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'Guys With Ties' effort tied to eliminating sexual assault
Neckties can be worn as a sign of respect or a symbol of conformity or simply as a fashion statement.
But the teal-colored ties many Greencastle and Putnam County public figures will be wearing this month have a much more serious message tied to them.
Over the next four weeks, 25 local men will be seen quite often around town in their teal-colored neckwear as part of the local "Guys With Ties" campaign. Nationally, teal is considered synonymous with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Guys with Ties was originated by a group of young professionals to help raise funds and awareness for deserving charities in the Charlotte, N.C., area.
By wearing a teal tie during the month of April, the local men are showing dedication and support for the efforts of Putnam County Family Support Services (PCFSS) to eliminate sexual assault in our community.
All four local school systems are represented in the noble effort with Greencastle High School Principal Russ Hesler, North Putnam Principal Alan Zerkel, Cloverdale Principal Sonny Stoltz, South Putnam Principal Kieth Puckett, SPHS Assistant Principal Dan Bain, Fillmore Elementary Principal Brad Hayes and SPHS counselor Mark Wildman all tying on the teal.
Greencastle emergency services personnel are taking part as well with Fire Chief Bill Newgent, Police Chief Tom Sutherlin and Assistant Police Chief Brian Hopkins all on board.
On the county level, Sheriff Steve Fenwick is part of the teal crew as well.
Meanwhile, representing the Putnam County court system are Judges Denny Bridges and Matt Headley, along with Tim Bookwalter, Justin Long, Jim Ensley and James Hanner of the Prosecutor's Office.
PCFSS personnel even went out of their way to make sure Prosecutor Bookwalter was properly outfitted with his trademark bowtie -- of teal, of course.
Community Corrections Director Jamie France and Adult Probation Officer Cody Tillotson are likewise part of the teal deal, while student volunteer Joel Borders and Campus Living and Community Development Director Eric Wolf have turned to teal to represent DePauw University.
Also taking part in the Guys With Ties effort for April are brothers Bill and Brent Shuee of Shuee and Sons, Carlos Shrewsbury of Cummins Mental Health and Eric Bernsee of the Banner Graphic.
Experts in the subject of sexual assault prevention believe involving men in the movement is crucial, not because they are often the perpetrators of sexual violence but "because our community needs strong male leadership in prevention."
Men can lead prevention efforts by speaking out and challenging others to speak out as well. They can be strong role models by living violence free in their relationships, demonstrating respect and trust toward others and intervening when acts of sexual harassment occur.
The benefit of positive male role models cannot only impact young men, but can send a positive message to the young women of the community as well. Because of such influence, perhaps they will expect to receive respect in their intimate relationships and recognize signs of an unhealthy one.
Sexual violence is not a one-time act, experts assure. It is considered a progression of experiences steeped in such behaviors as bullying, dating violence, gender inequality, sexual harassment and witnessing violence as a child.
Family Support Services officials warn that "the prevalence of sexual violence in our community is large and manifests in many ways. It can happen to anyone at any time but it is preventable."
PCFSS has implemented a comprehensive countywide sexual assault prevention plan that includes mobilizing men in prevention efforts.
The public's help is needed, however, to help eradicate sexual violence in Putnam County. The public is invited and urged to partner with PCFSS in its prevention programs.
For more information, persons may call 653-4820 or ask the guys with the ties of teal.