Male Trekkers Sought for Utah State’s ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ Fundraiser

Utah State University is seeking more than a few good men to don women’s high heels for a comic spectacle Wednesday, April 6, to raise funds for a serious issue. In observation of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the university’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office sponsors “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”

 

“We’re asking male students, faculty, staff and community members to put on high heels and walk a mile-long course through campus,” said Rachel Hickman, SAAVI coordinator. “We ask others to sponsor each walker to raise funds for campus sexual assault education and prevention efforts.”

 

Hickman said many perceive rape, sexual assault and domestic violence as women’s issues, yet research indicates educational efforts aimed at men are powerful tools in violence prevention.

 

“Inviting men to become allies in ending violence sends a powerful message,” she said. “When men publicly stand up and show their commitment, their actions encourage other men to start thinking about how they personally can do their part to end violence.”

 

Money raised from the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and commence and end on the Taggart Student Center patio, will fund the university’s newly-formed “One in Four” Chapter, along with other campus rape prevention education efforts. One in Four is a nationwide network of all-male peer education groups on college campuses aimed at reducing sexual assault and violence. The organization takes its name from a U.S. Department of Justice study that estimates the number of college women who have experienced rape or attempted rape since the age of 14. Utah State recently hosted the lone Utah stop on the national “One in Four” tour, which originated at the College of William and Mary.

 

Men who wish to participate in the April 6 event should contact Hickman at 435-797-1510 for a pledge sheet and further information. Prizes will be awarded to the individual walker who raises the most funds and to the most enthusiastic walker, as well as to the organization with the most participants. Sponsors are asked to donate a flat fee for the walker of their choice or they can make contributions to containers posted along the course on the day of the event. All contributions are tax deductible.

 

The fundraiser walk is sponsored by the Associated Students of Utah State University, ASUSU Government Relations Committee, Utah State University Dining Services and the student-led Campus Alliance Against Violence.

 

Also on April 6, SAAVI presents the play, Judgment. Written by Brigham Young University professor Eric Samuelson and performed in a reader’s theatre format, the play explores date rape. Originally written for the BYU audience, Samuelson has adapted the play for a general audience. Performances are at 3 p.m. in the Colony Room and at 7 p.m. in the Walnut Room, both in the Taggart Student Center.

 

Parking for the fundraiser and the play is available in the university parking terrace at 850 E. 700 North, which is adjacent to the TSC. The TSC is a short walk from the Veterinary Science building bus stop on 700 North on Logan Transit District Route 4.