This year, you can spread awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month without ever having to leave your keyboard. Ever since the word “hashtag” made its way into Merriam-Webster dictionary, it seems we can no longer ignore the power behind the little symbol, once known as the “pound sign.” Online activism is trending now and what better way to spread awareness about sexual violence than through the power of the internet. In a world where social media is so pervasive, we invite you to participate in SAAM and use your hashtags to advocate for the end of sexual violence.
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sing the #SAAM or #SAAM2015 hashtags not only increases awareness to those who follow you, but also connects you with other activists in the movement. Take to Twitter to share the news and inspirational tweets of fellow advocates. See below for details on an Anti-Street Harassment Tweetathon on April 14, where you can be a part of a global event, 140 characters at a time.
Of course, Twitter isn’t the only outlet to paint the town teal. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is challenging Instagram users to a #30DaysOfSAAM Instagram contest. Follow them on Instagram @nsvrc to see each week’s challenge posted. Below is an image of the challenge for week one of SAAM. Good luck!
Another way to stay involved is through our Facebook page. There you can find links to events, related articles, photos, and news from the Center during #SAAM2015. Invite your friends to like our page. Be sure to RSVP to the different events we’re hosting this month and invite your friends to those events as well.
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While every day is a good day for online activism, the following dates are particularly exciting for SAAM social media. We’ve provided some examples of blurbs you can use on these dates, or come up with your own!
April 7: Day of Action. The #30DaysOfSAAM Instagram contest encourages participants to upload a photo with the caption, “This is what an activist looks like. #DayofAction.” In addition to that, take to Twitter or Facebook with the following: “Be an ACTivist for change! Spread the word about #SAAM and get involved in the #DayofAction. www.OCRCC.org/SAAM.”
April 12-18: International Anti-Street Harassment Week. This week, explore our Pinterest board Against Street Harassment! Share the helpful graphics and witty t-shirt designs on your own boards or on Tumblr to inspire others to be active bystanders and engage in the fight to end street harassment. Connect with voices from across the globe during a Anti-Street Harassment Tweetathon on April 14. For each of your different social media endeavors, be sure to use the hashtag #EndSH.
April 22: Flood the Internet with Love.
April 29: Denim Day. Be sure to wear your jeans! Post a photo wearing your denim along with the history of Denim Day so others can understand the significance of your wardrobe choice.
For Facebook and Instagram:
In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction on the grounds that since the victim’s jeans were tight, she must have helped the rapist take them off, therefore implying consent. The next day, the women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in protest. #DenimDay is now an international effort to take a stand for survivors and against victim blaming. There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape. #SAAM2015 www.ocrcc.org/saam.
For Twitter:
I wear denim to take a stand for survivors and against victim blaming. #Denim Day www.ocrcc.org/saam #SAAM2015 www.denimdayusa.org
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Of course, there are unlimited ways to get involved in SAAM using online activism. Be sure to tag us @OCRCC as you advocate for the violence to end. Happy #SAAM!
