Every November, Chi Delta sorority puts on “No Means November,” with events spanning the whole month around campus. This is put on to help support sexual assault survivors and to spread awareness about it. It is also there to draw attention to the fact that consent exists outside of just this month.
Some of the events that are a part of this include selling consent cookies and buttons, the Consent Is Kind Carnival, Support the Silenced, Open Mic Night and selling consent shirts. The consent cookies and buttons sale took place on Nov. 2, 4 and 6. Chi Delta sells cookies that have frosting on them with phrases such as “No means No” or “Consent,” as well as buttons with phrases such as “Cats against Catcalls” or “Can’t take no? Get ready for a KO!” All of the proceeds went to the Hope Crisis Center in Crete.
The next event, on Nov. 11, was the Consent is Kind Carnival. They partnered with the Kindness Project as well as CAPE for this event, where they all set up carnival games around Lakeside. Every game involves consent in some way or form. This event helps keep people more informed about the true definition of consent and what that may look like in everyday relationships, while still keeping it fun!
Support the Silenced takes place Nov. 13-14 during a 24-hour time slot from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. the next day; the stage of Lakeside is completely silent to support the people who are not able to share their story on sexual assault/harrassment. People do not have to be there for the whole 24 hours, and are instead able to do it in hour shifts at a time.
“This is by far my favorite event we do for No Means November,” said Catron. “It really puts a spotlight on victims who are unable to come forward.”
People who participate in this event may choose what they’d like to do while on the stage.
“While you are on the stage, you can do quite literally anything as long as you are completely silent. It is actually quite interesting trying to play Cards Against Humanity or UNO while being completely silent,” said Catron. “I love how much this event brings together the Greek Community at Doane, as well as including people who aren’t in Greek Life. Anyone can participate in this event, and it gives the opportunity to show support even if you are not financially able to buy the items we are selling throughout the month.
The final event of the month will be Open Mic Night on Nov. 16. Here, people are able to share their story with the Doane community if they feel comfortable enough to do so. People are able to submit their story anonymously or read a poem or story online. This event puts the power in the survivor’s hands instead of the perpetrator’s, which is empowering in so many ways and allows Chi Delta and Doane as a whole to support survivors in the way that is best for them.
Throughout the month, Chi Delta also sells consent shirts that read, “Can’t believe it’s not consent!” made by the Merchandise Chair, sophomore Adeline Woods. Half of these proceeds go to Voices of Hope in Lincoln.
This month emphasizes the resources we have on Doane’s campus for survivors, whether you want to report or just need someone to talk to. Chi Delta is advocating for sexual assault victims and letting students know that there are people who have their back.
“There is this stigma around survivors sharing their story, often not being believed or not being defended due to people being friends with the perpetrator, things the community sees on social media, the survivor being in a relationship with the perpetrator, etc,” Catron said. “It is completely unacceptable, and if doing these events raises any sort of awareness or helps people snap out of this mindset that they sometimes have, I will have felt like I’ve made an impact during my time at Doane,” Catron said.
