Seniors are awarded for their work with the Walk A Mile campaign
Karen Forster
Equinox Staff
The Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) honored three Keene State College seniors for their volunteer work and participation in Walk A Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violence. The three KSC students, Colin Daly, Andrew Hodgdon, and Jacob Piecuch received the Doug Austin White Ribbon Award at the MCVP’s annual meeting on Monday, Jan. 23 at the Home, Hospice, and Community Service Center (HCS) in Keene.
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Robin Christopherson, Executive Director of MCVP, described Doug Austin as a pioneer in the work crisis line. She explained how the title of this award honors Doug Austin’s memory. “He worked to help with the men and boy’s white ribbon campaign, and these three hard working men received the Doug Austin White Ribbon award because like Doug, they are recognized for going above and beyond as males working within the volunteer groups and the great efforts they have made.”
Jacob Piecuch said, “I have been a part of Walk A Mile for the last four years with this upcoming walk being the fifth. I started working on the Walk A Mile committee with MCVP in January of 2009. There, we came up with ideas such as advertising, recruitment of walkers and overall try and make the walk a bigger success every year.”
In 2010, Jacob Piecuch was the student spokesman to help kick-off the annual walk and joined the Mentors in Violence Prevention and is currently on the advisory board for MCVP.
Piecuch explained the importance about educating others about sexual assault and gender violence, saying, “It’s important because it’s something that affects everyone in some way and is more prevalent than many realize.”
Andrew Hodgdon, film production major and MC for Walk A Mile, also helped create the MCVP’s new “Walk A Mile” promotional video, “Don’t Walk.” This video premiered at the end of the MCVP’s award ceremony on Monday. He said, “It’s a complete honor to be the first to accept this award and it has been a pleasure working with everyone at MCVP.”
Hodgdon said, “My work for Walk A Mile started three years ago when Forrest Seymour contacted me to help make a promotional video. Being an eager film major who wanted as much experience and notoriety as possible I said, I would love to help! And the rest is history. Every year since, I have made the promotional video and the past two walks I was the MC for the event.”
Hodgdon also explained his views on the importance of MCVP, “It is extremely important for men and women to volunteer their time to organizations such as MCVP. Most of these organizations are non-profit and they need every bit of help they can get.”
He continued, “I also think it is important to get involved in the community you are living in. Take part in what’s going on around the town and you will feel more grounded wherever you are, as well as a sense of accomplishment. It’s hard to explain, but when you help an organization such as MCVP for the greater part of your college career and you see the success of your work, you get a great deal of accomplishment.”
Colin Daly, Keene State College’s student body president said, “After being a part of MCVP for two years this award is a great honor. It’s great to see the successful turnout and exciting to see the growing number of college participants because of all the staffs’ efforts.”
Paul Hebert, Chair of MCVP, gave his thanks to the attendees and MCVP members at the ceremony and expressed his excitement towards gaining the involvement of younger participants, “I’m always challenging the community for support and efforts, which is why I’m especially excited about the great turn-out here.”
Linda Hadden, an associate professor of management, is a new member of the Board of Directors for MCVP.
Hadden expressed how important she felt for the growth of the education programs and how becoming a new MCVP board member has shown her. “All the staff and everyone part of the organization has impressed me with their constant passion and dedication within the program and what they do for everyone in the community.”
The Walk A Mile event is an annual collaboration between MCVP and KSC. Keene State College raised $20,000 for MCVP last year and is a member of the NH Coalition against domestic and sexual violence and the Monadnock United Way agency. MCVP began in 1978 as a grassroots volunteer organization known as Women’s Crisis Services. This name changed in 2003 to Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention to reflect its commitment to not only helping women, but men and children as well.
MCVP provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic and sexual violence through crisis intervention, peer support, court advocacy, safe housing, referral to other agency services, as well as prevention education and community information programs.
The emergency shelter offers confidential housing to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children who feel that their lives are in danger.
MCVP is located at the Cheshire Country Superior Court House on 12 Court St. in Keene.
Karen Forster can be contacted at kforster@ksc.mailcruiser.com