Submitted: Tiffany Koehler, 3rd Junior Vice Commander

  Posted by: Jim on January 1 2023 12:44:03.

Submitted: Tiffany Koehler, 3^rd Junior Vice Commander

As the former chair of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Wisconsin’s Women Veteran Committee, I was happy to report that all of DAV Wisconsin’s executive team and DAV members at our fall conference took the Veterans Administration’s (VA) White Ribbon Campaign’s pledge to support the end of sexual harassment and sexual assault at VA facilities and clinics. DAV Wisconsin Veterans raised their right hand if abled and stated their names and said the following, “ I pledge to never commit, excuse, or stay silent about sexual harassment, sexual assault or domestic violence against others.” I further stated that it was important not only to say the pledge rather to live the pledge in all places and spaces.

The White Ribbon Campaign is a national call to action by the VA to eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence across the VA by promoting a constructive change in culture so that the actions outlined in the pledge become the organizational norm. White Ribbon Campaign is an awareness movement where all can participate.

The White Ribbon Campaign was inspired by the White Ribbon organization which is ,based in Toronto, Ontario Canada, the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, and to promote gender equity and healthy relationships. Since its inception in Toronto in 1991, the White Ribbon Campaign has spread to over 60 countries around the world, including college campuses, military bases, and stations, within several states across the country, and now DAV Wisconsin, we are proud to lead the way and encourage other Veteran Service Organizations to take the pledge.

Reference: U.S. Veteran Affairs Administration,(October 3, 2022). Retrieved on December 15, 2022, from https://www.va.gov/health/harassment-free/