Violence Awareness and Response Program Calendar RSS

Take Back the Night

Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement to end sexual violence. In partnership with CADA and Residential Life, we’ll observe Take Back the Night on Monday, April 13 from 6:30–8:30pm in the CSU Ballroom.
A core purpose of this event is breaking the silence around sexual violence. We know sharing can bring up many emotions—whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you care about, or advocating for change. Take Back the Night creates space for strength, solidarity, and truth.
We invite anyone to share their story. You can submit anonymously to have it read on your behalf, or choose to speak openly at the event.
Submit your story here! (The form is confidential and managed by VARP staff.)
More info will be provided for those choosing to share in person.

MMIW Education Event with NASA

Educational session about MMIW for students to participate and learn about the important topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. The annual recognition event is held on May 5th.

2026 DEI Student Leadership Awards

Come and celebrate our amazing student leaders in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Award nominations will happen in the Spring 2026 semester. Invited guests only. All staff attendance required.

Green Dot Bystander Intervention: Facilitator Training and Certification

The Violence Awareness & Response Program, in our continued efforts to provide quality prevention education opportunities for our community, will become affiliated with the national Green Dot bystander intervention program this summer.

Green Dot is an evidence-informed curriculum used by universities, K-12, and community organizations across the country, and teaches individuals to be aware of when acts of harm are occurring, how to safely intervene in high-risk situations, and ultimately engage in consistent actions that uphold safety and accountability over silence and inaction.

Campus training opportunities will begin in summer 2026.

Attention MNSU Mankato colleagues: you can participate in our two-day facilitator training, which results in certification to teach the Green Dot curriculum on our campus.

Wed. April 22 and Thurs. April 23

9am-3pm each day through Zoom

Email VARP@mnsu.edu for more information on how to apply and register for the training

This training is free! You must attend for the entirety of both days to become a certified curriculum facilitator.

Healing With Friends: Trauma-Informed Yoga

Campus Recreation and the Violence Awareness & Response Program (VARP) are partnering for these courses, which use specific technique to establish safety in the body and lessen trauma response symptoms. This is a space that welcomes individuals who have survived trauma, or are looking for a way to reduce stress. The courses are free and open to students, regardless of yoga skill level; mats will be provided.

Green Dot Bystander Intervention: Facilitator Training and Certification

Campus training opportunities will begin in summer 2026.

Attention MNSU Mankato colleagues: you can participate in our two-day facilitator training, which results in certification to teach the Green Dot curriculum on our campus.

Wed. April 22 and Thurs. April 23

9am-3pm each day through Zoom

Email VARP@mnsu.edu for more information on how to apply and register for the training

This training is free! You must attend for the entirety of both days to become a certified curriculum facilitator.

MMIW Red Dress Demonstration and Picture

Wear red to honor and support the national day of recognition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. Picture of participation and support will happen at 12:15pm at the CSU Fountain. Demonstration will be set up all day around the fountain to help educate our campus community. Another informational piece will be set up at the display case by the bookstore starting April 6th - May 5th.

Spring 2026 DEI Graduation Celebration

Join us in celebrating DEI's Spring 2026 graduates! Invited guests only. Light refreshments will be served. More information coming soon!