Active*Champions

In January 2025, we welcomed our 2025 cohort of Active* Champions. These exceptional individuals are playing a pivotal role in driving positive change on our campus. After receiving specialized training in consent and workshop facilitation, they will actively lead workshops and host informative stalls, significantly contributing to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of consent and awareness.

The Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response team is beyond inspired by our incredible Active* Champions, who are working alongside us to make the University of Galway a safer, more supportive place for everyone.

As they complete their Active* Champion training with Active* Consent, they will be fully equipped to step into their roles as peer educators and lead the way in sexual violence prevention, education, and awareness. Their dedication to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and consent is truly something to celebrate. Let’s cheer them on as they prepare to shine as the leaders and changemakers our community needs!

Meet the Champions:

Colleen [HDipA (Full) - Psychology (Year 2)] 

I'm Colleen, a postgraduate student of Psychology in the University of Galway, with a specific interest in Social Psychology and social influence. I'm proud to be both Irish and indigenous Okinawan (Uchinānchu), and I'm also passionate about promoting societal equality. 

I'm interested in anything artistic - from writing creative non-fiction to baking a batch of cupcakes. I also, of course, love to draw, sketch, and paint. When I'm not studying or doodling on my iPad, you might find me reading, volunteering, or cuddling with my pet cat, Chia. 

Tonya [PhD Researcher - Education (Year 2)] 

I am a PhD Education researcher with a professional background in youth development, volunteer management, community engagement, and DEI programming. My research interests and background include feminist theory, gender and sexuality studies, sex education, parent education, teacher education, and community education. Outside of academia and work, I enjoy cooking/baking, watching tv/films, reading, being in nature, and listening to live music! 

María José [MSc in Health Psychology 2024-2025] 

My name is Majo but you can call me Jo. I am originally from Guatemala and I love sharing my culture with other people. I am currently studying my MSc in Health Psychology and I hop to specialize in sexual health. I love reading, baking, listening to music, doing yoga and spending time with my friends. 

Ranllus [MA in film studies 1st year] 

I'm from Mexico City. I did my undergrad in communication sciences. I'm also a photographer. I have worked as a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker on projects involving human rights, environmental protection, and gender equity. I am currently pursuing an MA in film studies. Film, literature, photography, social movements, human rights, art, psychology, sexual and reproductive rights, politics, and I love cooking! 

Michelle [3rd year BSC social science] 

3rd year social science student who is Interested in health promotion, disability rights, mental health and preventing gender based violence, woman’s health with a specific interest in endometriosis 
I was involved in multiple different organisations over the past few years such as spun out and too into you which have helped me develop my skills and understanding of society I am also apart of the the student union. My hobbies include CrossFit, running, reading books, watching a good series. 

Chekka  [MA Public Advocacy and Activism] 

My name is Chekka and I am so excited to be living in Ireland. I am doing an MA in Public Advocacy and Activism and I love getting involved with local communities and learning more about Irish culture. 

I am interested in learning how to play instruments, meeting new people, being outdoors and reading books. 

Charlotte  [2nd Year BA (Joint-Honours) English and French] 

I’m Charlotte, a second year English and French student. I love coffee with friends and have found working as a consent campion really rewarding. Sea Swimming, Pilates and brunch with friends 

Hannah  Final year Law and Business 

Hi, I'm Hannah and I am a Creative Communications Active* Champion. I am a law student passionate about making law accessible to everyone. I love trying new things, drinking coffee, and I have a massive sweet tooth! I am excited to work with the team and have a great year! 

I love to read, especially Greek mythology retellings! 

In September 2024, we were thrilled to celebrate the Shannon College of Hotel Management cohort of Active* Champions. These exceptional individuals are championing the culture of consent not only on the Shannon campus but also during their work placements. By leading the way in promoting respect and awareness, they are setting a powerful example for the industry, bringing positive change both on campus and in their professional environments. Campus Consent Champions

In 2023, The Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Programme Coordinator, in collaboration with the Active* Consent programme initiated the recruitment of our inaugural cohort of Campus Consent Champions at the University of Galway. These exceptional individuals played a pivotal role in contributing to positive change on our campus. Equipped with specialized training in consent & digital intimacy workshop facilitation, they actively conducted numerous workshops and informative stalls, contributing significantly to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of consent and awareness.

Campus Consent Champion - Workshops

Peer-to-peer education holds significant importance, particularly in discussions surrounding consent. Our dedicated champions took the initiative to conduct workshops for fellow students, contributing to the establishment of a consenting campus culture at the University of Galway. These workshops covered crucial topics such as consent and digital intimacy, fostering a comprehensive understanding of respectful and responsible behavior among our student community.

Promotional Stalls

With a keen interest in cultivating a positive consent culture on campus, our champions hosted diverse information and promotional stalls at various events on campus. These stalls not only served as informative hubs but also provided a safe space for students to learn about consent and relevant initiatives from their peers. Additionally, students had the opportunity to actively contribute to activities such as "the green flag" initiative, further enriching their engagement with the promotion of consent awareness on our campus.

Active* Artists

Active* Artists

In Spring 2024, Active* Consent and the University of Galway's Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Program Coordinator collaborated on the “Active* Artists” project to recruit a group of passionate students at the University of Galway who merge their love for art with their commitment to campus consent culture.

An open call was made to students with an interest in art to help devise and create a mural to promote consent on campus. The plan was to create a stunning mural that will serve as a powerful reminder to our campus community about the importance of consent. The energy and enthusiasm the talented artists brought to the project was truly inspiring. The project consisted of multiple workshops. Participants were guided through the process of devising a mural while learning more about using art for social change and consent culture change.

Students got involved for various reasons:

• To be part of making a beautiful mural on campus!
• To learn more about creative consent communication and art for social change
• To try out a range of art skills and materials
• To meet and make new friends

A total of 15 volunteers took part in a series of 3 evening workshops in March during which the mural was devised, and a further 2 full-day workshops in April during which the final mural design was painted. A newspaper article was also published to raise awareness about this initiative.

After the mural, many volunteers expressed interest in continuing with the Active* Artists project, and reported having learned more about sexual consent, art activism and interpersonal skills:

“I loved getting to meet new people and having the opportunity to work with them on a creative project and seeing their perspective and ideas.”

“Watching an idea come to life through collaboration and the power of many hands”.

“It was really fun to see everyone's ideas come together into one final piece.”

“I’m more interested in the topic [of consent] since participating.”

“This project enhanced my knowledge of sexual consent by highlighting its foundational role in fostering mutual respect.”