As part of a "knit-in," Knitivism members spread out knitting and pamphlets in front of the HUB-Robeson Center on Monday afternoon to spread the word about sexual assault.
Knitivism co-president Sarah O'Donald (senior-human development and family studies and women's studies) said the club uses its knitting as a form of protest about issues that affect the world today. The club found sexual assault an important issue to highlight, especially after the higher-than-usual number of sexual assaults reported earlier this semester at Penn State.
"I've had about five people who came up to me and said they'd been raped," O'Donald said. "I don't think people on campus realize how many people sexual assault affects."
Fallecia Ehrmann, a freshman enrolled in the university as part of Penn State's LifeLink program, stopped at the event to speak about her experiences with sexual assault.
"Sexual assault degrades you and takes away your courage, and I saw people just throwing away these papers," she said, gesturing toward the pamphlets.
As Ehrmann shared her story, O'Donald listened and offered words of encouragement.
Ehrmann warned that the subject of assault often causes her to cry. The group works together with the Center for Women Students, directing victims to the center for support. The group also attends other Penn State organizations' meetings, bringing samples of its knitting to show support for other causes.
The "knit-in" was the kick-off event to a week of Knitivism programming aimed at combating sexual assault.
Although this is the first time Knitivism has sponsored a full week of programming, the group has held an event every semester since its creation two years ago.
Knitivism works to raise awareness about both local and international issues. In the past, they have spoken out about poverty, genocide and LGBTQA concerns.
Meeting every week on Thursdays, the 100-plus members of Knitivism work on both knitting and crocheting projects to display at events like Monday's knit-in.
O'Donald said she recognizes that Knitivism cannot put a stop to sexual assault -- but she knows they can inform students about the issue.
"It's been pretty moving so far," she said. "Through our efforts -- raising awareness and education -- we hope to help."
