White Ribbon Scotland (WRS) is a charity which aims to contribute to the reduction and eventual ending of violence against women (VAW).
The charity seeks the support of men who do not perpetrate violence to influence the attitudes and behavior of their peers. To further the aims of the campaign WRS recruits volunteers as speakers, champions, coordinators, ambassadors and trustees.
The role of ambassador involves people who have taken a particular interest in addressing VAW through White Ribbon and who are in a position to influence others to participate.
Ambassadors undertake to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Scotland campaign, encourage people to get involved and to take the White Ribbon Scotland pledge not to ‘commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms’.
Glasgow Kelvin College has, over the last two years, established and expanded its work with White Ribbon Scotland through learner engagement and the student association.
With a deluge of staff and student sign-ups to the pledge, the college has supported the training of students as volunteer speakers who spread the message and deliver awareness training throughout the community.
Most recently delivering training to local bookmakers staff and going on to win a prestigious Green Gown Award for its Learner Engagement, the College staff and students work hard to establish new networks and build partnerships with colleague organisations to spread the word.
Davy Thompson, White Ribbon Scotland campaign director, said,
“If we are going to be successful in our campaign to engage men in the elimination of violence against women we need the support of men such as Alan Sherry.
“We need role models who others will look up to and respect and we need people with enthusiasm and innovation to help take the campaign forward. Alan has already proven to be an effective Ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland and I am delighted he has accepted our invitation to formalise his position in this role.”
Alan Sherry, Glasgow Kelvin College principal, said:
“I’m extremely honoured to be asked to fulfil this role for such an important campaign.
“Glasgow Kelvin Student Association has been instrumental in rolling the White Ribbon Scotland message out to our communities and giving men a voice in opposing violence against women.
“Being asked to undertake this role as ambassador is, I feel, a strong recognition of all their hard work in ensuring this key message is passed on through the generations.”
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