Office of Violence Against Women hosts Power of One Block Party and Resource Fair

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MT One Stop offered information to students about scholarships, financial aid and other resources at the Power of One Block Party Sept. 4. (Photo by DeAsia Powell).

Feature Photo by DeAsia Powell

Story by DeAsia Powell

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the Office of Violence Against Women and MT One Stop hosted the 4th annual Power of One Block Party at the campus Rec Center.

Project Coordinator Daniel Bratton and MT One Stop co-sponsor Melody Crowder hosted the event with the initiative of connecting students to different resources on campus while spreading awareness for violence on campus and in the community.

Bratton worked to spread awareness of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Crowder provided information on possible scholarships and resources for students and essential dates regarding the One Stop office.

Both departments made their ambitions a reality and cultivated the Power of One Block Party and Resource Fair four years ago.

Representatives from campus services like MT One Stop, Health Services, Campus Rec, Office of Student Conduct, Title lX, Campus Food Pantry, Fairness Justice and Equality, and more tabled and distributed merch and information and held engagement activities.

The Center for Popular Music had a table at the 4th annual Power of One Block Party Sept. 4 at the Rec Center. (Photo by DeAsia Powell)

Another aspect of Branton and Crowder’s initiative was making the event feel like a fun, exciting block party where students could engage with others and campus leaders.

Activities such as volleyball, giant Jenga, t-shirt tye-dying, cornhole and a trivia raffle with prizes filled the Rec Center courtyard with color and laughter. Prizes included coupons to Donut Country, Murfreesboro and Nashville Escape Rooms and more. Aramark provided snacks for the event.

Andy’s Frozen Custard gave away prizes at the Power of One Block Party Sept. 4. (Photo by DeAsia Powell)

All in all, university leaders and officials host Connection Point events like this to encourage students to engage with others on campus and take advantage of resources that are available to them.

Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Director Danielle Rochelle assisted students with signing in at the event. She said the event “was a great event, with lots of information and giveaways.” 

She wants students to “keep an eye out for on-campus events and stay connected with the university.” 

Transfer student Cesil Lewis lll said the event “was pretty cool, it introduced me to new resources like the fitness group in the Recreation Center.” 

MTSU leaders and students kickstarted off the year strong with campus involvement.

DeAsia Powell is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines.

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