Take Back the Night returns to Macomb
University Relations
Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: News
The Western Illinois University Women's Center will host its 20th annual Take Back the Night (TBTN) march and rally on Thursday, Oct. 8 to increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. ??
Held in collaboration with the Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services Program and a number of campus and community organizations as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this year's event theme is "Fight Fears, Wipe Tears, 20 Years: Show Your Light - Take Back the Night."??
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Western Illinois University's campus in the Sherman Hall Circle Drive. Campus and community organizations that provide violence prevention efforts and support services will display resource tables as well as T-shirt and light stick sales. University Counseling Center and WIRC-Victim Services staff and volunteers will be available to talk with participants if needed.??
According to Women's Center Director Janine Cavicchia, who served on Western's first TBTN planning committee, the event attendance has grown from about 40 participants the first year to more than 600 women, men and children in recent years. ?
"Our event has become the largest in the state of Illinois," Cavicchia said. "We're hoping to have even more attendance this year, not only by WIU
students and employees, but also by Macomb High School and Spoon River College students, as well as other members of the Macomb and surrounding communities."??
The rally, beginning at 7 p.m. on the steps of Sherman Hall, will feature speakers, musical performances, a survivor speak-out and additional remarks by campus and community resource providers and event co-sponsors. Guest speakers will include Western alumna Heather Dorsey, former Western staff member Aliza Golan and current Western student Sophie Simmons.
The march will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. and will travel from campus to the downtown square, ending on the south side where the rally will continue at the McDonough County Courthouse. Anyone wishing to participate but unable to walk the route may contact the Women's Center prior to the march to sign up to ride in a van.???
"We encourage groups to bring their own banners that proudly declare their support of and presence at this event," said Matt Nelson, planning committee chair and Women's Center graduate assistant. ??
Participants may purchase light sticks for $1 each and make a suggested $2 donation for luminaries in honor of victims and survivors of rape, incest, domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence. Take Back the Night T-shirts (short-sleeved) will also be available for $7.
Held in collaboration with the Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services Program and a number of campus and community organizations as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this year's event theme is "Fight Fears, Wipe Tears, 20 Years: Show Your Light - Take Back the Night."??
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Western Illinois University's campus in the Sherman Hall Circle Drive. Campus and community organizations that provide violence prevention efforts and support services will display resource tables as well as T-shirt and light stick sales. University Counseling Center and WIRC-Victim Services staff and volunteers will be available to talk with participants if needed.??
According to Women's Center Director Janine Cavicchia, who served on Western's first TBTN planning committee, the event attendance has grown from about 40 participants the first year to more than 600 women, men and children in recent years. ?
"Our event has become the largest in the state of Illinois," Cavicchia said. "We're hoping to have even more attendance this year, not only by WIU
students and employees, but also by Macomb High School and Spoon River College students, as well as other members of the Macomb and surrounding communities."??
The rally, beginning at 7 p.m. on the steps of Sherman Hall, will feature speakers, musical performances, a survivor speak-out and additional remarks by campus and community resource providers and event co-sponsors. Guest speakers will include Western alumna Heather Dorsey, former Western staff member Aliza Golan and current Western student Sophie Simmons.
The march will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. and will travel from campus to the downtown square, ending on the south side where the rally will continue at the McDonough County Courthouse. Anyone wishing to participate but unable to walk the route may contact the Women's Center prior to the march to sign up to ride in a van.???
"We encourage groups to bring their own banners that proudly declare their support of and presence at this event," said Matt Nelson, planning committee chair and Women's Center graduate assistant. ??
Participants may purchase light sticks for $1 each and make a suggested $2 donation for luminaries in honor of victims and survivors of rape, incest, domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence. Take Back the Night T-shirts (short-sleeved) will also be available for $7.
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