Many members of Men Stopping Rape became involved in the organization because they knew someone who was the victim of sexual assault.

"A friend of mine had been assaulted when she was in 11th grade, and I was involved in a rape awareness program in Virginia before I came here," Jon Brenizer (sophomore-geosciences) said.

Men Stopping Rape provides an opportunity for men to talk to other men about how rape affects them.

The organization, which includes some female members, also attempts to help Penn State students understand date rape.

The members work in conjunction with Penn State and community groups on sexual assault issues.

The White Ribbon Campaign, which starts today, is the group's biggest project. "This semester I've been cutting white ribbons and asking for money," Katelyn Belyus (sophomore-English) said.

During this week, men are encouraged to wear white ribbons as a statement of their pledge not to commit or condone violence against women.

In the spring, Men Stopping Rape becomes part of Take Back the Night in which they split up from the women and lead a men's discussion group.

Belyus heard about Men Stopping Rape from a friend. "I was looking to join an organization like this but it was just a matter of finding the right one."

Men Stopping Rape's primary focus is preventing violence against women whereas women's groups tend to also focus on other issues, she said.

The organization continually delivers educational presentations for any interested classes and is also available to speak to students in dorms about sexual assault, Wendy Silverman (graduate-agriculture extension education) said.

"We spoke at FTCAP and WAIST 001 (Introduction to Women's Studies). We talk about what the law states. "We talk about drugs and alcohol and give pamphlets," Belyus said.

They also discuss why rape happens. "In the class we brainstorm how we can stop it, stressing what you can do as a person," Silverman said.

When Unity Week featured a sexual assault day, Men Stopping Rape gave three seminars about sexual assault.

Weekly meetings involve discussion about how the community is affected by sexual assault.

"Recently we have talked about the Snyder Hall assaults and the Hooters restaurant coming here," Belyus said.

The members said that sometimes they experience moments of profound sadness because of the serious and somber nature of their discussions.

"People feel more open to tell you about being assaulted, which makes you feel depressed," member Dan Hindman (graduate-wood composition engineering) said.

Although the group's mission is serious, the members are very close.

"We try to lighten things up because it is serious," Brenizer said.

Making a difference in the lives of students is another positive result of being in Men Stopping Rape, Hindman said. "I never realized how many people were victims," he said.

When people ask Hindman why he is involved he says, "Why not? I care about what happens to the women around me. Men need to address and face up to the problem."

Silverman said she generally receives a positive reaction about her membership in the group.

"People tell me, 'I'm glad you're doing this.' "

Silverman became involved after she went to one meeting two years ago with Hindman. "I know too many people who are victims," she said.

Matt Golden (graduate-acoustics) first became involved during his freshman year in 1993.

Since then, he has been an active member. "It's important for me to do public service," Golden said.

Golden said he has gained a great deal of knowledge from his involvement in Men Stopping Rape. "I've learned about male/female relationships and power dynamics," he said.

Men Stopping Rape has some new members this year.

The organization has attempted to recruit members through involvement fairs and fliers.

"We had table tents set up in the commons for two weeks," Silverman said.

The group's educational programs also bring in new members, Silverman added.

About 10 members attend weekly meetings forming the core of the organization. Men Stopping Rape is comprised of about 40 members.

Despite their efforts to increase advertising this semester, Silverman concedes that Men Stopping Rape is not well known. "Hopefully we'll be more well-known after the White Ribbon Campaign," she said.

Men Stopping Rape meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in 131 Sackett.