Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Our VOICE is ready to kick off April (National Sexual Assault Awareness Month) but we need your help.  Now is a great time to learn more about Our VOICE, the vital services we provide in our community, and how you can join us in our mission to help victims become survivors and end sexual violence in our community and beyond.  Below is a list of events happening this month – we hope to see YOU in April!

MONDAY APRIL 2ndBar Outreach; join Our VOICE volunteers who will be visiting restaurants and bars in Asheville and Buncombe County (over 100 of them!) with information about drugging and sexual assault. If you see something – SAY SOMETHING – silence perpetuates sexual violence. For more information contact Ohia – ohia@ourvoicenc.org.
 
WEDNESDAY APRIL 4thSexual Violence in the LGBTQ Community Lunch & Learn at MAHEC (12:00 – 1:30 Blue Ridge B) Attendance is free but pre-registration is required. To register visit www.mahec.net or contact Shilpa – shilpar@ourvoicenc.org.
 
MONDAY APRIL 9th – Do you support the Buy Local movement? Why not “support local” too with the “Go Local Card” from 4/9 – 4/20 when 30% of the price will be donated to Our VOICE! You’ll be supporting Our VOICE, the Buy Local movement, and the Asheville City Schools Foundation all while getting a deal on tons of local businesses – everybody wins and the card is only $15!! www.ashevillegrown.com/go-local-card.
 
THURSDAY APRIL 12thGet Pumped Up 6-9pm @ The Southern – This is the Walk a Mile Pre-Event where you can see the men in their heels, learn how to walk from a pro, purchase shoes for the Walk, all while enjoying music and great food! A special “photo booth” by ClicKs Photography can help you with your fundraising efforts! This event is $5 and is a fundraiser for the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event. For more information contact Robin – robinp@ourvoicenc.org.
 
SATURDAY APRIL 14thTogether We Are Strong zine reading – 7pm @ Firestorm Cafe and Books (48 Commerce Street in downtown Asheville). Join us for this insightful journey as we become witness to the strength and healing that lives in survivors of sexual violence. This event is free.  For more information contact arts@ourvoicenc.org.
 
MONDAY APRIL 16thPhysicians Outreach; join Our VOICE volunteers who will be visiting medical offices with information about sexual assault. Sexual violence effects 1 in every 4 people at some point in their life; often doctors and hospital workers are the first individuals that a victim contacts. For more information contact Ohia – ohia@ourvoicenc.org
 
WEDNESDAY APRIL 18thClothesline Project @ VA Hospital 12-1pm; this is a nationwide project and is taking place at the Charles George VA Medical Center on Tunnel Road to raise awareness of the epidemic of sexual violence in the military.
 
WEDNESDAY APRIL 18thTake Back the Night @ UNCA; this is a nationwide event and is taking place at the Highsmith Union, hosted by Speak Up of UNC Asheville. The walk begins at Allumni Hall at 7pm.
 
SUNDAY APRIL 22ndCrime Victims Memorial @ City/County Plaza 3pm-4pm; this event is part of Crime Victims’ Rights Week to honor, support, and empower victims of crime and their families. For more information contact Melanie – melaniegc@ourvoicenc.org.
 
SUNDAY APRIL 22ndTattoo Fundraiser @ Freaks-n-Geeks Tattoo 745 Haywood Road; this event is from 12-6pm and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Our VOICE! Choose from four incredible tattoos and show the world that you support the end of sexual violence. Tattoos are only $40! If you like ink – this is YOUR event!
 
ARE YOU MAN ENOUGH??
 
Are you ready for the 3rd Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – the International Men’s March Against Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violence?! We have a lofty goal this year of 500 walkers and $30,000 – will you help us reach this goal!?
  • Register yourself (or your favorite man!) at www.walkamileasheville.org
  • Set up a personalized fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/ourvoice
  • Go get some shoes – only $15/pair at Hip Replacements – 72 North Lexington Avenue
  • Post pictures on facebook – trust us, friends from your past will LOVE seeing you in heels and will want to support you 
WALK THE WALK – Saturday April 28th is the big day – check-in begins at 11 and the Walk starts promptly at 12. It will begin at City County Plaza and meander for one mile through downtown. Prizes for top fundraisers and those who cross the finish line first (did we forget to mention this is a race!?) Register today and we’ll see YOU in heels on the 28th!
 
A big thanks to our “Slingback Sponsor” – Mission Health
 
Big thanks to our Official Walk Route SponsorsTops for Shoes, Sisters McMullen, Salsas, and table!!