Bar Outreach Project: Train the Trainer for Rape Crisis Centers

Program Overview

The Bar Outreach Project Train the Trainer program prepares organizations to implement the Bar Outreach Project in their own communities. Designed for rape crisis centers and prevention focused organizations, this training builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead bar staff trainings that prevent drug facilitated sexual assault in alcohol serving environments.

Drug facilitated sexual assault is a community wide issue that requires proactive, locally driven prevention strategies. The Bar Outreach Project was created to engage bar staff as partners in prevention and to shift norms around accountability and safety in nightlife spaces. The Train the Trainer program allows organizations to bring this evidence informed approach to their own regions while adapting it to local laws, resources, and community needs.

The Bar Outreach Project was originally developed in 2008 by Our Voice in response to rising reports of drug facilitated sexual assault in Western North Carolina. This Train the Trainer model expands the reach of the program by supporting organizations in building sustainable, community led prevention efforts.

Who This Training Is For

The Bar Outreach Project Train the Trainer program is designed for:

  • Rape crisis centers

  • Sexual violence prevention organizations

  • Prevention educators and coordinators

  • Community based organizations with experience in prevention work

This program is intended for organizations that want to deliver Bar Outreach Project trainings to local bars, restaurants, and alcohol serving establishments in their community.

What the Training Covers

The Train the Trainer program provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the Bar Outreach Project curriculum and facilitator’s manual. Participants learn both the content of the bar staff training and the skills needed to facilitate it effectively.

Participants learn:

  • The dynamics of sexual violence and drug facilitated sexual assault

  • How alcohol is commonly used in DFSA

  • Key concepts of consent and impairment

  • Warning signs of intoxication and drugging

  • Bystander intervention strategies specific to alcohol serving spaces

  • How to facilitate discussions with bar staff and management

  • How to recruit and train volunteers for outreach efforts

  • How to engage local businesses in prevention work

The training emphasizes trauma informed facilitation, clear messaging, and practical application in real world settings.

Why This Training Matters

Bars and alcohol serving establishments are frequently identified in survivor reports, making them important partners in prevention. When local organizations are equipped to train bar staff, prevention efforts become more accessible, consistent, and responsive to community needs.

The Bar Outreach Project Train the Trainer program supports organizations in:

  • Expanding prevention education beyond one time trainings

  • Building long term relationships with local businesses

  • Increasing community awareness and accountability

  • Creating safer nightlife environments through collective action

This program is rooted in the belief that prevention is most effective when led by trusted, local organizations with strong community connections.

How the Training Works

The Train the Trainer program is delivered as a three and a half to four hour interactive training, offered either virtually or in person. The session includes a detailed curriculum walkthrough, facilitation guidance, and hands on practice.

Training elements include:

  • Review of the Bar Outreach Project curriculum and facilitator’s manual

  • Facilitation tips and best practices

  • A mock bar staff training led by Our Voice staff

  • Discussion of common challenges and scenarios

  • Guidance on adapting the program to local contexts

An additional one hour consultation is available following the training to support implementation and answer questions.

What Participants Will Gain

Organizations that complete the Train the Trainer program will:

  • Understand the full Bar Outreach Project model and curriculum

  • Feel confident facilitating bar staff trainings on DFSA prevention

  • Learn how to train and coordinate volunteers

  • Build skills for engaging alcohol serving establishments

  • Gain tools to implement a community wide prevention initiative

  • Be prepared to adapt materials to reflect local laws and resources

Participants leave with both the content knowledge and facilitation skills needed to deliver the program independently.

Materials and Follow Up Support

Participating establishments receive:

  • Two “BOP Trained [Year]” stickers valid for one year and a digital PNG version

  • “Ask Angela” flyers

  • Our Voice informational pull tab flyers for local establishments

  • Creating Safer Space Plan certification

Establishments also have the option to schedule a three month follow up check in with Our Voice staff to review progress and develop or refine a customized safety action plan.

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