For the past two years, I have worked in the Department of Student Life at MSU on the development of a Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention Program for incoming students. This work piggybacks on my collegiate experience working in male anti-gender violence programming, as well as an internship at the YWCA Domestic Assault Shelter in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I consider my role as a male to be pivotal in the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence, primarily through the ability to use my privilege to challenge other men to understand how their behavior can contribute to the persistence of violence against women.
Within the SARV Prevention Program, I have worked heavily to recruit men and women to become undergraduate peer educators, I have been part of developing training sessions and workshops, and mentoring undergraduate interns. This fall was the first full implementation of the program, and so far has been going very smoothly. We have an energetic and motivated group of Peer Educators, and turnout has been good.
The experience has taught me a good deal about the workings of a University, particularly within the division of Student Affairs. I am also continuing to learn about my abilities as a teacher, leader, and role model for students, as I am filling a position in which my “maleness” is a primary asset; I am expected to connect, recruit, and motivate young men.
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