Volunteers needed for 2024 Hawk Week sexual violence prevention program

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Sexual Assault Prevention & Education Center (SAPEC) is seeking faculty, staff and graduate students to volunteer their time for the Jayhawks Give a Flock bystander intervention program.

This mandatory program will provide incoming students with the skills they need to identify behavior that puts others at risk for violence, victimization or perpetration. The program empowers students to support survivors of sexual violence, as well as speak out against rape myths and sexist language.

More than 4,400 students were trained during Hawk Week 2023. This August, SAPEC needs at least 250 volunteers, 175 of whom will facilitate one or more group sessions, which are offered Aug. 18 and 24.

Facilitators will train incoming students to be active bystanders against sexual violence, and additional volunteers will assist with directing students to their assigned sessions or providing further support.

SAPEC is willing to work with volunteers to accommodate their scheduling needs. Child care for children ranging from 18 months to 12 years will be provided Aug. 24 for participating volunteers through Hilltop Child Development Center.

Volunteers and facilitators can sign up for the following shifts:

Sunday, Aug. 18

• Session 1: 9-11 a.m.              

Saturday, Aug. 24:

• Session 1: 9-11 a.m.
• Session 2: Noon-2 p.m.
• Session 3: 3-5 p.m.

Lunch will be catered Aug. 24. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt. For those who assist with three or more sessions, a special gift will be provided. 

SAPEC will provide training for units and departments that have several individuals interested in facilitating. Any faculty, staff or graduate student interested in volunteering can fill out this form or email SAPEC Program Coordinator Jaclyn Carpenter at carpenterjaclyn@ku.edu.

Individuals who volunteer to facilitate Jayhawks Give a Flock sessions will receive information about facilitator training via email.