The Clothesline Project was bustling at the Wellness Fest Wednesday at Long Beach City College’s Pacific Coast Campus where students made t-shirts, asked questions and came together to promote awareness for sexual and domestic violence month.
Students were greeted by balloons, colorful t-shirts, blasting music from Power 106 FM, and free breakfast catered from Corner Bakery which ran out almost immediately.
“The Clothesline Project is an interactive workshop and opportunity to help connect our students to the resources they or someone they know may need,” said Sylvia Garcia who works with LBCC’s student life team and was in charge of the project.
Different types of student resources were at the event, such as the YWCA, which is one of the largest networks in the U.S. to help with victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
An NBC article on the matter from 2020 showed that in the same year there was roughly a 20% increase in domestic violence.
“Crisis intervention is what we will do at these outreach events immediately. We’re there and talking to them, it’s what they need so it’s what we’ll do,” said Yisel Lopez Munoz who works for the YWCA in the L.A area.
“This event is fairly successful because it’s eye-catching, it makes people stop,” she said before continuing to answer questions from curious students.
Several students stopped to make t-shirts throughout the event in support of the cause as well as spin a wheel at the table across from the clothesline for free goodies like a tote bag or water bottle.
Students can find many resources on campus if they deal with any sexual violence during their time at LBCC.
“Direct services offered include the Title IX team and student health team. We want to provide workshops to help address sexual assualt and violence on campus,” said Garcia when asked about what students can expect from the college.
Title IX is an Education Amendment that prohibits sexual harrassment, violence, and sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools.
“If a student were to file a report with Title IX, they would be referred to an advocate. I believe in immediate support and we’ve been highly effective. We try to make it as seamless as possible, she said in conclusion.
The Clothesline Project was just one aspect of the broader Wellness Fest happening which had some other partners present who do offer assistance in these matters but isn’t their only purpose.
The LGBTQ Center Long Beach had a tent across from Power 106 FM where River Edgren shared what The Center is there for.
“Whatever people want to bring in, we give them a safe place to do so and guide them. Whether they want to know if they should come out to their employer or peers, or if they really shouldn’t, we’re here,” said Edgren.
They also explained the many opportunities for students to volunteer and get internships, as they run events around the city almost on a weekly basis.
LBCC will be holding the Clothesline Project and the Wellness Fest again, at the Liberal Arts Campus, A quad Oct 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.