ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD -- The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program drove home a lasting point during its first ever "SHARP Poetry Slam," April 27, in the Mallette Auditorium at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. Creative style and imagination might best explain how the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), who hosted the mid-day event, was so successful at putting into motion an innovative way to show the APG community that it fully backs and supports the fight against sexual assault and harassment.
Void of the all-too-familiar Powerpoint presentations, Team APG used poetry to deliver SHARP messages that included, but were not limited to prevention, investigation, accountability, consent, and retaliation. Through their self-authored poems, a total of 15 Soldiers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians rallied behind the event, sharing with the near-capacity filled auditorium, their authentic literary expressions that cried out for greater SHARP awareness, and embraced the hope for change.
Mr. Jody Jackson, Equal Employment Opportunity/SHARP Program Manager, ATEC, welcomed attendees and participants, and judges of the SHARP Poetry Slam --thanking them for their support. Clearly, audience participation and feedback proved the unusual presentation format to be one they enjoyed. Audience comments ranged from "It's the best SHARP presentation I've ever seen," to "I can't wait to share what happened here today with my old unit. I think they will consider doing the same type of training."
Capt. Joanna Moore, U.S. Army Health Clinic, APG, walked away with the first place win. Prior to the win, she shared with the audience, "I've been writing poetry for many years. However, this is my first time reading before other people." That first time proved to be a winner.
Commander, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, APG, Maj. Gen. Daniel Karbler, drew applause as he thanked Team APG, and the entire community for their hard work and support for this creative SHARP initiative.
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