Take Back the Night!

OU's 29th annual Take Back the Night event, a Student Senate initiative, will kick off Monday, April 14. Women across campus and throughout the Athens community are invited to participate in the week-long event, themed "Empowered: Inside and Out."

Take Back the Night is a women’s movement that started in the 1960s to protest the fear and violence they experienced at nighttime. The first march was organized in Athens in 1979 as a community initiative, and eventually became a student initiative over time.

Take a look at what the week's events will be!

Monday, April 14 ~ Basics Day

Sexual Assault 101
Learn about the different types of sexual assault, how to reduce your risk of being assaulted, and the resources available to survivors.
Baker 233
4 p.m.

Self-Defense Workshop with Cheryl Cesta.
Funded through the Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling.
Baker 231
2:30-4 p.m.

How to Help a Friend
This program helps individuals understand what a friend may be feeling or experiencing after a sexual assault.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
2-4 p.m.

Consensual Sex or Rape? You decide.
Mock Trial put on by the Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling.
Baker 231
6 p.m.

Kick-Off Event
This event will include vegan food and a sign-making workshop in preparation for the March and Rally later in the week. A brief introduction to Take Back the Night and guidance on sign-making will be given by Damon Krane of PeopleMight.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 ~ Women in the World

Assertive Communication for Women
Communication skills are vital to success as a female leader. In this presentation from well-known speaker, M.J. Clark, you will learn to engage in listening, communicate more effectively, become more assertive and handle difficult people. Sponsored by Association for Women in Communication.
Baker Theatre
5 p.m.

Strengthening our Sisters Part III
Use this space to dispel stereotypes, promote understanding and build cultural awareness. Sponsored by the OU chapter of NAACP.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16 ~ Feminism

What is feminism to me?
Panel Discussion Journalism student Lee Robbins will lead a panel of men and women from around campus in a discussion about personal feminism.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
2 p.m.
The Second Rape: how rape myth ideology perpetuates campus violence and harms survivors
OU doctoral student Lindsay Orchowski will lead a discussion on strategies for creating a safer and more supportive campus community.
Baker 237
6 p.m.

Survivor Name Burning
A chance for survivors and supporters to burn the names of sexual assault offenders. The name burning gives individuals a chance to speak or release emotions about past experiences or feelings on sexual assault. A counselor will be present.
West Portico
8 p.m.

Poetry Slam
Enjoy an open space for sharing your poetry and listen to others. Sponsored by Empowered Women of Ohio.
Women’s Center
9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 ~ F*** the patriarchy

Brown Bag Lunch: The Patriarchy
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
12 p.m.

Advanced Self-Defense Workshop with Cheryl Cesta
Sponsored by Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services.
Baker 341
2:30-4 p.m.

Take Back the Night 2008 Rally and March
The highlight of the week, this year’s rally will include several moving speakers and musical performances. The annual Take Back the Night march will follow.
West Portico
7 p.m.

Sing to Stop Sexual Violence
Join women and the men who support them while rockin out to karaoke tunes provided by karaoke Diva Lindsey Daniels of The Sexual Assault Prevention Program. $3 at the door to benefit My Sister’s Place.
Casa Cantina
10 p.m.

Friday, April 18 ~ Women rock.

Closing Concert with Megan Cameron
Megan Cameron is a local artist dedicated to sexual assault prevention. Her unique sound and inspirational lyrics are truly empowering.
Front Room
6 p.m.

Saturday, April 19 ~ Giving back

Athens Beautification Day
As part of this initiative, the Women’s Affairs Commission of Student Senate will make Athens more beautiful by making it safer.

Simple Auto Mechanics for Women
Cost: $8-15 sliding scale. Bring your lunch! To register and get directions, e-mail SusanBAnthony@frognet.net or call 740.448.6424.
Susan B. Anthony Womyn’s Land Trust
11p.m.-3p.m.

Sponsors for Take Back the Night Week 2008: Ohio University Student Senate Women’s Affairs Commission, Ohio University Women’s Center, Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling, PeopleMight, Association for Women in Communication, Ohio University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Health Promotions, Empowered Women of Ohio and University Campus Ministries. Countless others have contributed to the success of this week, and to those people who are not listed here, we thank you!