The Avon Foundation for Women awarded Emerson a $5,000 grant in September for Emerson STANDS—Stand Together, Act Now, Do Something—an initiative launched earlier that month as part of President M. Lee Pelton’s restructured sexual assault response and prevention program. 

The grant will help implement training and education programs for students and faculty about intervening to prevent situations of sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking, according to Melanie Matson, director of violence prevention and response. To encourage people to get involved with Emerson STANDS, Matson will lead active bystander training workshops and form a student leadership team, which will hold two informational meetings next week.

“Emerson students can expect to see Emerson STANDS and Violence Prevention and Response more,” Matson said, “and to have the opportunity to be connected with ongoing opportunities to get involved with volunteering.”