Our People
Melanie O. Matson, Director
A proud native of Minnesota, led to KY by way of California (wait, isn't that the wrong direction?), excited to be a part of the University of Kentucky's Violence Intervention and Prevention Center.
Melanie is amazed at the work of the VIP Center staff, students, campus, and community partners and delighted to join in. Just imagine what our world would be like if we didn't have power-based personal violence. Violence is not inevitable; each and every one of us can do something to make the difference. The possibilities are endless. Melanie loves to hear how people have made a difference and would love to hear yours!
Favorite foods: Baked spaghetti, candy, and vast varieties of cheese, tea, and vegetarian delights
Favorite activities: Hiking, running, dancing, exploring, traveling, cooking, reading, watching movies
Favorite quotes:
"Uff da!" (Expressing frustration or feeling overwhelmed. Hey, she's from MN, what did you expect?!)
"I believe that one of the most important things to learn in life is that you can make a difference in your community no matter who you are or where you live."
Rosalynn Carter
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
You are not alone
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- I talked to my friends about the SEEDS retreat I went to.
- We created a fundraiser for the VIP Center.
- I check in with my friends before we go out. Someone is always designated sober for the night. We stay together, we leave together.
- I have gone to Take Back the Night 3 years in a row.
- I put my green dot button on my bag.
- I brought my friend to VIP to volunteer.
- I heard my neighbors get into a verbal argument, I checked in to make sure everything was okay.
- When someone blames the victim, I talk to them about how wrong that is.
- I gave a class presentation on Green Dot.
- My friend had a suspicious bruise, I asked if she was okay and gave her the contact info for VIP.
- I take my class to the VIP Center every semester
- I passed out fliers for the VIP last semester.
- I didn’t let a stranger take my drunk friend home.
- I walked my friend home from the library.
- I went to SEEDS and got a couple friends to go with me.
- I ‘accidentally’ spilled my drink on a guy who wouldn’t leave this girl alone.
- I have several green dot/VIP shirts that I wear all the time.
- I take my green dot water bottle to the gym.
- I added “What’s your green dot?” to my email signature line.
- I created a SEEDS event on Facebook to invite all my friends to come.
- I got my fraternity brothers to attend SEEDS.
- I participated in In Our Own Voices, a play that raises awareness about violence
- I told the bartender about someone who I saw slip something in someone’s drink.
- I was there for my friend when she told me she had been assaulted.
- I volunteer at the VIP center a couple hours a week.
- I told my story at Take Back the Night.
- I participated in the Umbrella Walk.
- I did my English paper over power based personal violence.
- We did a group presentation on VIP.
- I wore my green dot button, and someone asked me about it.
- A couple was arguing loudly in a restaurant, and I told the manager.
- My friends now know not to make sexist jokes around me.
- When a news article comes out relating to violence, I discuss it with my friends.
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Use this page to let a friend know about what VIP has to offer.