Spelman College’s Title IX Office Receives $21,000 from Bison Impact Group

A Commitment to Domestic Violence Awareness

Spelman College, a leading historically Black college for women, has taken significant strides in combating domestic violence on campus. Recently, the college’s Office of Title IX and Compliance received a generous donation of $21,000 from the Bison Impact Group (BIG). This funding aims to bolster efforts to end domestic violence and promote relational wellness among students.

The Role of Bison Impact Group

Founded as a nonprofit organization, Bison Impact Group is dedicated to improving the lives of Black individuals through innovative initiatives combining sports and community service. By introducing golf as a medium for engagement, BIG not only fosters relational wellness but also raises crucial funds to combat violence against women and children. This strategic funding exemplifies the synergy between sports and social advocacy in addressing pressing issues.

A History of Support

Over the past two years, BIG has donated approximately $10,000 to Spelman’s Title IX office, demonstrating a robust commitment to ending domestic violence. This ongoing partnership has played a vital role in raising awareness about intimate partner violence, particularly during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when BIG hosts its annual golf tournament.

The Annual Golf Tournament

The annual golf tournament serves as a vital platform for connecting students and survivors of intimate partner violence. By merging sports, philanthropy, and awareness, the event fosters a sense of unity and healing within the campus community. It also creates a welcoming atmosphere for open conversations about domestic violence, offering attendees a space to share experiences and build meaningful connections through the game of golf.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Paula Hall, the assistant director of Prevention & Intervention at Spelman, highlights the power of partnerships like the one with BIG. She notes, “Partnerships like this one allow us to expand the reach of our prevention and response efforts while also promoting healing through community engagement.” The intersection of sports and advocacy serves as a powerful catalyst for change, making a positive impact on those affected by domestic violence.

Tackling Violence at HBCUs

BIG’s mission extends beyond Spelman College, collaborating with other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to combat domestic and intimate partner violence—a leading cause of death for Black women under 45. By working together with institutions like Howard University, the group aims to raise funds and support programs dedicated to violence prevention.

Russ Green, the founder of BIG, elaborates on the initiative’s goals: “We strategically partnered with Howard and Spelman, consistently the top two ranked HBCUs, to provide supports necessary for students and survivors to finish their education.” This collaboration is crucial in modeling healthy relational behaviors within the broader community.

Innovative Fundraising Initiatives

BIG employs various outreach programs to support violence prevention efforts at HBCUs. Initiatives such as BIG Boot Camp, Soulful Sundays, and Skip Day for Kids and Caregivers engage communities in creative ways, while the annual HBCU Golf Tournament amplifies awareness during pivotal times like homecoming season. Each initiative is designed to resonate with the community and encourage active participation in fundraising efforts.

Addressing Immediate Needs

Funds raised through these initiatives play a critical role in addressing immediate needs for victims of domestic violence. Kristin Couch, the associate director of Title IX and Compliance, emphasizes the importance of these resources: “The funds raised by BIG give us the opportunity to address the direct needs of folks right in front of us.” Whether through training or trauma-informed response services, the support ensures that assistance is accessible at the moment it is needed most.

Learn More About Bison Impact Group

For individuals interested in learning more about Bison Impact Group and its impactful programs, additional information can be found on their website. Through their focused efforts, BIG continues to make a notable difference in the lives of many, working tirelessly to end violence and promote healthy relationships.

The ongoing partnership between Spelman College and Bison Impact Group represents a powerful commitment to community engagement, educational support, and the promotion of well-being among students. Through innovative fundraising efforts and meaningful dialogues, both organizations are paving the way for a brighter, violence-free future.