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Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls attention to the impact sexual violence has on our community and how we all play a part in prevention.

The national theme of SAAM 2023 is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” The campaign recognizes sexual violence as both a public health and social justice issue. Systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and others contribute to higher rates of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.

This year, we encourage you to examine and draw connections between various forms of oppression and the underlying causes of sexual assault. In addition, explore how certain groups of people are at higher risk for sexual violence and how those same people are also the most impacted by inequitable systems and oppression in our society.

This April don’t focus just on awareness but also action. We’re asking you to join us in building equity and respect within our community. We can help create change if we take the time to hear, understand, and recognize one another. 

Explore the UMBC departments and events that can help you build skills towards prevention and equity. Pick from this list at least one thing you can do to prevent sexual violence:

·       Attend a Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training – April 28, 1-5 p.m.

·       Request a Healthy Relationship Program/training for your student group or class.

·       Learn how to Use Your Voice with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life.

·       Stop by the Mosaic to learn about their services and events.

·       Attend Take Back the Night, the Women’s Center’s annual SAAM event.

·       Attend an I3b event, like I Am/ We Are April 19^th, 5-6 p.m.

·       Participate in Love Quest a healthy relationship fact find this week!

·       Read more about this year’s national SAAM theme and how to discuss sexual violence and oppression.

The GEARS in collaboration with the Career Office is hosting the "Acing the Interview" workshop on 5th April 2023, from 10 am to 11 am, at Commons 329 and we are happy to begin registrations.

Interested students can reserve a spot by filling out the registration form below. Thank you.

https://forms.gle/HnYUiMC5oKDVLLKu9

There is a limited capacity so please ensure your presence if you fill out the form!

Regards,

Team GEARS

Contact: gsa-gears-group@umbc.edu

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE UMBC PRESIDENT VALERIE SHEARES ASHBY PRESZINE!

This academic year has been marked by transition as UMBC welcomed our sixth leader, Dr. Valerie Sheares Ashby. As we engage in bold conversations and work together to plan the next path for our community we are reaching out to ask:

- What is leadership to you?

- What does inclusive excellence mean at UMBC?

- What does a leader look like?

- How does leadership and activism intersect or show up?

- What are your aspirations for UMBC as we transition leadership?

- What is the impact of mentorship?

We want to spotlight your multimedia expressions, whether through visual art, poetry, or anything in-between, of what leadership, mentorship, and inclusive excellence mean to you.

Submissions are open to all UMBC students, faculty, and staff!

The deadline is April 14 by 11:59 p.m.

Submit your work at commonvision.umbc.edu/zines

Questions? Email commonvision@umbc.edu with the subject line PresZine