Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

In honor of Valentine’s Day, several Western clubs and organizations are hosting events for the student community.

Non-Traditional Student Services are celebrating by arranging some Valentine’s Day themed activities, such as craft making and cookie decorating. Cookie decorating will be taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Werner University Center Summit Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, other organizations took advantage of Valentine’s Day by spreading an important message. 

As Western’s official Center for Equity and Gender Justice, Abby’s House used Valentine’s Day to inform and remind individuals of the concept of consent. 

From Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, students could visit Abby’s House at a tabling area, featuring a photo booth. Students could receive a safety accessory — a scrunchie that doubles as an anti-spiking drink cover — by following Abby’s House on Instagram. The tabling area also provided hand-held signs illustrating expressions related to consent, such as “Cat against catcalls” and “Limits, respect them.”

Additionally, as a way to spread kindness and ensure no individual is left out, the Student Activities Board were providing Valentine’s cards and goodies to students in the WUC on Valentine’s Day. 

Many campus organizations will continue hosting Valentine’s Day themed events leading up to and after Valentine’s Day. Some of the larger organizations, such as the Residence Hall Association, are responsible for a wider multitude of on-campus events. 

Similar to last year, all residence halls participated in the distribution of Valegrams. Students could sign up to have Valegrams delivered — either for themselves, friends or partners — for no charge. Additionally, on Friday, Feb. 17, RHA — alongside the Arbor and Landers Hall Committee — will also be hosting a Valentine’s Day dance in the Pacific Room from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no fee to attend the dance; however, RSVP is encouraged.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu