The Women’s Advocacy Club has been gaining popularity across campus since its inauguration on March 7. 

Amy Scroggin, Vice President of the Women’s Advocacy Club, is a founder of the club along with President April Mills.

“The idea came to us from [Assistant Professor of Psychology] Deah Quinlivan,” Scroggin said. “She approached April Mills and I about possibly chartering this club on our campus.”

The club’s mission statement is to raise awareness and promote action regarding issues such as domestic violence, rape, and gender discrimination.

When both Scroggin and Mills arrived on campus as freshmen lastfall, they realized the need for a club like this on campus.

“This is both something April and I had felt strongly about. Numerous girls had come to us telling their stories and that there really is a need for something like this on campus,” Scroggin said.

WAC is already working to make an impact on campus, despite being only a few weeks old.

“Our biggest accomplishment so far is our sales of Love Shouldn’t Hurt bracelets,” Scroggin said. “By selling those bracelets, all the money raised will be going to Peace River, a local women’s shelter. So far, we have raised $660 for the shelter and are continuing our sales.”

The club has other big plans to start up within the following school year. They are currently working with the Clothesline project, which raises awareness about rape and domestic violence recovery. Victims of these crimes will be doing anonymous artwork on white t-shirts, and their artwork will be displayed throughout the FSC campus. Students will also be encouraged to participate. 

“Next year we are thinking of doing a body peace day where girls will wear a white t-shirt and no makeup to raise awareness on self-worth and self-beauty,” Scroggin said.

To bring their club into existence, Scroggin and Mills went through a series of meetings with government associations on campus.

“We had to have numerous signatures that showed there was an interest on this campus,” Scroggin said. 

At their first interest meeting, over 40 people showed up support a club of this kind on campus. Scroggin and the other members are excited to get started on their projects and make a difference on campus, and their club is open to all students. Group members stress the importance that this is not an exclusive group—all students are welcome.

“We really want to crush the stereotype that this is a ‘women only’ group,” Scroggin said. “Men are affected by this as well. We want to include everyone on this campus.”

Justin Bivins, WAC member, admitted he was hesitant before his first meeting with the club.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” Bivens said. “But it is a really great group. You need a huge group with different perspectives to make it work.”

The club also has its sights set on even bigger goals.

“We want to go next year to the Tampa Slut Walk,” Scroggin said. “We want to see how others are run and hopefully run our own in Lakeland.”

WAC club looks to extend their reach to the Greek community. Some of the Greek organizations hold this issue as their philanthropy, Scroggin explained, making them a vital asset in helping us grow. 

“We want to get people aware,” Scroggin said. “We want to reverse the stereotype that it was the victim’s fault and really promote that people can’t be doing this to other people.”

Officers of the club will be meeting with Rick Briggs to finish their establishment within the next few weeks.

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