We say ‘NO MORE’

Pittsburgh’s teal pride was out in full force on Thursday, March 9 as partners and friends convened for Spirit of NO MORE, a celebration of the substantial progress that’s been made in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault.

Keynote speaker Jane Randel, co-founder of national NO MORE, inspired the audience with her story and the continued importance of the movement. “The goal of NO MORE Week is to reach the people who don’t think they have a connection to these issues,” explained Ms. Randel. “We want to open the doors to everyone…that’s really the spirit of NO MORE.”

Randal concluded with praise for Southwest PA Says NO MORE for leading the impressive local effort to end domestic violence and sexual assault: “This community has rallied and rallied hard! I’m humbled to see what Southwest PA Says NO MORE has done and excited to see what you continue to do in the future.”

Dr. Paul Hennigan, Point Park University president, delivered a statement on behalf of the 10 colleges and universities that comprise the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE), stating their firm commitment to preventing campus sexual assault.

Throughout the program, attendees heard inspiring stories, testimonials and calls to action from representatives of Southwest PA Says NO MORE’s committed partner organizations.

Attendees were immersed in the Spirit of NO MORE through the prominent Voices in Prevention Project gallery, a series demonstrating the strength in our collective voice as our community speaks out together to say NO MORE.

More than 30 local organizations in attendance were recognized and honored with an award symbolizing their important role in the movement.

The program concluded with attendees chanting “We say ‘NO MORE.'”

Photography by Brian Cohen