Abuse, Harassment, Assault, Rape: Not on my Campus
There is so much you can do whether it’s virtual or on campus to raise awareness of sexual violence in colleges and universities. Here are some ideas:
Build a Team
Creating change around issues of sexual violence in colleges and universities is a big task and you can’t do it alone. Gather the support of friends, classmates, faculty, administrators and activists you know who have shown interest in this issue, leaders and members of existing clubs on campus. Student clubs are a great way to plug into collective actions, consider starting a club. Learn how to at bit.ly/clubhowto
Bring Denim Day to Your college or university
Denim Day is not only about wearing jeans, but also about collective action to support survivors and educate ourselves and others about sexual violence. Schools are perfect spaces to cultivate activism to end sexual violence. You can do this in person or virtually. Here are some ideas for you to consider:
Sexual Violence Community Forums
Consider hosting one or more sexual assault community forum with your college administration, relevant staff and campus safety officials. You can safely host these virtually. If your group has prepared reform demands, you may want to present some of these demands at the end of the forum and share with the larger community how to get involved and stay in the loop on the progress of your campaign’s actions.
Digital Awareness Efforts, and Wearable Merchandise
Schools will often let your group post digital art in support of survivors on your college’s websites or social media platforms to raise awareness about sexual and relationship violence and/or also help you gain support for your campaign. Wearable merchandise and swag with messaging can serve as an effective form of protest when worn by students. Check out our online shop for some!
The (Virtual) Clothesline Project
Survivors of violence and allies are invited to decorate a t-shirt speaking out against sexual violence and hang it amongst other t-shirts with messaging as a display that spreads awareness. Upon the Covid-19 pandemic, several colleges held virtual Clothesline Projects. Check out what University of Virginia did!
Organized (Virtual) Rallies
If your college community permits, mobilizing people, for virtual rallies can be an effective ways to gather attention for your cause. A committed group of activists can gain attention and support with virtual rallies, especially if you choose to invite media or renowned speakers. Create motivating digital art and posters (like custom Zoom backgrounds) and ask campus activists, survivors, and experts to share testimonies to deliver to your gathered virtual crowd.
(Virtual) Take Back the Night
A national movement in which events are organized to raise awareness about sexual violence. See takebackthenight.org for details. Many colleges and universities are hosting Take Back The Night virtual events that include activities such as social media campaigns, virtual survivor speak-outs and virtual candlelight vigils. Check out Ohio University’s Take Back the Night virtual event!
Virtual Campaign Actions
You may also want to engage your community and put pressure on your college/university’s administration through virtual actions. These include virtual meetings with decision-makers, presenting reform proposals/demands, outreach to media, writing articles, open letters, petitions and social media campaigns, among other virtual activist efforts. Some ideas are:
Writing Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor
Create Your Own Digital Media
Host a Screening of The Hunting Ground or another film
Distribution and placement of Digital Posters, e-Flyers and Digital Art
Contact Alumni Allies
Inform and Involve Parents
Learn more at: