April is always a busy month for MOCSA staff and volunteers. Here are a few highlights from Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024.
MOCSA’s Prevention team was invited to participate in the Kansas National Guard Chalk the Walk Event at Forbes Field to show solidarity with survivors and those impacted by sexual assault. The sidewalk was filled with messages of support, encouragement, and empowerment for survivors. The team also got a private tour of the 190th Air Refueling Wing.
UMKC fraternities and sororities selected MOCSA as the beneficiary of their Greek Week events. They raised nearly $2,000 through a Taco Bell Cantina fundraiser, a Coin War, and other activities for chapters and its members.
MOCSA participated in a Denim Day display, a SAAM discussion panel, and Take Back The Night (TBTN) walk/rally. Take Back The Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence.
Monica Gray, MOCSA Board Member & Volunteer, spoke at the rally sharing the impact of sexual assault and resources in the community and encouraging students and attendees to support survivors.
We combined Denim Day with SAAM Day of Action! Our staff and volunteers picked up 90lbs of trash during a community clean up activity and wore denim to take a stand against victim-blaming in honor of Denim Day!
Our SAAM Committee created a “Dear Survivors…” wall. Staff, volunteers, and visitors to MOCSA’s offices have created beautiful letters of encouragement and inspiration.
MOCSA staff had a friendly coin war and raised $364.61 for Young Women on the Move (YWOM). This organization was founded in 2005 to teach middle school and high school girls the attitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary to lead a healthy life.
Youth from YWOM and ThrYve recently partnered with MOCSA to facilitate a Consensus Workshop. They determined that Youth Prevention Group activities, Community Accountability and Safe Spaces were positive things in the community that prevented youth experiences with violence