March 27, 2018

Green Dot Week to raise awareness of violence prevention program

Northwest Missouri State University will raise awareness of its Green Dot program, an initiative to educate individuals about ways to reduce violence, during Green Dot Week, April 9-14.

Green Dot is federally supported bystander intervention program intended to help reduce incidents of stalking, partner violence and sexual assault. The initiative is based on a national violence-prevention strategy that advocates for community playing a key role in motivating a non-violent culture, and creating a safe campus.

A “green dot” represents a moment when an individual uses words, behaviors or actions to stop a harmful action, or “red dot.” A green dot may be created from an action as simple as providing someone a safe ride home or checking in with a friend because of an uncomfortable situation.

Green Dot Launch Week activities are listed below. For more information about Northwest’s Green Dot program, contact Danielle Koonce, Northwest’s Green Dot coordinator at dkoonce@nwmissouri.edu.

All week

Snapchat Contest: Send a snapchat to @NWGreenDot explaining why you care about Green Dot and violence prevention for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card.

Monday, April 9

Faculty/Staff Lunch & Learn: Faculty and staff have an opportunity to learn how to support bystander intervention. RSVP to dkoonce@nwmissouri.edu. (noon to 1 p.m. J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom)

Wednesday, April 11

CARE Social: Visit this social to meet members of CARE, an organization that promotes healthy relationships and violence prevention. (5 to 6 p.m., Student Senate office, Student Union second floor)

Saturday, April 14

Green Dot Student Certification: Learn realistic ways to interrupt violence as a bystander, plus add to your résumé. Register yourself or recommend someone at www.nwmissouri.edu/greendot. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Student Union Boardroom)