Who would you like to thank for teaching you respect?

This is the question posed by the third annual Respect Challenge, hosted by Macy’s and Futures Without Violence, a nonprofit organization which strives to end domestic violence.

This initiative is being brought to campus by the Optimistic Club and health science senior Julia Manausa.

In answering the Respect Challenge’s question, participants are encouraged to post their answer on social media platforms with the hashtags #mi2014 and #respectchallenge2014.

Participants are put in the running for prizes, including a $2,500 scholarship, a $250 Macy’s shopping spree or a national grand prize which includes a $10,000 donation to a school or nonprofit organization of their choice, a trip to New York City with a guest, two tickets to a surprise event and a $500 Macy’s shopping spree.

Members of the Optimistic Club, working closely with Manausa, tabled outside the Marketplace to Doan last week to pose the Respect Challenge’s question to students.

Manausa is interning with Respect Challenge captain and faculty member Shannon Smith. Manausa was given the opportunity to work with Smith and Futures Without Violence through a health science course at SVSU.

“I hope to one day work in the public health field with a non profit organization,” Manausa said. “I thought Futures (Without Violence) would be a great organization to intern with. I think that their mission of striving to end domestic violence is a very important topic which needs to be addressed on a large scale.”

For now, though, Manausa hopes to adapt the mission and bring it to SVSU’s campus on a smaller scale.

“I know many respectful students, faculty and staff here … I thought what better place to learn about how they were taught respect,” Manausa said. “The Optimistic Club has been more than helpful with driving submissions as we come close to the of the submission period.”

The last day to post an answer to the question is Friday, Nov. 14.

“As a proud SVSU student, I am so thankful for … (other) students getting involved,” Manausa said.” I would love to see some of my fellow students win great prizes simply for thanking someone for teaching them respect. It is simply astounding to me how a little respect can go a long way, and I think that these students are showing that.”