Owners
What it's all about
White Ribbon Day is an Internationally recognised day. It is the 'International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women', it takes place on the 25th of November annually. The main idea behind the day is to encourage men to speak out against domestic violence. Men and women alike can show their support by wearing a white ribbon. Through such an awareness campaign people are shown that by talking about domestic violence (and giving it no place to hide) the violence can be stopped.
Peoples perceptions of women who suffer abuse in the home must be challenged. A recent poll showed nearly half of the respondents aged between 12-19 thought that Rihanna was ‘responsible’ for the violence she suffered by her partner Chris Brown. Further research has shown that 29% of young people believe that most physical violence occurs in dating because a partner provoked it. This must change.
It is important for people, particularly men to be conscious of their own attitudes and of those of others, and to be aware of positive steps they can take in challenging violence.
As domestic violence is such an emotive issue and can not simply be solved in a day, I believe it will be most effective to run this campaign across several days before November, this means people will be better informed and will hopefully reach more people. For these reasons I would like to begin the campaign on the Wednesday 15th July and have a visual and active presence campaigning in the atrium of the University of Derby every Wednesday until the end of term.
What's needed to make it a reality
In order for such a campaign to be run we need funding for a rollerbanner which can be displayed during the run up to White Ribbon Day and preferably during the University Freshers Fair in September, as it will be viewed by a large number of people during that period. It would also be useful to have a few t-shirts for the campaign team members to wear. Finally we will need some white ribbons, so people can show their support on the run up to the official White Ribbon Day.
Space has been booked in the atrium for the campaign to have a presence across July 2009.
Comments
I'm Sarah from the Junction49 Helpdesk, here to answer any questions and give you all the support and advice you need to turn your idea into reality.
The statistics you mention are really interesting and I'm really surprised to hear that such a high percentage believe that Rihanna was reponsible for the violence she suffered.
What you've got planned should hopefully raise awareness amongst the student population and Jo Wild (your Volunteer Support Officer at Derby) should be able to give you the support and advice you need to get the project off the ground. Her contact details can be found here: http://www.junction49.co.uk/university/44/university_of_derby/ Up until 31st July 2009 students from Derby University can apply for funds up to £750 for their projects, but as your project is going to be taking place in the next academic year we can help you to apply for alternative funding for your project.
If you're quick there's a fund you might be able to apply to today. You can apply for up to £500 in the little fund (as you probably won't need £5000, which is the Big Fund) and it's definitely worth applying to, but deadline for entries is today.
Alternatively there are other funds which you could apply to such as:
• Vcashpoint http://www.vinspired.com/opportunities/vcashpoint/
Young people between 16-25 years old can apply for up to £2500 to set up a project which will make a difference in their communities.
• YouthBank http://www.youthbank.org.uk/
Only provide to local young people. If you go to the website and find out whether there is a YouthBank near you, you can then get in contact to find out about how you can apply for a grant.
If you're 19 or under you can apply for the local Youth Opportunity Fund in your area. Every area has a different amount on offer, but should be more than enough to fund your project.
• Derby http://www.derby.gov.uk/EducationLearning/YouthService/Youth+Opportunities+Fund.htm
If you need any help with funding, please do just let us know. I'm more than happy to help you fill out applications and check over them before you apply.
You might also be interested in campaigns that other Junction49ers have run at their universities. If you want to find out more, you can click on the links provided below, read all about it and then comment on them too. They might be able to offer you some advice in setting up your campaign.
http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/1879/world_aids_day_awareness_campaign/
http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2124/zombies_for_nuclear_apocalypse/
http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2110/home_safe_campaign/
http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/1887/the_h_campaign/
I hope that's useful. Just let us know what else you need!
Hope to hear from you soon,
Sarah
Junction49 Helpdesk
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I thought you might be interested in this article I just read as it relates exactly to what you are doing.
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/bulletins/Daily-Bulletin/news/895192/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
Sarah Report Abuse
Thanks for logging your idea - I'm looking forward to seeing this up and running - it's such an emotive issue. I'm going to have a look at the funding options Sarah has suggested and get back to you when I know more.
Cheers for now, Jo
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I come from the solihull sixth form college and i am on the school council. Thank you for bringing the 'International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women' to my attention. I am going to find a way to raise awearness of it in our college common room as i think that it is a really important issue. Hope all goes well.
Cassie Report Abuse
How did your project go? You can update everyone by filling in a diary entry and it might inspire others to get involved and do something themselves for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women'. Are you going to be doing anything at the university on this day?
Shout if you need any help,
Sarah Report Abuse
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