Step In, Stand Up draws upon our core values of integrity, respect and service. We are providing a commitment to serving and protecting each other. And we hold ourselves to a higher standard of accountability. The campaign strives to reduce the incidences of sexual assault on campus and stand up against sexual violence by generating greater awareness, sharing information and having those difficult conversations that will help change the culture surrounding the topic.

A survey of more than 150,000 students across 27 AAU member schools, including Texas A&M, found that more than 11 percent of student respondents said they experienced nonconsensual sexual contact in the 2014-2015 school year. You can see from the stats above that we have some work to do. That’s what Step In, Stand Up is about – challenging students, faculty and staff to start having courageous conversations that shift the social culture in which these acts take place. We want to make sure each one of you know where to go and who to go to if you have been or become a victim, or when someone shares their experience with you. While we have improved as an institution, and in some instances data shows that we are better than the national norms, one incident is one too many.

I encourage you to visit the website where you’ll find a social media materials you can download to show your support for Step In Stand Up. We’ve brought a t-shirt and wristbands for each of you. We also have activation kits, which includes t-shirts, posters, wristbands, buttons and a variety of digital materials. If you’re interested in an activation kit to take back to your department, we have three of those here with us, as well and more available upon request.

Coming Spring 2016 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM): Step In. Stand Up. Pledge David Lisak Workshop Series (Apr. 1) 1 in 5K Run (Apr. 3) Sexual Assault Awareness Week (Apr. 25-29) New swag series Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Events and activities will take place throughout April, including a 5K on April sponsored by Lead, Fish Camp and T-Camp. Online Pledge to join Aggies everywhere as we Step In and Stand Up against sexual violence and sexual assault. Means to show your support and help change the conversation and the culture Kicks-off April 1st You’ll see prompts to invite you to sign the pledge via our social media channels David Lisak Workshop presented by the Office of Consensual Language, Education, Awareness and Relation Day-long series of workshops on sexual assault, violence prevention and how members of the Texas A&M community can step in and stand up against sexual violence. Student-sponsored week of awareness will include information kiosks throughout campus and the community, as well as a baseball game giveaway And we’re preparing a new series of swag that features the national SAAM color – teal – a bit more prominently.

Spring 2016 Swag