Official student organizations aren’t the only way to get involved on campus. #PaceUEndRape is a grassroots student initiative that looks to “sustain activism on behalf of the Pace student community.” While they focus on bringing awareness to sexual assault and combating rape culture, the organization also desires to combat the apathy of Pace students and get students involved in activist work.
The group started after a Huffington Post article was released about a mishandled rape case on campus. Two of the founders felt that something had to be done and they mobilized through Twitter. They created the hashtag, #PaceUEndRape, and started tweeting. An incoming freshman felt passionate about the cause after receiving one of their tweets and immediately began to work on updating Pace University’s sexual assault policies. Together with the help of others, the three girls created the student initiative. That was in August of 2014. Almost two years later, the group has accomplished so much and is expanding day by day.
As the group grows, they are committed to creating and promoting leadership throughout. This year the leadership team has expanded. They’ve also decentralized their leadership and encourage their members to take part in decision-making. In their eyes, they want members to feel as though they can lead something and to be confident in their abilities. The organization is not only about spreading awareness but creating a space where students can grow as leaders and activists. #PaceUEndRape welcomes everyone and believes that activism is for everyone.
The group also focuses on community building. To do this, they have reached out through many different events. When I sat down with some of the leadership team, we talked about some of their most successful events. #PacePurpleThursday stuck out to them first and foremost. It was held in October 2015 and ended with a march through the cafeteria with chants, posters and student activists in purple looking to make a change.
Another event that stuck out to them was one that was held last year. Members of #PaceUEndRape held posters that had survivor love letters written on them. It was a moving event that allowed for them to step outside their comfort zones and be face to face with the Pace community. Most recently, they held a successful Chalking for Consent event. They were set up in front of One Pace Plaza, where participants wrote messages about consent in chalk on the sidewalks. There were vegan baked goods and “Recipe for Consent” cards.
The student initiative has grown greatly in its almost two years of existence. They show how much good can be done when students come together for an important cause. I had a wonderful time sitting down with some of the leadership team to discuss the organization and can testify to what a great initiative they are.
If you’re interested in joining with them to further the movement and carry out their mission, you can attend one of their meetings on Thursdays from 3:25 to 4:35 in E322.
Email @ paceuendrape@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
Links: #PaceUEndRape | #PacePurple Thursday | Survivor Love Letters | Chalking for Consent