Michigan State University is gearing up for a week of inspiring and educational events that raise awareness of support resources for those impacted by campus sexual assault and relationship violence during the It’s On Us Week of Action, which takes place Nov. 6 to 11. It’s On Us events are inclusive — welcoming all students, staff, faculty and campus partners to participate. This initiative, primarily driven by students, brings together various registered student organizations under the coordination of the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department, or POE. The collective goal is to engage the campus community in grassroots awareness as well as prevention-focused educational programs.

“This week is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and take action to mobilize our community around gender-based violence awareness and prevention,” said Jodie Goodman, the field placement prevention education manager in POE. “It’s On Us serves as a reminder that change starts with each one of us.”

The week features several events, including:

• Monday, Nov. 6: Cozy Mug Kickoff outside Olds Hall, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick up a custom MSU It’s On Us mug and enjoy coffee, tea, cocoa and treats to launch the fall Week of Action.
• Tuesday, Nov. 7: Survivor Support Letters at the MSU Union’s first floor lounge, noon to 2 p.m. Share messages of support for those affected by gender-based violence, which will be delivered to the MSU Center for Survivors.
• Wednesday, Nov. 8: Tie Dye Event at the Wells Hall People’s Court, 4 to 6 p.m. Come make teal and purple It’s On Us tote bags, representing sexual assault and domestic violence awareness. Totes and supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own material.
• Thursday, Nov. 9: Handprint Banner at the Wells Hall People’s Court, 10 a.m. to noon. Leave your green handprint on a large white banner to symbolize our community’s commitment to combating sexual assault and supporting survivors.
• Friday, Nov. 10: Give Back to the Community Event at Brody Square (first floor), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help assemble self-care kits for End Violent Encounters, a Lansing-based domestic violence shelter. Learn about MSU Safe Place, a campus resource offering shelter, advocacy and safety planning services.

This year’s It’s On Us Week of Action events are made possible through the support and partnership of organizations including the Associated Students of Michigan State University, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, MSU Safe Place, MSU Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention, POE and the MSU Residence Halls Association.

The It’s On Us movement was initiated by former President Barack Obama’s administration in 2014 with the aim of encouraging campus communities to take a collective stand against sexual violence. This national week of action, held both in the fall and spring, involves the active participation of student groups and university units and aligns with multiple MSU Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct programs.

To join the planning team for the spring semester’s week of events, email Jodie Goodman. For more information and updates, follow POE on Instagram.