Heels United for a Safe Carolina: A look at the past, present and future for the advocacy organization
The Past
The first installation was a project called “Think A.C.E. for Consent.” Hilary Delbridge, a University spokesperson, said the project was about spreading awareness about the University policy definition of consent.
“I would say probably about 8000 people or so saw that installation over the course of 2 weeks,” said Delbridge.
The second installation was called “Love Empowers” and it was held during the second week of October.
Delbridge said volunteers talked to 1000 people about relationship violence resources.
Anita Gandhi, a senior, was also involved in the project.
“We handed out purple ribbons because purple is the color for relationship violence awareness and we also handed out cards about resources on campus, how to stay safe, what signs of an unhealthy relationship are,” Gandhi said.
The Present
The Heels United for a Safe Carolina representatives were out Thursday and Friday as part of an installation called “Stick Together” designed to encourage people to stay safe on Halloween night.
“We know that students will be going out over the course of Halloween, over the course of the weekend, and we just want to make sure everyone is looking out for each other,” Delbridge said.
Heels United for a Safe Carolina teamed up with APPLES Service-Learning to hand out gum with “I’m sticking with somebody” cards.
Bailey Inglis, a sophomore, said she thinks it is pretty common for people to get lost or split up on Halloween night.
“The most important thing to remember is to definitely stick with someone,” Inglis said. “Don’t go off on your own.”
The Future
There are a lot of things to look forward to in the future of Heels United, Delbridge said.
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is in April so we will be doing an installation on that as well,” Delbridge said. “Maybe three or four installations next semester just designed to get information out. That’s one of the installations we’re working on.”
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She said they are still developing ideas for next semester, but a theme they are considering is the intersection between alcohol and consent.
Delbridge said the campaign is important to get information to students.
“We’re doing a series of installations throughout the year so that we’re constantly providing information and messaging, being out there and being available to speak with students about questions they have and just encouraging everyone to stay safe.”
