FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maya Andlig
(805) 756-6479
Cal Poly Women’s Center to Host Annual ReMEmber Week April 16-23
SAN LUIS OBISPO –The Cal Poly Women’s Center will host events
both on
and off campus during its annual ReMEmber Week April 16-23 in an effort
to raise awareness about sexual assault and violence against women.
Cal Poly’s ReMEmber program began in 1999 as a support network
for
survivors of sexual assault, and in remembrance of students Rachel
Newhouse, Aundria Crawford and Kristin Smart, all victims of violence
against women on the Central Coast.
This year’s ReMEmber Week for the first time includes a memorial
event
at the Jennifer Street Bridge in San Luis Obispo, where Cal Poly student
Rachel Newhouse was attacked and abducted on Nov. 12, 1998.
“It’s intended to be a time where the community can come
together and
collectively heal,” said Jenn Yost, student organizer of the event.
“We
invite anyone who has a story to share to come and bring artwork,
flowers or poetry to decorate the bridge as a community statement
against this kind of crime.”
All events are open to the public and most are free. “Our goal
is to
acknowledge the fact that these crimes occur on a regular basis and to
come together as a community to offer support for survivors,” said
Maya
Andlig, coordinator of gender and sexuality programs on campus.
Events scheduled for the week include:
Friday April 16
• Bridge Memorial – remembering victims and survivors of sexual
assault and violence. (Jennifer St. Bridge, San Luis Obispo 4-6 p.m.)
Monday April 19
• “Violence in the Media” workshop – emphasizing
the exploitation of
“beauty, pornography and sadomasochism” the media. (University
Union
220, 11 a.m.-noon.)
• Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense Class – a women-only
event
focusing on assertiveness, awareness and defense techniques. (UU lounge,
6-10 p.m. Reservations $10.)
Tuesday April 20
• Red Handprint Free Speech Hour – presenting statistics,
stories,
interactive booths and an art installation. (UU Plaza, 11 a.m.-noon.)
• Dating Violence in the LGBT Community – focusing on health
issues
relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples. (UU 218, 1-2
p.m.)
• Night Hike – hikers will paint Cal Poly’s famous “P,”
located on
the hill overlooking the campus, to commemorate the week. (Meet in the
Women’s Center, UU 217, at 5:15 p.m.)
• Lights Out, Speak Out – a women-only event asking students
and
community members to share their stories and experiences. (UU 217, 8-9
p.m.)
Wednesday April 21
• “Red Flags for Respectful Relationships” workshop
– focusing and
preparing faculty, students and staff to identify the warning signs of
dating violence and how to respond. (UU 220, 11 a.m.-noon)
• Sexual Assault Round Table and Panel Discussion – a designated
time to address questions, increase understanding and discuss the ways
sexual assault and rape are handled in San Luis Obispo. (UU 220, 6
p.m.-7:30 p.m.)
Thursday April 22
• Women’s Day in the Plaza – a day of pampering, massage,
aromatherapy and more. (UU Plaza, 11a.m.-1 p.m.)
• Take Back the Night rally, concert and barbecue – featuring
musical performances by Magdalen Hsu-Li, and folk artist Dre. Also
including slam poetry, the Body Image Project, body cast artwork and
more (UU Plaza 5 p.m.-10 p.m.)
Friday April 23
• Sexual Assault Response Training – reservation required.
Training
course teaching the basics of being a supportive responder. (UU 220, 2-
5 p.m. Call 756-2600 to reserve a space.)
For more information, contact the Cal Poly Women’s Center at
756-2600 or visit the event Web site at http://remember.calpoly.edu/.
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