Scott Kerr hopes men will join him in coming days for a series of events intended to draw attention to the ongoing social problem of violence against women.
White Ribbon Campaign co-ordinator Scott Kerr place large white ribbons throughout campus beginning Monday, as a sign of men opposing violence against women.
As University Students’ Council White Ribbon Campaign co-ordinator, the fifth-year Psychology/Geography student wants to inspire other men to stand up in a public way against violence against women.
The campus White Ribbon Campaign runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 6.
“The issue hasn’t been solved. This is one of those things where we need to continue to create awareness,” says Kerr. “It’s one of those things where across the board, everyone is against it. It’s a cause that everyone can get behind.”
Started in Canada 18 years ago, the White Ribbon Campaign has grown to more than 55 countries, with campaigns led by both men and women.
There are many ways individuals can make a difference, says Kerr, including challenging others to speak out, educating young people, volunteering and simply raising public awareness of the issue.
Kerr says there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the week, including a chance to speak with representatives from the Sexual Assault Centre London, Changing Ways, Women’s Issues Network, and The V-Day Campaign.
Information booths will be set up in the UCC Atrium throughout the week.
There will also be guest speakers, films and a silent sit-in scheduled throughout the week.
On Dec. 3 at 1 p.m., the entire campus community is invited to participate in a ceremony
commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, when 14 female students at the École Polytechnique were killed and 13 other students wounded by a lone gunman, the worst single-day massacre in Canadian history.
Kerr is hopeful those who take part during the week will emerge from the experience with more than a white ribbon.
“I want to make it not just informative but functional; give people the opportunity to get involved and change what’s happening,” he says.
For more information on the campaign, visit whiteribboncampaign.ca.
White Ribbon Campaign activities Monday, Nov. 30 Film, UCC Atrium: ‘White Ribbon Campaign Canada’, shown throughout day, 9 am – 5 pm Speaker: Counsellor from Changing Ways, 11:30 am in UCC Atrium
Tuesday, Dec. 1 Speaker: Counsellor from Changing Ways, 11:30 am in UCC Atrium Women’s Issues Network Coffee House: 1-3 pm, UCC Atrium
Wednesday, Dec. 2 Film, UCC Atrium: ‘After the Massacre’, throughout the day, 9 am – 5 pm Speaker: Counsellor from Changing Ways, 11:30 am, UCC Atrium Speaker: Trevor Hinds, Director of Changing Ways, 2 pm, UCC Atrium
Thursday, Dec. 3 Silent sit-in throughout the day in UCC Atrium Montreal Massacre Ceremony: 1 pm
Friday, Dec. 4 Various films shown in UCC Atrium throughout the day
Saturday, Dec. 5 1-3 pm: ‘Polytechnique’ film viewing, discussion. McKellar Room, UCC
Sunday, Dec. 6 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, ceremony in Victoria Park ‘Dining to Make a Difference’ at various London restaurants