University students work with state coalition to raise awareness of domestic violence

8:35 a.m., April 13, 2015--University of Delaware students are working with the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence to raise awareness of the issue by collecting used and broken smart and cell phones.

UD students taking the class Domestic Violence Services (HDFS 409) with Ruth Fleury-Steiner, associate professor of human development and family studies, are conducting a cell phone drive that reaches beyond campus into the local community.

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Proceeds from the collection effort will support various advocacy and educational efforts offered by the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence throughout the state. Previous drives organized through the UD course have raised more than $5,000 for the coalition.

“Often I am asked ‘What can I do to help?’ and I share that something as simple as donating a used, unwanted cell phone can help make a difference and contribute to the cause to end domestic violence,” said Mariann Kenville-Moore, interim executive director of the coalition. “With the hundreds of thousands of used cell phones sitting idly in our community, donating an unwanted phone is a win-win.” 

The cell phone drive gives students the chance to share what they have learned in the classroom with their friends, families, and other organizations, said Fleury-Steiner, a member and volunteer at the coalition.

“The students really value the opportunity to connect the classroom to the real world and make a difference for victims of domestic violence,” she said.

To collect phones and to share information, students have partnered with campus Greek organizations, registered student organizations and their off-campus employers. 

Students are also drawing on their personal connections and on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to spread the word. 

Most importantly, students are raising awareness about domestic violence in the process. 

The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence has partnered with Shelter Alliance for several years to raise money from these kinds of cell phone drives. Used, unwanted cell phones and batteries are shipped to them and recycled in order to raise money for the Coalition. Receipts can be provided upon request.

Members of the campus community who want more information about donating cell phones can contact Fleury-Steiner at rfs@udel.edu.