Hi Everyone,
I hope this message finds y’all well and enjoying the sunshine.
As the semester winds down, and summer break is soon to arrive, it seems appropriate to reflect on this semester and the conversations we have been having on campus around supporting survivors and interpersonal violence prevention. Survivor Solidarity Month was a huge success in many ways, due to the incredible work of student leaders organizing a variety of events to engage the wider campus community. In connection to Survivor Solidarity Month, the SACE Office held trainings with faculty, staff, and students in continuing this dialogue around supporting survivors. We all reflected collectively on what each of our role is individually in supporting survivors and participating in this community of care. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in these dialogues. I feel these conversations serve as another action in solidifying the dedicated community of care we are fortunate enough to have at Wesleyan.
With these reflections in mind, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who advertised, attended, and organized events for Survivor Solidarity Month. Alongside the events themselves, the signs, posters, and other messaging efforts also have a significant impact in moving the needle of these conversations. In addition to the number of people who show up to events, seeing these symbols can signal to survivors “wow, my community really cares about these issues,” which goes a long way in challenging rape culture overall. Setting an example of normalizing these conversations, and emphasizing the work of supporting survivors is a process we all play a role in. I believe this is a large part of how we move to making our campus a safer, more trauma-informed, and healing-centered place.
So with deep gratitude, I thank you all for being a part of these conversations in the ways that you were. I look forward to the ways we can continue the conversation next year!
I wish everyone a restful, restorative summer break as well!
In gratitude,
Johanna
SACE Director