The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. To bring awareness to issues surrounding the impact of sexual assault, Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), a local nonprofit, is sponsoring a number of events during the month of April.
MESA is a program of Mental Health Partners serving the Colorado counties of Boulder and Broomfield. The organization’s mission is to end the suffering caused by sexual assault. Through their client services, they help sexual assault survivors and their loved ones today. Through their prevention education programs, they are working toward changing tomorrow to ensure a world free of sexual assault (MESA).
The 13th Annual Canine Classic is being held on April 14, 2013 at 9 a.m. at the Boulder Reservoir. This event is a dog-friendly 5k run/walk for participants of all ages (a canine companion is optional). The Canine Classic is a professionally chip-timed event that can be used as a BolderBOULDER qualifying time. The 2013 event will include the Canine Carnival, complete with live music from Last Men On Earth, a beer garden sponsored by Avery Brewing, great food, canine activities, and vendors. To register, visit www.canineclassic.org.
MESA is also sponsoring a number of films as part of the SAAM Film Series. On Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. The Invisible War will be screened for a suggested donation of $10/person at the CU Center for Community, S350. The Invisible War is an Oscar-nominated documentary that addresses the epidemic of sexual assault within the US military.
On Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. the film Boys & Men Healing will be screened for a suggested donation of $10/person at the Boulder Public Library. Boys and Men Healing documents the impact sexual abuse has on individuals and society through stories of survival and recovery.
Finally, on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:15 p.m. The Bro Code will be shown on the University of Colorado campus in CU Chemistry, room 140. The Bro Code examines American manhood, challenging the idea that being a “bro”–and a man–means glorifying sexism, bullying and abuse. This event is free and open to the public.
Please consider attending any and all of these events and offering your support to MESA, an organization that is doing such important work in the community.
