JMU Clothesline Project

This semester, I had the privilege to plan and execute and amazing event that happens at JMU every year, The Clothesline Project.  In case you are not familiar with the project:

The Clothesline Project is a JMU event sponsored by The Office of Residence Life (ORL) that bears witness to victims and survivors of sexual assault and violence through the display of t-shirts decorated by the JMU and Harrisonburg community. To date, ORL has collected well over 700 shirts from both men and women, and unfortunately we continue to collect more shirts with each passing year which demonstrates the ever growing need to raise awareness about how to put an end to sexual assault. 

I worked closely with 3 students and over 50 volunteers to make this event happen this year.  Not only did I plan it, but I also had the chance to experience the event for the first time. Words cannot express how moving and inspiring this event really is.  In the midst of the terrible stories and tears, there were still words of hope and reconciliation!   Check out a few pics from the events:

 one of my talented students created posters for the event and around campus with testimonies from last year's visitors

there isn't enough room to display all our t-shirts at once, so we have to change them in between days.

a place where people could reflect on their experience

words of hope and encouragement

survivors of sexual assault have the opportunity to create a t-shirt to share their story

reflections

Sadly, this year we had 20 shirts made...but we also had over 400 people come and experience this powerful event, making our campus and community more aware of sexual assault and how they can play a role in protecting themselves, and their friends.  

I was blessed to be a part of this!