Safer is committed to engaging every discipline on campus in the work of violence prevention and trauma-informed response. To do this, we have developed the Safer Learning Community, with quarterly book circles specifically geared towards faculty and staff on campus, to empower you to join this work alongside us.
Read through our offerings below and register at the bottom of this site!
Fall 2026: No Visible Bruises: What We Don't Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder
Co-facilitated by Jennifer Ojeda, Campus Advocate![](\Users\gcutshaw\OneDrive - Cal Poly\Pictures\Events\Book Circles\NVB Book cover_.jpg")
In No Visible Bruises, journalist Rachel Louise Snyder frames this urgent and immersive account of the scale of domestic violence in our country around key stories that explode the common myths: That if things were bad enough, victims would just leave; that a violent person cannot become nonviolent; that shelter is an adequate response; that violence inside the home is separate from other forms of violence like mass shootings, gang violence, and sexual assault. Through the stories of victims, perpetrators, law enforcement, and reform movements from across the country, Snyder explores not only the dark corners of private violence, but also its far-reaching consequences for society, and what it will take to truly address it.
Fall 2026 Sessions
|
Session |
Date |
Time |
|
1 |
10/21/2026 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
2 |
10/28/2026 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
3 |
11/4/2026 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
4 |
11/18/2026 |
12:00-12:50pm |
Winter 2027: Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood by Frederick Joseph
Co-facilitated by Kyle Tanaka, Student Success and Outcomes Librarian
In this personal and poignant collection, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Black Friend examines the culture of masculinity through the lens of a Black man.
What does it mean to be a man today? How does the pervasive yet elusive idea of “toxic masculinity” actually reflect men’s experiences—particularly those of color—and how they navigate the world?
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and “manning up” to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of men’s lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.
Winter 2027 Sessions
|
Session |
Date |
Time |
|
1 |
2/17/27 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
2 |
2/12/27 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
3 |
2/19/27 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
4 |
2/26/27 |
12:00-12:50pm |
Spring 2027:
Co-facilitated by Kara Hitchcock, Retention Specialist
Book Choice TBA
Spring 2027 Sessions
|
Session |
Date |
Time |
|
1 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
|
2 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
|
3 |
12:00-12:50pm |
|
|
4 |
12:00-12:50pm |
Registration for Fall 2026
Please note - there are limited spots for each book circle. Therefore, we will be prioritizing participants who are able to attend all sessions. Please let us know in advance if you are not able to attend every sessions.
