Dear Volunteers,
Each year the Office of Title IX and partners across campus work to push forward our Title IX Commitment. We challenge ourselves to find innovative and inclusive ways to do this work. October 12–13, one of our best resources, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education and Duke University are co-hosting the Third Annual Action Collaborative Public Summit.
As a founding member of the Action Collaborative, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is honored to participate in the summit and be part of resource development related to sexual violence prevention. The annual event brings together a diverse group, including members and partner network organizations of the Action Collaborative, the broader higher education community, sexual violence and harassment researchers, sexual harassment response practitioners, grassroots and nonprofit organizations, public and private foundations, and federal and state policy makers. The virtual event is free and registration is open.
When we talk with students, faculty, and staff about preventing violence we ask everyone to be a leader in the room during the training, but more importantly in the rooms where they can effect change. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that you are part of the solution. Each of us has a role to play, and there are multiple ways to engage in this work:
- You can be an ACTive Bystander who acknowledges the situation, considers your options, and takes the action.
- Graduate students, faculty, and staff can register for ACTive Bystander training this fall.
- Students can request ACTive Bystander training from the Center for Health Education and Wellness and can apply to become a Vol 2 Vol Peer Health Educator.
All Vols can help members of our community by encouraging each other to reach out for support. You can always bring questions, concerns, and ideas to the Office of Title IX.
I look forward to working with you.
With gratitude,
Ashley