Imagine a world without violence.

It’s hard to do.

America is a strikingly violent country, and if it hasn’t become obvious to you at this point, you might want try taking a turn around your cable channels once.

The news is filled with stories of high school shootings, inner-city violence, rural hate crimes and domestic abuse.

Check CNN, FoxNews, ABC, CBS and NBC. Even the Discovery Channel and A&E are filled with “infotainment” specials on bizarre crimes.

This week, the YWCA (294-1663) is sponsoring “Week Without Violence” in an attempt to draw attention to violence in all aspects of life: at work, in schools, on campus and in the home.

This week is dedicated to reaffirming our commitment to ending violence.

Knowing is half the battle, so take time out this week to listen to the stories of survivors.

Share your own experiences with others. And keep an open mind.

Violence flourishes along-side ignorance.

So get informed.

Take a look at the vision wall outside of the Margaret Sloss House.

There will be art, poetry and prose about a world without violence.

You can contribute your own work as well so feel free to share your thoughts and feelings with the campus.

Go on the “Awareness Walk” between Curtiss and Beardshear to pick up some information about violence in our community and our country.

The statistics will shock you.

The Ames Clothesline Project is a display in which family and friends of victims as well as survivors themselves hang pieces of clothing with messages representing victims of violence in our area.

Other events will include:

• Open Mic Night. 7:30 to 9:30 at the Maintenance Shop on Tuesday.

• “Presentations of Violence.” Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the Memorial Union Gold Room.

• Food drive. Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Ames Hy-Vee for ACCESS.

If you think violence is something that just happens to someone else, think again.

Any of us can become victims.

The best way to prevent violence and support the victims of violence is through open discourse and sharing.

So don’t just walk past those displays this week.

Slow down and take a closer look.

You just might be surprised to see a familiar name among the many.

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Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Sara Ziegler, Greg Jerrett, Kate Kompas and Carrie Tett.