When The Silence Stopped
I was one of five planners of this community event for sexual assault survivors. When the Silence Stopped created a space for students and locals to come together, enjoy performances and words of care from organizations who wanted to show support.
I took on the primary marketing role - writing the press release and creating the poster - as well as managing and inviting people to the Facebook event. At the event I worked the welcome table to educate people about our resources from the Advocacy Center and Planned Parenthood Ithaca (which the donations were being given to).
The event took my breath away.
Firstly, although we had ample seating for RSVPs, we still had two dozen people standing by the end. Then, from the song choices to the energy they exuded, the dancers, soloists and bands were brilliant. I can't stress this enough: I had chills the entire night. At the end, Susannah Berryman — professional actor and acting teacher at Ithaca College — guided the crowd through a meditation for awareness and appreciation.
The night truly exemplified how much people care and what it means to show up for community.
When the Silence Stopped: Community Event for Sexual Assault Survivors
ITHACA, NY - On December 14, 2018 the Sacred Root Kava Bar will be hosting When the Silence Stopped , an artistic showcase dedicated to creating a safe space for survivors of sexual assault.
In a time where our world is filled with an immense amount of bigotry and hate, we as a community must come together to proactively make a change. While it might be easy to be a bystander, When the Silence Stopped will be an evening filled with love and support for survivors of sexual assault. The evening will feature song, dance, artwork, and meditation from community members, students, and outside organizations who stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors.
Survivors have recently been strong enough to share their stories to let others know that they are not alone. As allies it is now our turn to let you know that we are here for you. Sara Gutierrez (Ithaca College ‘19, Acting BFA) conceptualized the event the morning after Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed for the United States Supreme Court.
“A lot of people in my life have been affected by sexual assault,” Gutierrez says. “I find that we don’t talk about it as much as people need to. So here we are, creating something positive: Let’s start with a public support system.”
Gutierrez is accompanied by four senior Ithaca College students - Alisar Awwad, Kylee Roberts, Jacob Stuckelman and Calvin Yohannan - in planning the event, which encompasses communicating with the Ithaca community off campus. In between performances of soloists, dancers and poets, organizations from all over Ithaca will be invited to share words of care and unity.
When will your voice be heard? When the Silence Stopped will provide a safe space for all walks of life.
###
When the Silence Stopped is taking place at Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea bar, located at 103 South Geneva Street, Ithaca NY.