Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 24th, SLC feminist group FLUX will be gathering for the college’s 5th Annual Take Back the Night. Historically, Take Back The Night is an evening to commemorate survivors of sexual assault and violence through a march, rally with survivor testimonials, and a candelight vigil. This year, after a good deal of discussion, FLUX has chosen to alter the format of the event.
This year, FLUX is putting out an open call to writers of prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and song, as well as visual artists, and encourages all students, faculty, and staff to submit. Tomorrow evening, all interested participants will gather in A*Space for a workshop to organize those interested in reading, and to create collectively spoken word pieces about sexual assault, violence, and community. On Thursday, April 24th, in a space of community healing and unity, FLUX will host a speak-out on the North Lawn. Participants will be asked to place their reasons for “taking back the night” in an effigy, which will be burned at the end of the evening. The effigy serves as both a symbol of the dismantling of a system of violence, as well as a celebration of the successful campaign FLUX has led in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs in re-writing the college’s Sexual Assault Policy and establishing student voice in strengthening an education and prevention program based on consent.
If you would like to be a part of this year’s Take Back the Night, please RSVP with your name and the media type you would like to share to FLUX by Monday, April 21, 2008. If you would like your piece read anonymously at Take Back the Night, please indicate so in your email, with the piece attached. Confidentiality is respected.