It can be hard to find your place in a movement when you’re not part of a bigger group or organization. At Stop Street Harassment, however, we value the participation of everyone, whether you’re a giant international nonprofit or just one person in a small town. And International Anti-Street Harassment Week is the perfect time to start getting involved. Here are some things you can do as an individual:
1) Learn more – It’s cliché, but true: change starts with you. Are you curious about street harassment, but don’t really understand why it’s a big deal? Do you know your friends would ask questions if you started talking about it? Take a little time to look through our resources and toolkits, and you’ll be prepared to start a conversation wherever you go!
2) Talk about it – This is probably the simplest thing you can do, but always important. Post your thoughts and opinions to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtags #EndSHWeek or #streetharassment. We want to hear from you! Don’t forget to change your profile picture or cover photo with one of our great graphics. You can also participate in one of our many tweetchats and Google hang-outs scheduled throughout the week!
3) Cover your neighborhood – Help yourself to our extensive collection of graphics and posters, in various languages. Print them out, hang them in coffee shops, libraries, telephone poles, or hand them out. Girls Speak has also developed an awesome series of posters and infographics meant for posting in public spaces – post and then share them with @GrlsSpeak and @NoStHarassWeek. Another easy way to get involved is to arm yourself with sidewalk chalk and cover the streets in positive or anti-harassment messages.
4) Write it out – We know you have something important to say. Our movement is dedicated to sharing a wide variety of voices and perspectives – and that includes you! If you’re interested in writing a guest post, send it over to submit it here for consideration. Are you serious about getting your op-ed published in a paper? The first three submitted will receive complimentary editing and advice from our founder Holly Kearl. Also consider writing a letter to the editor at your local newspaper, independent or college publications, posting on your blog or social media and more. Join our virtual Write-In to receive daily writing prompts and tips on getting published!
5) Join International Wheat Pasting Night – By now, many of us have seen and fallen in love with artist Tatyana Falalizadeh’s compelling Stop Telling Women to Smile images. On April 17th, she will be making these posters available to anyone who wants to participate by hanging them in their own towns! Stay tuned for more details on this.
6) Join a local organization – Did you know that over 100 organizations in 30 countries are partnering up with us this year? Peruse our list and find someone in your area! Shoot them an email and consider showing up to an event or meeting. Are you a student? Reach out to a like-minded student club (feminist, womanist, LGBTQI+, social justice, etc.) and ask them if they’re involved with Anti-Street Harassment Week. If they’re not, give them some pointers on what they can do! Need help finding a group near you? Email bpurdy@stopstreetharassment.org and we’ll help you out.
7) Create art – We think art is one of the most powerful tools in creating social change. Whether you’re painting a mural in the middle of town or sketching something out in your bedroom, we would love it if you shared with us so we can help you inspire others!
8) Start your own organization – You’ll be surprised how many people are just looking for someone to start something. Start a campus club, meet with people at a downtown coffee shop, join together other people in your profession – whatever works for you. You know your town best – you’re the best person to make a change! Be sure to refer #2 to find tools that will help you start up.
9) Join us year-round! – We’re a volunteer-driven organization, meaning we’re always in need of enthusiastic volunteers. If April is an especially crazy month for you, check out this list of ways you can get involved with Stop Street Harassment!
10) Donate – This is last on our list for a reason. We aren’t in this to make money – Anti-Street Harassment Week is about action, not dollar bills. However, we know that this is how some people prefer to help out. Your donation will help fund much-needed things like our website update and Safe Public Spaces Mentoring Program.
Questions? Email bpurdy@stopstreetharassment.org!
