Other Community Activities

The Clothesline Project

Spruce Run is proud to join groups across the globe in participating in the Clothesline Project. The Clothesline Project began in 1990 on Cape Cod as an effort to bear witness to the epidemic of violence against women and to help survivors and those who care about them heal. The first clothesline carried 31 shirts in different colors, each color-coded and decorated to represent a particular woman’s experience.  Since its inception, the Clothesline Project has grown into an international effort, with more than 500 projects throughout the world.

Our Clothesline Project is displayed at events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With its vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, our clothesline reflects the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault, and vividly details the impact for the victims and their loved ones.  The project has given many community members the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon the role that violence plays in our society. 

We plan to continue this campaign for years to come. Watch our News and Events page for opportunities to create shirts for Spruce Run’s Clothesline Project.

Spruce Run’s Clothesline Project, displayed at Penobscot Job Corps.

One of the shirts in our Clothesline Project. 

Another of the shirts, this time displayed in Millinocket at the Community Vigil.

As this shirt says, the project speaks of pain… And hope.

Take Back the Night

Each year, Spruce Run proudly takes part in our local Take Back the Night event. Cohosted by the University of Maine’s Student Women’s Organization and the Safe Campus Project, this event brings together members of the campus community and beyond to rally against sexual violence and domestic abuse. We hope to see you next October.  To read the Bangor Daily News’ story on the 2009, click here–and check out the pictures below!

The Take Back the Night 2009 crowd.

UMaine women’s a cappella group Renaissance opens Take Back the Night.

Kati McCarthy, Spruce Run’s Public Awareness and Education Coordinator, speaks out.

Representative Emily Cain addresses the crowd.