A new violence-prevention initiative – Green Dot – kicked off Saturday, Feb. 16 – and continues this week to raise awareness about the new program.

Green Dot aims to reduce power-based personal violence, such as sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, stalking, and harassment/bullying, by teaching bystanders how to move from simply “standing by” to actively recognizing signs of violence and safe ways to intervene. The program capitalizes on the power of peer and cultural influence across all levels of the socio-ecological model. Green Dot teaches proactive behaviors that establish intolerance of violence as the norm, as well as reactive interventions in high-risk situations.

Those proactive behaviors will make violence less sustainable in a given community. The new behavior is referred to as a “green dot.”

More than 200 colleges and universities have certified Green Dot instructors.

In April, 50 UALR faculty and staff members attended an intensive four-day Green Dot training session. Chancellor Joel E. Anderson encouraged those attending to exemplify Green Dot’s motto – “no one has to do everything; everyone has to do something.”

“We have one of the safest campuses in the state and UALR is a great place to live and work. We know, however, that it’s not enough to be safe statistically; we want everyone on campus to feel that this is a safe place,” Chancellor Anderson said.

“The Green Dot Program is a grassroots effort to build community and promote the message that at UALR, we look out for each other.”

The campus community can register for training or additional education on the Green Dot website where a toolkit is also provided. The toolkit includes ideas of how to incorporate Green Dot into classrooms and department units. Trained instructors are also available to speak with departments or student groups. A form is also provided to request more information.

Green Dot Launch Week Schedule of Events

Saturday, Feb. 16
4:30 p.m. Green Dot official launch at Trojan basketball games, Jack Stephens Center – A PSA will be shown on the screens during time outs in the women’s and men’s games and there will be a T-shirt throw. 

Monday, Feb. 18
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Green Dot Information Table, DSC – Stop by to pick up Green Dot swag and learn more about the program.

Tuesday, Feb. 19
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Green Dots with the Chancellor, DSC – Grab a cookie and visit with Chancellor Joel E. Anderson.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Green Dot Information Table, DSC – Stop by to pick up Green Dot swag and learn more about the program.

2 – 4 p.m. I’ve Got Your Back, DSC Room G – Meet with members of the campus community and pledge your support to the program.

Wednesday, Feb. 20
Noon – 2 p.m. Green Dot Graffiti with Jose Hernandez, DSC Plaza outside – Local artist Jose Hernandez will create a mural on-site. Campus community members can also help create a Green Dot mural.

Thursday, Feb. 21
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Green Dot Information Table, DSC – Stop by to pick up Green Dot swag and learn more about the program.

7 – 10 p.m. Green Dot Karaoke Night, DSC Fieldhouse – Come sing your favorite songs accompanied by DJ Klassick on the 1s and 2s. Donations of $5 or two items listed on the Top 10 Needs List for Women and Children First will be appreciated. Come out for a great time and support a great organization.

Friday, Feb. 22
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Green Dot Information Table, DSC – Stop by to pick up Green Dot swag and learn more about the program.

The second week of activities are geared toward students with evening classes. Each night there will be a Green Dot Parking Lot Party where students can learn more about the program while enjoying free snacks, coffee, and hot chocolate on their way to or from evening classes. These parties will be:

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, between Admin North and Admin South
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, Cooper Fountain
7 – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, Reynolds Business Building area