Vice Chair of the Board of Regents, Jack L. Fortner | The University of New Mexico
Vice Chair of the Board of Regents, Jack L. Fortner | The University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is set to host The Real Flex: Engaging Men & Masculine People in Violence Prevention, marking their first-ever event centered around this theme. Organized by UNM’s Coordinated Community Response Team in collaboration with the Women’s Resource Center, LoboRESPECT, and the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the conference is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Building on UNM's main campus.
April is recognized in the United States as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), dedicated to raising public awareness and developing prevention strategies against sexual violence.
Àine McCarthy, director of UNM's Women's Resource Center, emphasized the importance of these discussions: "One way we honor the lived experiences of survivors on our campus and the trust they place in us is by doing everything possible to prevent these harms from occurring. That’s why discussions about prevention are inspiring; everyone has a role to play.”
Participants at the conference will hear from Eric Scott, UNM’s vice president of Student Affairs, who will open the event. The agenda includes interactive workshops and discussions, such as "Embodying Consent" and a "Survivor’s Panel." The latter will feature survivors sharing personal stories, guided by WRC advocates.
A keynote presentation titled “A Night to Forget: The Intersection of Alcohol and Consent” will cover the effects of alcohol on consent and will prompt participants to consider community and personal strategies for safer environments.
Tonya Covington of Peacemakers LLC will conduct a session on Restorative Justice (RJ), focusing on repair and apology. The day will conclude with a discussion led by Jose Sam Lechuga and Greg Golden on unlearning toxic masculinity through "The Masks We Live In."
According to McCarthy, “We are proud to work with the leaders of Sigma Chi Fraternity. They have worked hard to make this conference impactful to every attendee.”
The event aims to include men as survivors, allies, and active bystanders in efforts to cultivate a culture of consent across UNM fraternities. Lunch will be provided for attendees who register for the full day. UNM students, alumni, staff, and faculty members are invited to participate.
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