Megan Reynolds
Editor-in-Chief
mreynolds12@murraystate.edu
Advocates for Respect Culture is a recent addition to the organizations list on Murray State’s campus, one that works to ensure all feel accepted and cared for.
ARC is a student organization sponsored by Abigail Cox, coordinator of Murray State’s Women’s Center. It was founded in 2018 and has been dedicated to spreading acceptance, tolerance and positivity throughout campus and the Murray community.
“As a club, we help bring awareness to other issues that may be pushed aside or not talked about and it helps bring to light what other organizations are doing to promote the topic, as well as our stand on it,” LuFei Harder, a member of the organization said.
Harder said ARC’s promotion of more taboo topics is her favorite part of it. The organization brings in speakers to discuss hard-hitting topics that society tends to tiptoe around.
Each student who participates in ARC loves the organization for a different reason; they find meaning in the work they do for the greater good of those around them.
“Because of the respect culture ARC promotes, I love being part of the organization,” Lily Grieve, president of ARC, said.
Grieve, who joined the organization when it was still primarily focused on sexual assault advocacy and women’s rights, said she is passionate about the work ARC does.
“We have since branched out into advocating for everybody in an effort to take charge of the future by dismantling negative stereotypes and building a community of respect,” Grieve said.
She is not the only member who enjoys their time as part of ARC. Kali Forden is the vice president of the organization and saw it as a perfect opportunity to expand her knowledge as a psychology major.
“I have been part of ARC longer than many other things during my college career and it only felt right to become a leader and create change in a group that I love,” Forden said.
ARC works in various parts of campus and in the community, striving to help wherever they can. The organization works closely with its sponsor, the Women’s Center, while also partnering with many other groups.
“In the past, we have partnered with Lotus, the Center for Accessible Living, Active Minds, the Suicide Coalition of Calloway County and others,” Grieve said. “We also host exhibits and events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month every April.”
The organization offers those in the community a safe space for their voices to be heard. Through raising awareness, ARC hopes to create a gradual shift in society toward being more tolerant.
ARC meets every other Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Hart College. Its next meeting will be on Nov. 12. All are welcome.