Volunteers sought to facilitate violence prevention program

Iowa State is participating in a national violence prevention program that focuses on awareness and bystander training through workshops and education. Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to serve as facilitators for the campus-wide initiative that's based on curriculum developed by the Green Dot etc. nonprofit organization.

Jazzmine Hudson, sexual misconduct prevention coordinator in the dean of students office, is coordinating ISU's Green Dot program. She said the initiative will help address power-based violence, such as sexual assault and dating violence.

"The Green Dot training allows us to learn persuasive strategies and presentation skills," Hudson said. "This approach helps reduce violence through awareness, education and action."

Interim dean of students Keith Robinder said Green Dot was selected because of its evidence-based approach to ending sexual violence.

"The emphasis on student engagement and bystander intervention is a great fit for the culture of student involvement at Iowa State," said Robinder, who chairs the sexual misconduct leadership committee.

Volunteers needed

Faculty and staff can volunteer as facilitators for ISU's Green Dot program, which includes a commitment to 40 hours of training (eight hours daily), July 10-14. Once certified by Green Dot, facilitators will help implement the program on campus in several ways, including:

  • Presentations to groups and units
  • Social media strategies
  • Campus community initiatives
  • Working with student peer wellness educators

Volunteers are expected to facilitate at least two presentations to campus groups, organizations or units each semester as their schedules allow -- about eight to 20 hours per academic year. Quarterly development sessions also are provided for facilitators. Training is free of charge.

Faculty and staff interested in volunteering to become a facilitator can email greendot@iastate.edu or call 294-1020 by June 23.