential Life, the Residence Halls Association, the USG sexual misconduct task force, ROTC, the football team, and the women’s basketball team.
]]>Less than one month ago, the nation of Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake that shook the foundations of the Republic. The effects of the earthquake have reached every part of the world, including here at Fordham with several of our students and club leaders personally affected by the disaster.
In light of these events, the Residence Halls Association has decided to rename the 16th Annual AIDS Benefit Auction to the Haiti Relief Auction, a part of Benefit Week 2010 (see below for schedule). The entirety of the proceeds raised during the auction will benefit the Haiti relief efforts, being equally divided between the Catholic Relief Services and the Jesuit Refugee Service.
The event will take place on February 26th, 2010 beginning at 7PM in O’Keefe Commons (O’Hare Hall). It will consist of a silent raffle auction and a live auction, along with performances by several student groups on campus.
We are requesting the help of every department on campus. We are in the process of soliciting donations from various companies in and around New York City. Any donation that your department can make will be greatly appreciated. Already, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., has generously agreed to auction off a dinner with himself for six guests. At past auctions, Facilities has donated a tour for four of the underground tunnels and Keating bell tower, Residential Life has donated the 1st and 2nd Housing Lottery numbers, Security has donated a parking pass, and various Deans and Faculty have donated dinners with themselves.
If you are able to support the auction in either a monetary or non-monetary donation, please contact Michael Trerotola at [email protected] or our advisor Cassie Sklarz at [email protected].
Most importantly, we need attendance. We are asking every facet of this University to actively advertise the event through any resources available to your department. And we cordially invite your department to attend the event as well. With your help, we hope to create an incredible amount of awareness and an event that will greatly benefit the Haitian people.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Benefit Week 2010