BY ABIGAIL CARPENTER, STAFF WRITER

Augsburg’s Sexual Misconduct Awareness-Raising Team (SMART) teamed up with EP!C and The Women’s Resource Center to present Crush Week from Monday, Feb. 13 through Thursday, Feb. 16.

The campaign, a Crush for your crush, allowed students to purchase a Crush soda in Christensen Center for one dollar. Students could also attach words of appreciation and encouragement for their loved one. The campaign promoted all kinds of healthy relationships during Valentine’s Day week, whether they be romantic, friendship or even family.Augsburg’s Sexual Misconduct Awareness-Raising Team (SMART) teamed up with EP!C and The Women’s Resource Center to present Crush Week from Monday, Feb. 13 through Thursday, Feb. 16.

“We think that healthy relationships can be fulfilled in any area of your life,” Zoe Tranter, board member of SMART said. “Whether [the relationship] is platonic, a gal pal or family, by doing this campaign, we wanted to promote healthy relationships with everyone.”

SMART was formed just two years ago by current Auggie Samantha Coy. Since the club’s charter, its focus has been promoting conversations about sexual misconduct and encouraging healthy relationships. Everyone, whether they are a survivor of sexual assault or not, is welcome.

“It is important to combat the idea that SMART is not just for survivors of sexual assault,” Maddie Johnson, co-president of SMART said. “People do get involved because they are survivors, but other people aren’t. We are an education and advocacy group in which everyone is welcome.” The campaign is not likely to make a profit, but money was of no concern.

“We knew going in that we were not going to make a profit after purchasing product and advertisement,” Tranter said. “That’s fine. We just want people to get involved with SMART and to spark conversations about healthy relationships.”

However, 52+ cans had been sold as of Tuesday afternoon, a wonderful number to Johnson who had hoped for widespread participation. “I’m super excited,” Johnson said. “[The campaign] has already surpassed my expectations, and it’s great to see so many people participating.”

Crush soda cans will continue to be available for purchase in the Women’s Resource Center from Monday, Feb. 20 through Friday, Feb. 24. In addition to the Crush campaign, SMART has many events planned for their Spring Semester. In fact, this coming April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The club plans to host a “Break the Silence” event, where survivors can come forward and name themselves as a survivor of sexual assault. In doing so, they break their silence.

They will also host one of several discussion nights planned throughout the semester. This coming Tuesday, Feb. 21 in OGC 100 from 6-7 p.m. The discussion will be on the climate surrounding sexual misconduct at Augsburg. All students are welcome.

This article first appeared in the Friday, February 17, 2017, Edition of The Echo.