
Ever since sexual assault activist Brie Larson so classily handled the awkward, maddening moment between her and Casey Affleck at the Oscars, we’ve been thinking about how we can back her up. Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the timing is right to stop turning a blind eye to sexual assault victims, take a page from Breast Cancer awareness, and show our support for the cause in our wardrobes, online, and in person.
1. Wear teal all April long. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. All month long, choose to integrate this gorgeous hue into your wardrobe as a subtle yet strong act of solidarity for survivors. A more obvious statement like a ribbon or pin can even start conversations, especially if it includes “Believe Survivors” phrasing.
2. And denim to work, class, or out and about on 4/26. Inspired by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court that blamed a woman for getting sexually assaulted because of the tightness of her jeans, Denim Day aims to provide a “visible means of protests against misconceptions that surround sexual assault,” according to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition. Denim Day is Wednesday, April 26 this year.
3. Learn more. Sexual assault awareness has been a social justice platform since the 1970s. Take the time to learn about the way this movement has shaped urban environments, college campuses, and even our political culture today.
4. Take the “It’s on Us” pledge. It’s on Us is a national campaign that was spearheaded by ex-VP Joe Biden to combat sexual assault on college campuses. This April, join the thousands of people who have taken the simple, powerful It’s on Us pledge to poignantly solidify your stand against sexual violence.
5. Use your voice on social media. On the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website, you’ll find tons of gorgeous graphics to post to all kinds of social media. By changing your Facebook cover photo or simply posting a tweet, you’ll send a message to friends and colleagues that you stand with survivors.
6. Practice bystander intervention. While visible symbols of support are a great opportunity to launch your involvement, the best way to combat sexual assault is by actually doing something about it. Next time you see or hear something that doesn’t look right — whether with friends or out in public — check in to mitigate the situation, make sure everyone is okay, and get the affected person somewhere safe if necessary.
How do you plan to support survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty, National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.