No More Mat-Su to present second annual event to turn the tide of domestic violence

PALMER — No More Mat-Su is hosting its second annual Rock the Resilience event Monday at the Glenn Massay Theater from 6 to 9 p.m. to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.

This free event will feature live performances, showcasing local talent while promoting a safer Mat-Su Valley that says “No More” to domestic violence and sexual assault.

No More Mat-Su is the Valley’s community-driven campaign dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in all forms. It’s a local chapter of the national program, “No More,” a campaign aiming to end domestic violence.

According to information provided by No More Mat-Su at last year’s event, “50 percent of Mat-Su women have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both.”

According to Rock the Resilience committee leader Janel Gagnon, those numbers are still true today.

Attendees should anticipate a 1990’s landscape this year since the theme is Rock the Resilience, Part Deux: What is Love?, based on Haddaway’s 1993 song “What is Love?” There will also be a photo booth in the lobby.

Below is a question and answer interview provided by No More Mat-Su Adult Advisor Andrea Talbert via email, detailing the event.

Q: What topics will be discussed this year?

“Apart from casual discussions event attendees may have with each other, there will not be a formal discussion of any topic. Instead the question of love — all kinds of love, from all kinds of relationships — will be explored through performance and visual art. Those performing were expressly asked to choose pieces that addressed the question "What is love?" One of the goals of NMMS is to help foster within our community a strong sense of what constitutes healthy relationships and why they are vital to a healthy, thriving community. In the lobby we will have community resource agencies whose goals, like NMMS, are to help build and sustain healthier communities. Some, like Alaska Family Services and The Children's Place, also provide on-site assistance to victims of abuse.”

Q: Any performers?

“Yes, many. We will feature large and small ensembles from many of the Valley's high schools and this year we have a middle school participating. We have individuals from the community performing as well. Performances include song, dance, and spoken poetry.”

Q: What do you hope to accomplish at this year's event?

“To continue to build awareness of the domestic violence and sexual assault problem that exists here in the Valley, that NMMS and other resource agencies exist and are working to change those grave statistics, to encourage attendees to get involved in this effort, and to provide resources to attendees about where they, or someone they know, can get help if needed.”

Q: I saw that you are adding a new award the Resilience Resonator, what can you tell me about that?

“This year we have added a new piece to the event. Every year adults in the community who are exceptional adult role models, who work hard to promote healthy relationships, support the work of NMMS, or who are dedicated to advocating for victims of DVSA will be nominated for the Resilience Resonator award by students and the adult advisors of NMMS. Winners of the award will receive a No More Mat-Su megaphone, symbolic for those who are brave enough to have the conversations we need about DVSA in the Valley. This year we have 8 nominees. We are very excited about this! We think it is important to highlight the brave and consistent helpers in the community.”

Q: How many vendors this year?

“Ten to 12.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com