Last semester marked the first pledge drive for the No More Campaign. With a successful turnout of pledges the university has jumped on board for the national #NoMoreWeek. 

No More Week began March 8 and will continue through March 14. 

According to the No More website, the campaign “is a national effort to engage every individual, organization or corporation to say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault and to make domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention a priority year-round.”

With students being thankful for the pledge drive that previously took place, this week is the perfect way in which Southeastern can become nationally involved in helping to prevent and stop sexual assault violence. 

“Last semester’s debut for the first pledge drive was received very well by the University and students,” said Assistant Director for Office of Student Conduct Antoinette Alack.  “We collected about 250 pledges. Many students expressed their appreciation for bringing this topic to the public. March is National Sexual Assault Month. We wanted Southeastern to be a part of this national call for prevention with others across the nation, so we jumped on board to extend the drive and invite the campus to visually express their support for this cause. It’s a heavy conversation to publicize, but we have to do it. It is not okay to abuse a person emotionally, financially, physically or sexually.”

Monday, the pledge drive began with the Student Government Association and Student Outreach and Advocacy Representatives collecting pledges in the union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students were asked to write why they say “No More” to domestic and sexual violence. The pledge they signed will be taped to the No More wall. Students can continue to pledge in the union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Thursday. 

Today, the Southeastern Sociology Association will present “Chains of Motivation” in the Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Also, today through Thursday the Alpha Psi Omega National Honors Theatrical Society will present vignettes-short theatrical productions each day around noon demonstrating incidents of behaviors. 

Thursday at noon will be the Photo Challenge. All are encouraged to attend. 

“Rain, sleet or shine, on March 12 at noon we will be giving out donuts to represent the No More symbol and gather together to take a picture as one large campus coalition illustrating how ‘Southeastern Says No More,’” said Alack. “We are hoping for a large turnout for the photograph generating a powerful illustration for our campus supporting this cause. All students, organizations, Greeks, come out in your colors and letters. Be a part of the solution.”

It is important to remember Southeastern has rules and policies in place for the protection of all on campus. Bringing awareness to the university was part of the reason that this campaign had its start-up. 

“With the help of Stephanie Travis, SGA President and S.O.A.R., both have been a huge help in getting this campaign off and running,” said Alack. “Many students share in our same beliefs on this initiative to inform and encourage students to speak out against violence and report it. Our main objective is to inform the student body that Southeastern cares, that we have policies in place that prohibit sexual and domestic violence. We want to empower students that they have a voice to stand up against these violent behaviors. In the fall, we created a Violence Prevention webpage. Students are encouraged to view our Violence Prevention webpage for more information on victim rights, how to file a report, available campus resources and services.”

The Violence Prevention webpage can be found on the Southeastern website. To find out more about the No More campaign, visit the website at nomore.org. To find out how to get involved with the No More campaign or interested in joining S.O.A.R., email Alack at [email protected]. 

“Don’t be a bystander,” said Alack. “Anyone witnessing an act of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking should take safe, positive action to prevent harm or otherwise intervene. Examples of safe, positive intervention include contacting University Police and/or assisting the victim to a safe location away from the harmful person or event.”