Four Bluffton University social work majors kicked off a social campaign against sexual violence on October 25.
A sign created at the BU Against Sexual Violence kickoff event. Photo by Olivia Daugherty.
Genoa Arling, Samantha Shardo, Alejandra Valenzuela and Nina McGinn are at the forefront of the campaign titled “Bluffton University Against Sexual Violence.”
The campaign is a part of the SWK303 Practice 3 class. The class, taught by Walt Paquin, has the focus on “macro-social work” focus, which is a focus on policy making and social change. The students had to pick a social issue on campus and to create a campaign on it.
Alejandra Valenzuela presenting on what Title IX is at the kickoff event. Photo by Olivia Daugherty.
“We decided to pick this because we thought it was something people struggled with on campus,” said Shardo, a senior social work major. “I know from past experience that I only took one Title IX class, and it was with a bunch of football, basketball and volleyball players. It was only 30 minutes, and it wasn’t enough.”
The goal for the campaign is better Title IX training on campus, with a focus on education and resources for Bluffton students.
“We want people to know sexual assault is not a part of the college experience,” said Valenzuela, a senior social work and psychology major. “We want to make that change to let people know they should not be scared of speaking up.”
Genoa Arling presenting on the social issue side of the campaign at the kickoff event. Photo by Olivia Daugherty.
The campaign’s leaders reached out to different groups and organizations for support. Afterwards, they will make a proposal to Phill Talavinia, vice president of student affairs and athletics, to create changes to the Title IX training.
“If he [Talavinia] makes suggestions, we will go from there,” said Arling, a senior social work and psychology major. “But we are hoping for a ‘yes’ eventually.”
Caitlin Bennett creating a sign at the kickoff event. Photo by Olivia Daugherty.
The kickoff event featured sign making, food and a presentation by the campaign leaders. The goal for the event was to make the campaign better known and to spread awareness of Title IX.
“I think it’s important for this issue to be known,” said McGinn, a senior social work and criminal justice major. “We are trying to get better training and education for students on campus. Do not be afraid to reach out.”
