Umbrellas for Eastern’s R.A.I.N.N. program

This archived article was written by: Madison Woodward

As the events of the first few weeks of school at Utah State University Eastern unfolded, student leaders and students, took action to help the campus join as one in the cause to help students become aware of how to stay safe on campus. Many uplifting movements occurred, including chalk writings on sidewalks to send a message that sexual assault is not okay, and that victims are not to blame.
The H.E.A.R.T. club (Helping Everyone at Risk Together) put on their first project on Sept. 17, with help from the R.A.I.N.N. (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network).
According to R.A.I.N.N.‘s website, it is a national network geared towards, “prevention and education efforts including working with the entertainment industry, the media, colleges and local communities to help raise awareness about issues related to sexual assault.”
As part of its mission statement they also have a national R.A.I.N.N. day which happens once a year and is dedicated to planned activities about bringing awareness to sexual assault on campuses.
Many campuses participated this year including USU Eastern. Every campus has different and unique activities centered on sexual assault, and Eastern has a unique perspective with the help of umbrellas.
The H.E.A.R.T. presidency takes umbrellas and turns them into a force of positivity and encouragement. Vice President of H.E.A.R.T., Leslie Reyes, stated, “With all that has happened on campus lately, and how nearly everyone has been affected, we decided to focus more on an uplifting activity instead of focusing on the negative feelings hanging over campus since the Blue Alert came out.”
The presidency believes that it is time to move forward and take action to help lift those up that have been affected by sexual assault.
On Sept. 17’s R.A.I.N.N. activity, the umbrellas were used as a canvas for students to express their thoughts and feelings on sexual assault, and to leave inspirational thoughts and quotes to help anyone who has experienced sexual assault. The H.E.A.R.T. presidency was shocked at the turn out of 15 umbrellas being filled with messages and the outpouring of support from USU Eastern’s student body.