Groups join together to ‘Walk a Mile in her Shoes’

Groups join together to ‘Walk a Mile in her Shoes’

UNA’s Alpha Tau Omega and Title IX are partnering to bring the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes march to campus Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes is a campaign where men march a mile in high heel shoes to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence.

Senior Matt Hatchel, member of Alpha Tau Omega, said he wants to see collegiate men as allies in the fight against sexual assault.

The event allows for men to be present as allies in a predominantly female issue.

“(Title IX) aims to increase community awareness and join together as a campus to begin meaningful conversations about these important issues,” said Title IX graduate assistant Madeline Frankford.

The march will begin at the Guillot University Center and will continue into downtown Florence during First Friday, a popular monthly event.

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes was founded in 2001 and uses its earnings to donate to local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and any other resources for victims. Its goal is also to get men talking about these issues, take a stand to them and prevent them from happening further.

Hatchel says he wants to educate men and support women through this event.

The president of Alpha Tau Omega, senior Jason Sparks, said ATO’s primary philanthropy is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and so ATO is looking forward to partnering with departments such as Title IX for future events.