“The community-focused goal is to spread awareness of the work that MSU does to prevent sexual misconduct and show the resources that are available to respond to sexual misconduct when it happens,” Field Placement Prevention Education Manager Jodie Goodman said. “It’s also about amplifying the voices of student activists on the committee who helped us plan the events. So supporting and energizing those activists are a big part of the work.”

Goodman said students play a big role in planning these events, as students and faculty serve on the 12-person committee from different departments around campus that actively pitch in with what POE is trying to accomplish.  

In 2014, the Obama administration founded the “It’s on us” campaign in hopes to take a stand against sexual violence on college campuses. Since then, it has grown into the nation’s largest nonprofit program dedicated to preventing campus sexual violence, according to the official website. 

Goodman said she believes this campaign helps to actively energize student activists around campuses.  

“There is so much more that all universities can do to promote culture change awareness, consent and resources on campus that folks can actually access.” Goodman said. “So I hope that 'It's on us' at MSU continues to grow and bring more and more students into the work that we’re doing to prevent violence on campus.”

The annual campaign started Monday morning with the Cozy Mug Kickoff that featured a free custom “It’s on us” mug and a schedule of this week's events, which will continue to take place Nov. 7 through Nov. 10.

Tuesday, Nov. 7

The survivor support letters event will allow participants to create messages of support for those affected by gender-based violence. After the event, the messages will be delivered to the MSU Center for Survivors. The event will take place in the Union's first floor lounge from noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

The community is invited to tie dye “It’s on us” tote bags to represent sexual assault and domestic violence awareness. Materials will be provided. The event will take place in the Wells Hall People's Court from 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Participants are invited to leave a green handprint on a white banner, which symbolizes the MSU community’s commitment to combating sexual assault. The event will take place in the Wells Hall People’s Court from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Friday, Nov. 10

Participants in the give back to the community event can assemble self-care kits for End Violence Encounters, a local domestic violence shelter. This will also be a time to learn about MSU Safe Space, which is a campus resource offering safety planning services. The event will take place on the first floor of Brody Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Goodman said that attendance at Monday's event exceeded expectations, and she hopes for similar success throughout the rest of the week.