Cassie Forsyth | Co Copy Editor

On Sunday, April 28, the Gender and Women’s Studies (GWST) Program at Buena Vista University (BVU) is hosting a 5K run/walk, starting in Sunset Park at 1 p.m. The event’s goal is to raise awareness of the dangers of sexual assault. Registration is $10 until April 17, or participants can register the day of the event for $12. The fee will include a t-shirt, and profits will go to the Center Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA) in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Professor of English and Gender and Women’s Studies Program Coordinator Annamaria Elsden wanted her Intro to Gender and Women’s Studies class to get involved in a civic engagement program during the month of April to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The class is planning this event in order to turn awareness into action by inviting everyone to join the event and race to eliminate sexual assault.

Elsden was in contact with Victim Advocate and Buena Vista/Sac County Coordinator Jenny Ahlers early on in the semester about how the class could help CAASA.

“Her main goal was raising awareness about sexual assault, but a secondary goal, given the fact that CAASA is always short of funds, was raising some money to donate,” Elsden said.

Elsden also believes both the community and class will benefit from the event.

“I think a 5K event serves the purpose of increasing health and wellness in the community,” Elsden said, “For the class, I was hoping that students would get some experience in working together to organize a major event. In the process, I think we have all learned more about sexual assault, the resources available to victims, and what we can do to help out.”

Freshman Grace Wilkinson plans to participate in the event.

“This is an important event because this is a good opportunity to make the public more aware of this serious issue. Together we can try to stop the violence,” Wilkinson said.

To register for the event, e-mail Kirsten Van Zuiden ([email protected]) with your name and t-shirt size. If you are unable to attend the event, you may still buy a t-shirt for $10. CAASA shirts will also be available for purchase at the event. You can bring your registration money the day of the event of drop the money off at BVU’s business office.

Contact Annamaria Elsden ([email protected]) for more questions.

Graphic courtesy of Cassie Forsyth