April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Let's Get Digital.

Our Clubs on Campus and Be Bold Workshop Series went on hiatus with the closing of schools and organizations. We quickly responded with Live Workshops. PACT promises young people ages 16-24 a BOLD lifestyle! We are committed to this promise and continue to practice fearlessness in our digital endeavors. We encourage young adults to join us Tuesday - Friday at 3pmPST. If you want to get in on this, email us to join a Zoom meeting, start a new Zoom meeting, and/or be a guest at a Zoom meeting.  

"When this 'safer at home' is over, I am going to hug everyone!"

Let's not assume. I may like hugs, but not from you; Or, I may prefer a high-five. Let's ask first!

This month's topic: Rape Culture

The words "sexual harassment", "sexual assault" and "rape" trigger countless uncomfortable feelings, emotions, images and experiences for our participants and community alike. Behaviors associated with sexual violence are easily identified in circumstances similar to the 1992 rape case that launched Denim Day; however, the lines get a bit blurry when a friend or acquaintance crosses a personal boundary, especially when it's behind a screen. For instance, is it sexual harassment when a "friend" repeatedly slides into your DMs with flirty sexual innuendos when you've already answered, "No, I am not interested"? Rape culture encourages such behavior and discourages women from speaking up. Rape culture is a culture that normalizes sexual violence against women and excuses societal attitudes about gender and sexuality. A "boys will be boys" position perpetuates the unwanted sexual remarks or physical advances, online and in real life. These conversations are hard, but necessary if we are to learn to command and manage equal partnerships. We are proud of our participants for being so candid!     

FUNDING SPOTLIGHT

"PACT has taught me so many life lessons. Since the first day that I walked in to join the club, I knew that it was the right fit for me!" Alexa,17

Like most of you, we have redistributed our financial resources. Our presence and accessibility is more valuable than ever! Help us add dollars to our Marian B. Petersen Scholarship Fund. Alexa is one of several scholarship applicants. We want her and her peers to be financially confident embarking on the new adventure of higher education. If you are in a position to give, please make a donation that is meaningful to you!