By Jennifer Abreu

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The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center is presenting its fourth annual Rock-the-Dot Talent and Variety Show Thursday night in the Student Center Cats Den at 7 p.m.

Rock-the-Dot will include a wide range of performances, including but not limited to, Pause-and-Listen and Jeremiah Muwanga.

Refreshments will be served.

The show is a celebration of the VIP’s Green Dot Strategy which aims to shift culture towards a violence-free one.

Green Dot is any moment in time when words, actions or even silence are used to stop violence in a safe way. The strategy started at UK and has spread to other campuses and communities across the country.

Incorporating Green Dot in the performance is required and is a key element when it comes to judging. It could be a message, wearing green or integrating the idea in the performance.

Performers will compete for first, second and third place that will be decided by a panel of three judges comprised of UK students and staff.

The set up will be similar to national TV talent shows, and the judges will give performers feedback, interacting with the audience as well.

The audience will also be involved in the judging of performances.

VIP Center Director Melanie Matson said the event gives people insight into the unity Green Dot creates.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to get a good sense of the community we have at UK,” she said.

Shevy Tinney, who is an intern at the VIP Center, will be an announcer at Rock-the-Dot. The ISC senior said it’s her first time attending.

“I don’t know what to expect, but I am excited because each act has to incorporate the Green Dot … it will be really interesting how they can do that,” she said.

Tinney said celebrating the Green Dot is as important as its efforts.

“People come to the VIP for help with issues that have happened. This event is not just to raise awareness, but mostly to have fun,” she said.