2015 Avon Foundation grants to educate bystanders
Western Connecticut State University recently received a $10,000 grant from the Avon Foundation for Women.
The grant is through the foundation’s “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence” initiative. It will fund the Bystander Intervention initiatives at WCSU, specifically the “Where You Do Stand?” campaign and training to reduce sexual assault, dating abuse and stalking. Participants will learn techniques and strategies for healthy invention and gain an understanding of bystander intervention theory. The university is continuing its partnership with the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury for this effort.
This is the first year WCSU has received funding from the Avon Foundation. Founded in 1955, the foundation is the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on women’s issues. Through 2014, it has contributed nearly $1 billion in more than 50 countries. In addition to reducing domestic and gender violence, Avon also focuses on funding breast cancer research and advancing access to quality care.
“We believe that all students should have the skills necessary to intervene in problematic situations and create a culture on campus of engagement, activism, and responsibility,” said Ann Rodwell-Lawton, program manager of education and outreach, The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury.
For more information on “Where Do You Stand?”contact Sharon Guck at gucks@wcsu.edu or Rayna Havelock from the Women’s Center at havalockr@wcsu.edu, rayna.h@wcogd.org.