Event Success!  Meet Us on the Street San Francisco 2012

Meet Us on the Street San Francisco met its goal:  to make it clear that street harassment exists, is a problem, and can and should be addressed.  Our crew of activists, students, and community members spoke with a variety of passersby at the 16th St. BART station on the issue of harassment.  We engaged many in dialogue about the effects of harassment as a reality in many women's daily lives.  We also provided fliers for passersby (in English and Spanish) so that they may share the information with others.  

The fliers included quick "how to's" for dealing with harassment in-the-moment:  effective body posturing and phrases victims and witnesses may use to remain empowered while keeping themselves safe.  The fliers also detailed what constitutes harassment, so that potential harassers may begin to identify and change their harassing behavior.  


Check out a write up of the event by CALCASA, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault.  CALCASA is an amazing ally in the cause and helped promote this event.

This event was a seed-planting opportunity; we are already planning upcoming events to nourish that seed.  Follow our work and get involved!  Together, we can stop street harassment.


FOLLOW UP:
VoiceTool engaged the University of Georgia Women's Studies Student Organization (WSSO) on the topic of street harassment in Athens, Georgia.  In collaboration with Take Back the Night (set for April 12, 2012 in Athens), the WSSO will be providing informational fliers detailing street harassment basics.  VoiceTool provided the fliers, which it also distributed in San Francisco during Meet Us on the Street SF 2012.  A simple chart in English and Spanish, the fliers empower harassment victims and witnesses - and potential harassers - to identify and stop harassment behaviors.


Also check out this event update on Stop Street Harassment's website.