Family News
April Update
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), recognized annually by educational institutions, organizations, and communities across the country to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. To learn more about the national SAAM, visit nsvrc.org/saam/history.
This year, Berklee’s survivor advocate Katy Yarbrough and her SAVE (Sexual Assault and Violence Education) peer educators Diya and Alicia have taken the lead with Berklee’s SAAM programming. There have been some fantastic programs on campus that we hope your students have enjoyed and appreciated. Here’s the full lineup. If you have questions about any of these programs or your student would like to get involved, please email survivoradvocacy@berklee.edu
Thursday, April 4, 2024
160 Mass. Ave. (lobby)
Berklee's various health and wellness departments as well as guests from Boston-based organizations rang in Sexual Assault Awareness Month and shared information about the resources on campus and around Boston. Participants filled out our custom passport with a minimum of six stamps to claim a ticket for a free boba from Ten One. Students who wore teal and posted on Instagram were entered into a raffle to win a $75 gift card to Levi Strauss!
Pleasure Pie, BARCC, and the following Berklee offices had tables: Equity and Title IX, Case Management, Counseling Services, and Student Wellness and Promotion Services.
The fair was well-attended and attendees picked up materials from community organizations, info from Berklee resources, safer sex supplies, and had the opportunity to write postcards/letters for incarcerated survivors.
Bros and Brews: The Dos and Don'ts of Consent
Wednesday, April 10, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
150 Mass. Ave. (lobby)
Do you like playing Jeopardy? For this event, we tabled and played Healthy Relationships Jeopardy. Students answered a question and received a root beer or ginger beer!
BSI and SOMOS Latinx Self-Defense
Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
240 classroom at 161 Mass Ave.
BSI and Somos Latinx students had a two-hour class that introduced basic techniques and helped students manage their adrenaline through breathing and body awareness exercises.
Tuesday, April 16, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
7 Haviland St. (patio)
An informational tabling session about various forms of online harassment and abuse that can occur. We had resources to emphasize the importance of safe and fun online interactions, whether it be on a dating app or other online mediums.
Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Steve Heck at 1140 Boylston Street
Counseling Services hosted its monthly self-care in community series! In April we worked in tandem with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This self-care in community event was a celebration of a multitude of self-care activities. There was an open mic and tons of different stations for students to create their very own self-care kits. Students engaged all their senses at this event as they listened to performances, smelled calming scents while making their own potpourri and room sprays, tasted delicious loose-leaf tea (for here and to go) and candy, engaged in mindfulness as they felt bead and sand textures, and took in all the wonderful sights as they colored, decorated journals, created affirmation jars, and so much more!
Thursday, April 18, 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Steve Heck at 1140 Boylston Street
Participants learned about being an active bystander while building their very own bystander bear!
Monday, April 22, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Steve Heck at 1140 Boylston Street
Students learned about the various barriers that different survivors of sexual violence face and how we can support them. They made bracelets for themselves, friends, or/and loved ones during the presentation.
Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
240 classroom at 161 Mass Ave.
The two-hour class introduced basic techniques and helped students manage their adrenaline through breathing and body awareness exercises.
Wednesday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
7 Haviland Patio
Students (and staff and faculty) wrote empowering messages on denim patches and pinned them on our bulletin board to show solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.
Student Wellness and Promotion Service joined us to provide resources us on alcohol and substance use. We also had information on "Angel Shots."