Currently: 37°F
How individuals and communities can work together to transform their environments to prevent and end violence will be the topic of an interactive presentation at Millersville University later this month. Eric McGriff, a prevention coordinator at the Crime Victims Treatment Center Inc. who works to prevent and respond to violence across the globe, is speaking on Sept. 28 in the Student Memorial Center Multipurpose Room at 7:30 p.m.
McGriff has a long history of working to end domestic, sexual and gender-based violence starting at just 15 years old when he and his twin brother became co-chairs of their High School’s White Ribbon Campaign. This campaign focuses on engaging men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. He then went on to train with several national and international organizations, including the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime and The National Centers for Victims of Crime. In addition, he is also a former spokesperson for United Nations Women and is a current Global Peace Ambassador.
Now as a prevention coordinator at the Crime Victims Treatment Center Inc. in New York City, McGriff takes part in various efforts to end domestic violence. “I work with K-12 schools, college campuses, the nightlife community, and with men and boys. My mission is to transform communities to end violence by centering the needs of those most impacted,” he explains.
Dr. Jill Craven, an MU English, film studies, and comparative literature professor and the coordinator of this event, explains the importance of McGriff’s sessions and how his values align with Millersville University’s EPPIIC values, “As a university, Millersville values both inclusion and compassion, and the majority of our community acts with these values in mind—but not everyone, not all the time.”
“We need leaders in our midst to transform some of our Pennsylvania cultural norms so that everyone feels valued and safe. McGriff teaches not only how to recognize the cultural norms that might lead to hurt, but also how to be an ally and activist in changing the culture,” she explains.
McGriff notes this event will explore the ways people can work to end and prevent violence. “At their core, my sessions are about how individuals and communities can work together to transform their environments to prevent and end violence. I will address cultural norms that contribute to violence and work with the audience to identify actions that individuals, groups, and communities can take to create safer environments for all.”
McGriff wants attendees to leave the event with an increased knowledge of how to prevent harm in their environment. “Those who attend this event will leave with an increased awareness of how to prevent and respond to harm in their spaces. These sessions will position each person as someone who can be a leader in their friend groups, classrooms, on their teams and in their communities.”
If attendees take anything from his session, McGriff hopes people understand one thing, “I hope people will take away that we cannot change communities alone; we need to focus on the collective action needed for true change.”
The event is free and open to all MU students and community members.
