Representatives of the SIUC School of Social Work say violence affects many people in many ways, a message they hope to explore during a week of activities aimed at focusing national attention on dealing with social violence.

Martha Raske, SIUC associate professor of social work and site coordinator of events, said the purpose of the National Teach-In week, Feb. 5-9, is to explore a broad perspective on the causes of violence.

The view of violence is more expanded here, she said. Globally, looking at factors such as hunger and unemployment and how they affect violence will give the subject world-wide relevance. Locally, what are the problems we face in rural areas and what we are doing about it will also be discussed.

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Events for the week follow nearly a year of planning with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and student and faculty representatives of the SIUC School of Social Work, Raske said.

Beginning Monday with a dinner banquet that will demonstrate inequitable global food distribution, to an open house Friday, to reviewing issues brought up over the week, we will all take a hard look at the issue of violence, she said.

Martin Tracy, School of Social Work director, said the week will help people become more aware of violence in our society.

Many people are affected by random violence, he said. These events hope to raise the level of consciousness and begin to develop a dialogue between the community and University.

Topics for the week include mental illness and violence, peace and justice, hunger and unemployment and community building. Events include an international women’s panel discussion, a sexual abuse panel discussion and a live satellite video conference featuring journalist Charles Kuralt.

The school of social work and NASW representatives began the week Sunday with a two-hour recruitment drive televised on WSIU by answering questions and signing people up to help.

Beverly Wallace, WSIU outreach coordinator, said she believes that the week should be very beneficial and hopes to see considerable involvement.

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The response has been pleasing, Wallace said. We have individuals, couples and even groups of twenty to thirty people calling to volunteer. It is an exciting project and we really hope to reach some people.

Events have been scheduled at different times during the week, and all require reservations. Information on all events and reservations can be obtained by contacting the SIUC School of Social Work.