2008 Woodie Awards
CAASA acquires new name
The student activist group has changed its name and boosted overall membership
Amber Ness
Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
For one campus group, something as small as changing its name has made a world of difference.
The SCSU organization formerly called Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault has seen an increase in members, especially men, since changing its name this year.
Amber Michel, an SCSU junior and chair of the organization, said replacing its name to Students for Sexual Consent has helped it appear less intimidating, especially to male students.
"People thought Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault was for professionally trained advocates," Michel said. "And sexual assault is not a topic people want to talk about."
At the beginning of the year, members of the student-run organization totaled a disappointing four, none of whom were male.
Since the change in name the organization has reached 15, almost quadrupling in size. Four of the new members are men.
"We've had a very positive reaction to the change," Michel said.
In addition to a boost in membership, Michel said she hopes this positive reaction will lead to exposure for the organization, and an increase in voluntary turnout to events.
Among these events, Students for Sexual Consent will be co-hosting a series of speakers this fall.
Jay Freidman, scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in Ritsche Auditorium, is a sex and health educator from Washington.
Friedman tours campuses to speak to students about healthy sexual experiences.
"He will be defining consent. What constitutes consent and what does not," Michel said. "He's also really fun and entertaining. There's going to be a gigantic condom on stage."
Among its many goals, Students for Sexual Consent aims to be a progressive and diverse group of students dedicated to ending sexual assault through education and activism.
Not only do they strive for success, but the organization also wants it to be an enjoyable experience for its members.
"It's a fun way for males and females to get together and do some cool, progressive, pushing-the-envelope stuff," Michel said. "It's for students looking to be activists."
The SCSU organization formerly called Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault has seen an increase in members, especially men, since changing its name this year.
Amber Michel, an SCSU junior and chair of the organization, said replacing its name to Students for Sexual Consent has helped it appear less intimidating, especially to male students.
"People thought Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault was for professionally trained advocates," Michel said. "And sexual assault is not a topic people want to talk about."
At the beginning of the year, members of the student-run organization totaled a disappointing four, none of whom were male.
Since the change in name the organization has reached 15, almost quadrupling in size. Four of the new members are men.
"We've had a very positive reaction to the change," Michel said.
In addition to a boost in membership, Michel said she hopes this positive reaction will lead to exposure for the organization, and an increase in voluntary turnout to events.
Among these events, Students for Sexual Consent will be co-hosting a series of speakers this fall.
Jay Freidman, scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in Ritsche Auditorium, is a sex and health educator from Washington.
Friedman tours campuses to speak to students about healthy sexual experiences.
"He will be defining consent. What constitutes consent and what does not," Michel said. "He's also really fun and entertaining. There's going to be a gigantic condom on stage."
Among its many goals, Students for Sexual Consent aims to be a progressive and diverse group of students dedicated to ending sexual assault through education and activism.
Not only do they strive for success, but the organization also wants it to be an enjoyable experience for its members.
"It's a fun way for males and females to get together and do some cool, progressive, pushing-the-envelope stuff," Michel said. "It's for students looking to be activists."