New Semester

Hey WARriors!
It's a new semester, and WAR is actively recruiting for members!  Since we're trying to introduce ourselves to new students on campus (and reintroduce ourselves to veteran students!), I'll start this post by reviewing who we are and what we do.  WAR is a fairly new student organization on campus, and we fall under the umbrella of WellWVU.  We are focused on education (very HANDS ON education! :) that is geared towards women.  We work closely with WellWVU, the University Police, and in conjunction with other wellness organizations on campus to educate young women on how to avoid dangerous situations, how to remove yourself from dangerous situations, and what to do in the event that you become the victim of a sexual assault.  We provide education in a variety of ways, including Drop a Cop demonstrations, educational talks and demonstrations of self defense techniques, and through providing information about the PROTECT program run by the University Police.  We are available to do many of these events for any size group--large or small!  We have worked with small PROTECT groups and even whole sorority houses to educate and empower women to make smart decisions and keep themselves and their friends safe.  We want to reach as many women at WVU as we can, but we can't do it without your help!  We need dedicated members who can help us plan and execute programs and events throughout the semester.  Since we are still relatively unknown, we need as much publicity as possible!  Spread the word about us, and become a WARrior today!  For more information, email wvuWAR@gmail.com, check us out on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/groups/283565038117/), or follow us on Twitter (wvuWAR).  We hope to see you at our next meeting, 8/30 at 7:30pm in the Vandalia Lounge at the Mountainlair.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

It's April, which means it is now sexual assault awareness month!  WAR, in conjunction with UPD, will be hosting a variety of events to raise awareness about women's safety sexual assault.  We will kick off the month with our first event, tonight at 7:00pm at the AOPi sorority house.  We will be giving a talk about safety and sexual assault, and university police will be on hand to demonstrate some basic self-defense techniques.  Join us for these other events:
Thursday, April 7th, 12-3pm:  Drop a Cop in front of the Mountainlair
Thursday, April 7th, 7-9pm:  Take Back the Night on the Mountainlair green
Sunday, April 10th:  FMLA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Thursday, April 14th, 12-3pm:  Bake Sale!  Proceeds benefit WAR activities
Thursday, April 21st, 12-3pm:  MACED!  Mace a University Police Officer with inert mace
Thursday, April 28th, 12-3pm:  Drink Coasters...Do you know your drink is safe?

If you're a member of WAR, check our Google documents page to sign up to help us.  If you're not a member and want to get involved, email us at wvuWAR@gmail.com and ask how you can help.  If you're just curious, stop by any of our great events and see what WAR is all about!

First WAR meeting of the semester

Hey all!  Hopefully everyone has had a good break and classes are going well so far!  This is just a reminder that we will be having our first WAR meeting of the semester this Thursday, January 13th at 7:00pm in the Mountainlair Lounge (if you're not sure where that is, it is directly to your left when you walk in the front doors of the Mountainlair.  There are chairs and couches.)  We will be talking about new ideas for a productive semester, which should include fund raising ideas, classes and events (we have new mats!).  If you have any ideas or would like to see what we are going to be doing, please attend!  Everyone's opinions are helpful and will benefit the organization as a whole.  If you've never been to a meeting, please consider attending and becoming involved in this worthwhile group which will, by the way, look great on your resume! :)

WAR in the news!

'Playing safe’ is main concern for police and student group
By Josh Cooper
The Daily Athenaeum

New students should never compromise their own safety while attempting to get tipsy, local safety enforcement organizations said.

Members of the University Police Department and Women Against Rape, an organization promoting sexual assault awareness, are urging students to be more aware of safety on campus while drinking.

UPD suggests students keep their rooms locked at all times to help prevent sexual assault and robberies.

"The number one thing for students is to keep their doors locked," said Lt. Brian Hoxter of the UPD. "Most crimes are crimes of opportunity."

Students should also travel in well lit areas and lock up their valuables, Hoxter added.

UPD provides tips and support on their website for both preventing and coping with sexual assault. Some tips include when it comes to alcohol consumption, communicating clearly, being aware of your surroundings and trusting your feelings, he said.

It is important for students to drink in moderation and to always have friends to check in with.

More than 80 percent of all sexual assaults on campus involve victims and perpetrators who know each other and were under the influence of alcohol, according to UPD’s sexual assault website.

"Women should always stay with friends and should keep their drinks covered. Don’t let anyone else pour them for you," said Annie Williams, WAR secretary.

Williams advises girls to use common sense and think situations through in order to stay out of trouble.

"The number one thing for safety is if you’re of drinking age and you are out, keep an eye on your drink," said Tasha Frazie, WAR vice president.

Frazie said it is easy for date-rape drugs to be slipped into unattended drinks.

UPD also provides a free self defense course for females called PROTECT, Personal Response Options and Tactically Effective Counter Techniques.

WVU students will be able to take place in a free PROTECT demonstration during the first week of school.

"Drop-A-Cop," sponsored by WAR and WellWVU, allows participants to tackle a police officer and learn several self-defense techniques as well as sign up for the PROTECT class.

The event will take place on Wellness Day, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mountainlair.

WVU also has support for sexual assault victims, including the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center and free counseling at the Carruth Center.

UPD features additional services, such as West Virginia state law seminars for out-of-state students, vision training for alcohol and DUI awareness and safety training.

Welcome Picnic

If you're new to WVU and interested in WAR, well, here's your chance to learn more!

We're going to be at the Welcome Picnic on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. This is a great opportunity to find out information about WAR, join our organization or sign up for the free self-defense classes, known as PROTECT.

There will also be over 40 student organizations at both the Rec Center and the Mountainlair, which means there will be something for everyone. So come check us and the rest of the organizations out!

Samantha Cossick

WAR President