Eight tables were covered with a variety of paint colors, paintbrushes and painting paper. Another table, off to the side, held piles of free t-shirts and hoodies along with free candies, pins and stickers. An aesthetically pleasing presentation was cast upon the wall. The food was hot, and the music was easy-going and mellow. The Williamson house on campus was prepared for its event.

Emani Mickens, a senior who is double majoring in psychology and peace and conflict studies and is also a peer outreach student employee for the Center for Sexual Relationship Violence Support Services, started planning this event over the summer. 

“Self-advocacy can be defined as the steps we make towards creating healthy habits, a safe personal environment and clear boundaries for our own wellbeing,” Mickens said. 

Students have to handle their school responsibilities, social life and work-life and don’t have much time to focus on themselves. Practicing advocating for oneself can involve taking time off of work, partaking in reflexive activities and enforcing boundaries.

“The main goal of this event is to provide resources to students on what being an advocate for others means and how to be an effective one,” Mickens said.

Treating someone with respect and receiving it allows us to feel safe and able to express ourselves.

After Mickens finished, participants practiced self-advocacy by painting as they created their own self-advocacy tool kit, which included two paintings, one for fun and one being a letter to your future self.

“I hope that attendees will be more aware of the ways they can take action towards building a healthy environment and routine for themselves and others,” Mickens said. 

Haley Kisling is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].