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Need Plans for Saturday? Rise with Billions Across the Globe!

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Olivia Bergmann
Utah Contributor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utah chapter.

February 13, 2016 is coming up fast. What will you be doing Saturday morning? Brunching with friends? Hitting the gym? Sleeping in? NO! You will be attending a worldwide event that’s taking place here in Salt Lake City among various other locations. One Billion Rising is being held this day and is expected to be a huge hit this weekend as SLC has seen an insane turnout each year as people become more aware of this event. 

Meet in the rotunda at the Utah State Capitol at 9 AM and prepare to raise awareness for domestic violence. Come head to toe in pink, red, and black and get ready to “break the chain.” The main event, a flash mob, is held every year around Valentine’s Day in several different countries around the globe. 2016 is the fourth year that One Billion Rising is being held ever, and is an event that is not only educational but is also a great way to get out in the community and raise awareness for those that are not able to do it themselves. 

The day’s schedule, the event and its program, are expected to go until 3ish, but attendees are welcome to come and go as they please. OBR will have speakers that has previously ranged from sex trafficking to past victims of polygamy and those that were personally impacted by domestic violence. A flash mob, (link provided if you plan on coming and want to dance too) booths with items for sale, including awesome Sheroes shirts (Sheroes United is hosting the event—they are a group that supports female veterans and women’s issues in general) that are super cute and comfy to dance in. Years past have even included drum circles. You will be accompanied by fun, strong, powerful men and women while having a blast in celebrating with people from around the world. WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY MORNING?

Still not convinced? Here are some facts about this amazing civil rights movement, which is one of the largest of it’s kind ever. 

  • People around the world rise, at one of the thousands of events held, through dance to express rage against injustices, and the power of global solidarity and collective action. 

  • One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history. 

  • 1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. That’s ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. 

So now when people ask you what you are doing on the day before Valentines, you will be saying “I’m going to One Billion Rising and raising awareness for domestic violence.” In my opinion, fighting and rising for women’s independence of hate crimes is the perfect way to celebrate a holiday all about love! 

Follow the link below to learn the dance!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRU1xmBwUeA

 

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Olivia is a junior at the University of Utah. She enjoys Taylor Swift, dogs, and her sorority! She is a Strategic Communications major and is getting a Campaign Management minor and one day hopes to work in the world of advertising or trailing the next big political candidate. One of her favorite past times is crafting and Netflix, but you could also find her at Ugurt with her friends on any given night. She has an obsession with throw pillows and the color black and hates bad eyebrows.  
Her Campus Utah Chapter Contributor