Sensory Grounding Activity presented by the Red Whistle Brigade

In effort to support survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking, the Red Whistle Brigade has put together this quick video. Enjoy!

For more information about the Red Whistle Brigade, check out the WGAC's website here: http://wgac.colostate.edu/the-red-whistle-brigade

SAAM 2015 kick off event tonight

Tonight is the kick off event for SAAM! Join us for a screening and discussion of Tough Guise 2 starting at 5:30 in LSC 226!

SAAM 2015 is 2 days away! Check out our calendar of events.

All events are free and open to all genders. Come look for us on April 13th on the Plaza.

For the PDF version of the poster, click HERE. For more general information about SAAM, check ou the WGAC Website.

Final day of SAAM!

Please Join us today for our final two SAAM events! 

APRIL 28 • MONDAY

Rape: The Reality of Blurred Lines

A Workshop by Cori Wong, PH.D.

12-1:30pm • LSC 224

Unfortunately, our cultural assumptions surrounding rape often don’t align with actual experiences of rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. Because of these misperceptions, many survivors might remain silent because they don’t know if their experience “counts” as rape, and many perpetrators may not realize how they are crossing sexual boundaries and harming others.

APRIL 28 • MONDAY

CTMO Consent Carnival • Sponsored by GUIDE

6-8pm • Corbett Hall
The annual consent carnival will include carnival games, prizes, snacks, and the CTMO photo booth.

SAAM Workshop for faculty and staff!!

Presentation: Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act & Title IX - 
Role and Responsibilities of Faculty and Staff
April 25th (TODAY!) 
12-1:30pm • Clark A206

Please join the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Support & Safety Assessment, and Conflict Resolution & Student Conduct Services to explore how federal legislation and guidance influence ways in which sexual misconduct cases are addressed at CSU. Additionally, there will be time for Q&A for faculty and staff to better understand THEIR role if a student discloses an account of interpersonal violence.

Personal Protection and Empowerment Workshop! Saturday April 26, 2014

Personal Protection and Empowerment Workshop
Saturday April 26th
10am - 2pm

WGAC firmly believes that the only person responsible for preventing violence is the person who choses to commit it. Period. End of story. 

Having said that, we also recognize that for some students, seemingly simple tasks like walking across campus at night, declining a date, being away from home or navigating past trauma can feel daunting. We believe that everyone deserves to feel save on campus and this session will explore the gendered dynamics of "safety" and teach interpersonal/psychological strategies that increase (rather than restrict) freedoms. 

This workshop is free and open to the public. We will be providing lunch so registration is required. For more informtaion or to register contact: monica.rivera@colostate.edu

Open house today! 4/9/14

A big shout out to everyone who came to the 

Guante performance last night! 

It was great! 

Stop by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center 

for our open house TODAY from 10-3.
112 Student Services Building

TOMORROW - GUANTE at CSU!

We are SO EXCITED to be hosting GUANTE 

tomorrow night at 8pm in the LSC Theater!! 

Check out this piece titled "Action" which is about masculinity, 

accountability and rape supportive culture

We will also be raffling off a bunch of our AWESOME ORANGE CTMO shirts!!
Be there. and bring a friend. or three.

6 days till Guante!

only SIX days until the SAAM keynote performance by GUANTE!! 

Spread the word so we can pack the house! 

(we also have a few spots left in his pre-performance workshop from 3:30-5. Email monica.rivera@colostate.edu if you are interested in participating!)

SAAM 2014 Full Lineup!

WGAC is psyched to announce our lineup for SAAM 2014! Check out our events below! 

TUESDAY APRIL 8^TH

SAAM Keynote Performance by Guante

8-9pm • LSC Theater

Critically-acclaimed hip hop artist, two-time national poetry slam champion, social justice activist, educator and writer. He and/or his work has appeared on Upworthy, MSNBC, Racialicious, and Feministing. He’s shared bills with Talib Kweli, Saul Williams, Brother Ali, Dead Prez, Sage Francis, Colorado’s own Andrea Gibson and more. Guante also founded the MN Activist Project and Hip Hop Against Homophobia concert series, write articles nationally and facilitates writing/performance workshops for Youth.

APRIL 9 • WEDNESDAY

WGAC Open House

10am-3pm • Women and Gender Advocacy Center (112 Student Services Building)

Stop by WGAC to say hi, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments and check out some of our

resources. We will have games, raffles, and snacks all day.

APRIL 15 • TUESDAY

Porn: Would You Know It If You See It?

7-8pm • LSC 228

In this open session of Men in the Movement, we will discuss the pervasive mainstreaming of pornography in the US. To learn more about the messages and implications, come as you are!

APRIL 16 • WEDNESDAY

Self-Compassion for Survivors: An Intro to Using Acceptance, Gratitude,

and Mindfulness to Relieve Emotional Suffering

6-7pm • Behavioral Science 131

Pain is inevitable, but suffering is not. This workshop will explore ways to cope with pain in meaningful ways that may help you to live a life you value with--not in spite of--your past.

APRIL 17 • THURSDAY

Take Back the Night 

Hosted by the Campus Feminist Alliance

7-9pm • Montfort Quad

This internationally recognized rally and protest creates an atmosphere of empowerment, while raising awareness about sexual violence. The event begins with a speak-out and ends with a march to Old Town.

APRIL 23 • MONDAY

Film Screening & Discussion • “The Line”

Co-sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life

7-8pm • Natural Resources 113

Told through a “sex-positive” lens, THE LINE is a short documentary about the filmmaker, who confronts her rapist on film. Sex workers, survivors and activists discuss justice, accountability and today’s “rape culture.” The film asks: where is the line defining consent?

APRIL 24 • THURSDAY

The Clothesline Project 

6-8pm • Durrell Center

The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts with messages and illustrations that have been designed by survivors of violence (or by a survivor’s loved ones). T-shirt making sessions will allow survivors to make a free anonymous shirt for the exhibit.

APRIL 25  • FRIDAY

Presentation: Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act & Title IX - 

Role and Responsibilities of Faculty and Staff

12-1:30pm • Clark A206

Please join the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Support & Safety Assessment, and Conflict Resolution & Student Conduct Services to explore how federal legislation and guidance influence ways in which sexual misconduct cases are addressed at CSU. Additionally, there will be time for Q&A for faculty and staff to better understand THEIR role if a student discloses an account of interpersonal violence.

APRIL 26 • SATURDAY

Personal Protection and Empowerment Workshop

Sponsored by GUIDE

10am-2pm

Yup… you read that right. WGAC is offering a personal protection and empowerment class. Allow us to explain.  :) WGAC firmly believes that the only person responsible for preventing violence is the person who chooses to commit it. Period. End of story. Having said that, we also recognize that for some students, walking across campus at night, declining a date, being away from home or navigating past trauma can feel daunting. Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus and this session will explore the gendered dynamics of “safety” and teach interpersonal/psychological strategies that increase (rather than restrict) freedoms. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - Email Monica.Rivera@colostate.edu

  

APRIL 28 • MONDAY

Rape: The Reality of Blurred Lines

A Workshop by Cori Wong, PH.D.

12-1:30pm • LSC 224

Unfortunately, our cultural assumptions surrounding rape often don’t align with actual experiences of rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. Because of these misperceptions, many survivors might remain silent because they don’t know if their experience “counts” as rape, and many perpetrators may not realize how they are crossing sexual boundaries and harming others.

APRIL 28 • MONDAY

CTMO Consent Carnival • Sponsored by GUIDE

6-8pm • Corbett Hall

The annual consent carnival will include carnival games, prizes, snacks, and the CTMO photo booth.

For more information, contact the Women and Gender Advocacy Center at (970) 491-6384 

or visit www.wgac.colostate.edu. 

FINAL EVENT FOR SAAM 2013

Please join us TONIGHT for our final event to honor 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month! 

Games

Prizes

 CTMO t-shirts

 Candy

 "Wanna Ram?" condoms 

CTMO Posters... 

and more! 

If you dont see us set up in the courtyard... check inside the Corbett lobby. We may move inside to escape this "spring" weather!

2013 - jessica. freakin. valenti.

Join us TONIGHT for our SAAM keynote speaker

Jessica Valenti!! 

Jessica's speech will begin at 6:30 in the LSC theater 

followed by a Q&A and book signing. 

So break out those women's studies text books, 

throw on your snow boots 

and tell ol' man winter that aint NOTHIN 

gonna keep you from showing

some CSU love to one of our favorite feminist writers! 

April 19 2013 - TODAY's SAAM event!

This is an official reminder about TODAY'S fantastic presentation 

by Roe Bubar, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies here at CSU. 

The presentation, Indigenous Women and the Reauthorization of VAWA: A Historic Move to Reinstate Tribal Jurisdiction over Non-Natives, will include testimony that Roe provided in a panel last month in Washington DC.  

About Roe: Roe Bubar, J.D., is an Indigenous Studies Scholar and Associate Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the School of Social Work at Colorado State University.  She teaches Indigenous and Gender Studies courses.  Her current research agenda considers intersectionality and sexual violence, health disparities, child maltreatment in tribal communities and Native youth and STD/STI messaging. Roe has over 20 years of experience in the field and continues to work with tribes, states, federal agencies and NGOs in tribal communities on a variety of research issues, child sexual abuse cases and other related projects. 

We are extremely fortunate to have such expertise here at CSU so please join us for what wil be an important and informative presentation. 

Indigenous Women and The Reauthorization of VAWA: 

A Historic Move to Reinstate Tribal Jurisdiction over Non-Natives

Friday April 19th

12-1pm

Clark A104

As always, we will be raffling off tshirts, books and gift cards!!

April 18th 2013- Reminder about tomorrow's presentation!

This is an official reminder about our fantastic presentation 

by Roe Bubar, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies here at CSU. 

The presentation, Indigenous Women and the Reauthorization of VAWA: A Historic Move to Reinstate Tribal Jurisdiction over Non-Natives, will include testimony that Roe provided in a panel last month in Washington DC.  

About Roe: Roe Bubar, J.D., is an Indigenous Studies Scholar and Associate Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the School of Social Work at Colorado State University.  She teaches Indigenous and Gender Studies courses.  Her current research agenda considers intersectionality and sexual violence, health disparities, child maltreatment in tribal communities and Native youth and STD/STI messaging. Roe has over 20 years of experience in the field and continues to work with tribes, states, federal agencies and NGOs in tribal communities on a variety of research issues, child sexual abuse cases and other related projects. 

We are extremely fortunate to have such expertise here at CSU so please join us for what wil be an important and informative presentation. 

Indigenous Women and The Reauthorization of VAWA: 

A Historic Move to Reinstate Tribal Jurisdiction over Non-Natives

Friday April 19th

12-1pm

Clark A104

As always, we will be raffling off tshirts, books and gift cards!!

April 16 2013- SAAM Workshop, "But I'm a nice guy"

WGAC sends our love to anyone connected to Boston. Times like these can be particularly triggering for people who have experienced violence. Please remember that we are here should anyone need to process.

Tonight's SAAM event will be hosted by Men in the Movement. 

Please join us at 6:00 for the interactive workshop "But I'm a nice guy!"

April 15th 2013 - SAAM event rescheduled due to snow

the weather outside is frightful...

April 11, 2013 - SAAM day on the plaza!!

Today is a big day for SAAM at CSU! ITS PLAZA DAY!! *crowd cheers!*

Today's events include an entire day on the plaza, a flashmob, the clothesline project and take back the night! We will also be unveiling Photography saved my life., the documentary photography project about survivor healing. 

Here is more information about each event...


Day on the Plaza - 
Join us for an entire day of awareness raising on the plaza! We will feature tables from:

• The Women and Gender Advocacy Center
• Men in the Movement
• SURJ -Students United for Reproductive Justice 
• Campus Feminist Alliance
• Planned Parenthood
• SAVA
• Crossroads
• The Center for Women and Gender Research 
• The Health Network
• and more!

 

Some of the dont-miss highlights also include:

• CTMO Consent Turns Me On campaign and photobooth 
• stop by the photobooth and share your favorite way to ask for consent in exchange for a tshirt
• "Guess how many condoms" raffle, including the exclusive CTMO "wanna ram?" condoms

• Red Whistle Brigade FLASHMOB!! 
• The Red Whistle Brigade is coordinating a flash/freeze mob on the plaza at 12:20
• If you want to participate, be on the plaza at 12:15. When you hear the first whistle blow at 12:20, lay down on the ground. Then, when you hear the second whistle blow (about a minute later) you can get up and go on with your day. Bring a friend (or two!!)

• Photography saved my life. 
• Photography saved my life. features 11 images that document the ways that survivors heal. If this photo series has a mission, it is this... to document the seemingly small, yet critically important, ways that survivors go about healing.
• Survivors in the project were given a list of prompts to choose from and then we worked together to document their answers. We hope that survivors feel a sense of community from this series and find the images to be inspiring, comforting and a visual reminder that there is nothing passive or benign about the art of healing.
  
  
  
  
  

• The Clothesline Project

The clothesline project is a visual display of shirts with messages and illustrations that have been designed by survivors (or their loved ones). The shirts will be displayed and students will also have the opportunity to make shirts that represent their experiences with sexual violence.

Take Back the Night -

This internationally recognized rally and protest creates an atmosphere of empowerment, while raising awareness about sexual violence. The event begins with a speak-out on the plaza and ends with a march to Old Town Square where keynote speakers will address the crowd!

April 10th - SAAM Workshop: Developing Porn Literacy

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10th 

6:30-8:00p

-Corbett Lounge-

From your iPhone to the magazine stand, pornography is increasingly affordable, accessible and relatively anonymous. Yet for something so prevalent, we rarely are given the tools to be able to "read" the messages we get from porn about sex and sexuality

. 

Research and data on the prevalence of porn indicate that: 

•  “Sex” is the number one search topic on the internet 
• there are over 420,000,000 porn sites that contain pretty much everything imaginable
• In the US alone, porn reigns in 10 billion dollars annually
•   That’s more than the NFL, NBA, and MLB…COMBINED.

And just as there are a seemingly infinite number of genres or “types” of porn, there seems to be an equally abundant array of opinions – whether they’re moral, legal, political, ethical, or otherwise – on the subject. 

But beyond the fierce debate of whether porn is good or bad, one thing is clear: pornography’s wide availability is changing how we as a society understand and construct our sexualities. 

Join the discussion TONIGHT and learn how porn is changing the way we get down!

April 9 - SAAM Event- The Invisible War: Sexual Violence in the Military

•  According to a 2011 Newsweek report, women are more likely to be assaulted by a fellow soldier than harmed in combat. 

• The Department of Defense estimates that there are about 19,000 sexual assaults in the military PER YEAR. 

• According to 2013 Pentagon statistics, only 1,108 troops filed for an investigation of their assault. 

• Of those 1108 cases, only 575 were processed. Of those processed, only 96 went to court-martial.

Join us TONIGHT for a screening of the critically acclaimed and award winning documentary, The Invisible War. 

This event is co-hosted by WGAC 

and Adult Learner and Veteran Services.  

TUESDAY APRIL 9th 

7pm, Clark A104

THE INVISIBLE WAR is a groundbreaking investigation into one of America’s most disturbing secrets: the epidemic of rape within the US military. Focusing on the powerful stories of several young veterans, the film is a moving examination of the staggering personal and societal costs of these assaults.

Both a comprehensive inquiry and an insight into what can be done to bring about much-needed change, THE INVISIBLE WAR urges us all, civilian and military alike, to fight for a system that protects our men and women in uniform.

April 8th - Sexual Violence as a retention issue on campus

Did you know that 1 in 4 women on a college campus will experience sexual violence? 

That's 25% of the female population. 

We often hear about the importance of "retention" as it relates to various groups of students. But how often do administrators include sexual assault in the discussion about the retention rates of women in college?

Sadly, not often enough. 

Although every survivor responds differently after experiencing trauma, some common reactions include:

• difficulty concentrating or focusing
• difficulty sleeping and/or eating
• feeling excessively tired
• flashbacks, intrusive memories and/or nightmares about the event
• withdrawal from people and places in one's life
• fear of judgement
• fear of being "outed" (if they identify as LGBTQ) 
• fear of losing their community of friends
• fear of retaliation from the perpetrator
• self-blame

We know that college can be a challenging time for ALL students but 25% of our female population are not only trying to navigate the everyday challenges of college, but are doing so while also managing the trauma they have experienced. 

Here is a short list of things that YOU can do to help create change on campus:
1. Educate yourself about sexual violence on campus and believe survivors. Ask your administrators about their commitment to end violence on campus. If you have an opportunity to participate in a discussion/project about college student retention, include sexual violence in the discussion. 

2. Instructors and Professors - Educate yourself in the area of sexual violence and make your role as a mandatory reporter clear at the beginning of the semester. Put contact information about confidential resources and advocacy on your syllabus so students know where to go when they need help.

3. Parents and family- do your best to support your loved one as they make the decisions that feel right for them. Tell them you believe them and that it wasn't their fault.

4. Partners/friends/roommates  - try to remain patient and understanding as your partner/friend/roommate navigates the healing process. Be supportive and understanding, even if your friend/roommate suddenly seems distant. Keep lines of communication open and offer your support in whatever ways you can.

5. All loved ones of a survivor- make sure you also seek support for yourself. Similar to when a flight attendant instructs passengers on a plane to "put your own oxygen mask on first" ...we are only helpful to those around us if we first take care of ourselves. Advocates are available as a safe space to talk about your feelings.

6. Take time to check out the resources near you. At CSU those resources include the Women and Gender Advocacy Center! All SAAM events will include information about WGAC but you are also more than welcome to just stop in and say hi! 

Join us for this week's SAAM events:

TUESDAY APRIL 9th 

Film Screening: The Invisible War

7pm, Clark A104

THE INVISIBLE WAR is a groundbreaking investigation into one of America’s most disturbing secrets: the epidemic of rape within the US military. Focusing on the powerful stories of several young veterans, the film is a moving examination of the staggering personal and societal costs of these assaults.

Both a comprehensive inquiry and an insight into what can be done to bring about much-needed change, THE INVISIBLE WAR urges us all, civilian and military alike, to fight for a system that protects our men and women in uniform.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10th 

Workshop: Developing Porn Literacy 

6:30pm, Corbett Hall Lobby

 From your iphone to the magazine stand, pornography is increasingly affordable, accessible and relatively anonymous. Yet for something so prevalent, we rarely are given the tools to be able to "read" the messages we get from porn about sex and sexuality. Join the discussion and learn how porn is working to change the way we get down!

THURSDAY APRIL 11th 

SAAM day on the plaza! 

10am-4pm, LSC Plaza

SAAM awareness on the plaza will include games, prizes, community and campus resources, the Clothesline Project, the CTMO photo booth, the Red Whistle Brigade, art, candy and more!

THURSDAY APRIL 11th 

Take Back The Night! 

6pm, LSC Plaza

This internationally recognized rally and protest creates an atmosphere of empowerment, while raising awareness about sexual violence. The event begins with a speak-out and ends with a march to Old Town.