Empowering Action: Ways to Help Others When You Feel Ready

When you feel ready and empowered to do so, there are numerous ways to use your experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others:

Become an Advocate for Survivors: Offer Direct Support

You can harness the insights and wisdom gained from your own healing process to offer a supportive hand to others who are navigating similar experiences. While every survivor’s path is unique, your firsthand knowledge can provide a powerful bridge of understanding and empathy, helping you connect with and support what others are going through.

• A deeply impactful way to become an advocate is to reach out to your local rape crisis center and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

• Advocates often play a vital role in providing direct support to survivors, such as answering calls on helplines, offering a listening ear, and providing compassionate assistance during forensic exams or court proceedings.

Become an Activist: Drive Change in Your Community

The services and support systems that are available to survivors today are a direct result of the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of countless activists who have come before. There’s no single, prescribed path to becoming an activist for social change aimed at ending sexual violence; it’s a journey that each individual crafts in their own way.

• Many people embark on their activism journey by connecting with like-minded individuals in their community, building a network of support and collaboration, and working together to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of sexual violence.

• This can involve a wide range of creative and impactful approaches, such as organizing art projects that express the reality of sexual violence, creating powerful performances that give voice to survivors, participating in marches and rallies to demand change, or communicating directly with lawmakers to advocate for the passage of legislation that supports survivors and prevents sexual violence.

• Community events like V-Day, Denim Day, and Take Back the Night are often inspiring and empowering platforms where many activists find their start, connecting with others and igniting their passion for change.

To explore the specific opportunities for involvement in your local community, reach out to your local rape crisis center. They can provide valuable information about local initiatives and how you can contribute. If you’re a college student, organizations like SAFER offer a wealth of resources and support to help you create positive change on your campus, empowering you to make your school a safer and more supportive environment for all.