With back to school season right around the corner, we couldn’t think of a better person to recognize than youth sexual assault activist, Venkayla Haynes. With the world (google.com) at our fingertips, we’ve been able to learn all about the amazing campaigns Venkayla has been contributing to. We’re especially impressed that this dedicated individual can balance her college career at Spelman College while also being a Summer Research Intern for Break The Cycle, an Ambassador for No More, and a Student Advisory Committee Member for It’s On Us. She, along with other youth activists, met with the Biden Foundation earlier this month in an attempt to combat gender-based violence. Learn more about what motivates Venkayla here.
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Break The Cycle is a national not-for-profit organization and its main aim is to provide youth (ages 12-24) with dating abuse programs. The idea behind this campaign is to support the youth in building healthy, lasting relationships. Break The Cycle wants to create a culture without abuse and volunteers and partners alike advocate for this important cause in classroom settings, within the courtroom, and even in Congress!
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No More is another leading organization that aims to end domestic violence and sexual assault. The idea behind this campaign is to raise more awareness on the issue and increase bystander intervention. Organizations and individual advocates all over the nation have partnered up with No More to join the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault. This organization also conducts research to better gauge how to go about achieving the overall goals of this campaign!
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It’s On Us is a national campaign designed to end sexual assault. The campaign is designed to engage community leaders, parents, teachers, and students on campuses all over the country to take the It’s On Us pledge. Supporters are able to advocate for ending sexual assault, and survivors of sexual assault are given a safe place to overcome their demons. It’s On Us also focuses on consent and bystander education, two very important topics that people need to be educated on for sexual assault rates to decrease. It’s On Us is a powerful movement that lets people start a conversation about a controversial topics such as sexual assault!
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The youth is our future, and it is incredible to see young folks just like Venkayla Haynes taking charge and letting their voices be heard. If she can do it, so can you! It’s as easy as bringing these organizations and their messages to your campus or community. Become an advocate and join the fight against sexual assault today!