Meet the New Green Dot in Town

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2011) − A new leader has joined the fight to reduce violence on the University of Kentucky campus.

The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP Center) has a new director and steadfast advocate of its Green Dot Movement, Melanie Matson. With significant violence-prevention experience, Matson is well prepared with new ideas and vigor in progressing the battle against violence on UK’s campus.

The UK VIP Center’s determination to take a stand against violence attracted Matson to Lexington. “Some campuses might try to hush the issue of campus violence, but UK has the VIP Center. This does not mean that our statistics are any different than any other campus, however we are recognizing and addressing this violence intentionally and strategically,” Matson said.

A Green Dot marks any single moment in time in which a person promotes campus safety and communicates intolerance of power-based personal violence through words, choices, behaviors and attitudes. The movement continues to grow as more and more people join to create social change.

Nearly 2,000 members of the UK community received Green Dot training during the 2010-11 academic year.

“We are one of the leaders of campus violence prevention efforts in this nation,” said Matson. “The movement continues to grow as more and more people join to create social change. Green Dot has spread across the country to college and university campuses, communities, high schools, and more.”

Matson said she is honored to be at UK and has noticed the pride and passion running through the campus. “People are proud of UK and the amazing initiatives that come from this campus. Students are active and involved, volunteering in the community, participating in campus organizations, studying and socializing,” said Matson.

As the new leader of Green Dot, Matson has a strong vision for the future of the VIP Center. She and her team continue to reach out to students, staff and faculty in order to build strong relationships. “We are thankful to be on a campus where people care about this issue and are willing to share their time and energy on violence prevention efforts,” Matson said.

The volunteer coordinator at the VIP Center, Sally Evans, has embraced Matson’s positive energy. “Melanie has brought some wonderful structure and additional organization to the passion here at VIP,” Evans said, “She brings admirable motivation and a diverse knowledge base about prevention that is taking the VIP Center to new levels.”

Matson previously worked as director of the University of California-Santa Barbara Rape Prevention Education Program and as the director of Social Change at a community-based, anti-domestic violence and anti-sexual assault agency in Minnesota.

Ready to take on her new position, Matson encourages all students, faculty and staff to stop by the VIP Center to take tours, receive training or pick up some Green Dot gear. “We need each and every member of the UK community to live the Green Dot so we can all see blue,” said Matson.

For more information on upcoming events or how to get involved with the VIP Center or Green Dot Movement visit www.uky.edu/studentaffairs/vipcenter or contact Melanie Matson by email at melanie.matson@uky.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Gail Hairston, (859) 257-3302 or gail.hairston@uky.edu