Attention Non-Profits
Preventing Good Causes From Falling On Deaf Ears
I had lunch today with two women, both of who are experts in the field of combating the causes and effects of sexual violence. Along with their colleagues, they develop and disseminate best practice protocol for preventing SV and intervening in situations when it occurs. We’ve come to know each other working together on behalf of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the country’s authoritative resource assisting individuals and groups actively engaged on the front lines.
Until the 1960s and 70s victims of sexual violence, the majority being women, mostly suffered in silence. Then things gradually began changing —for the better. Thrust into the public spotlight by the feminist movement, sexual violence became the top priority of grass roots organizations springing up around the country. Rape crisis centers opened. Support groups formed. Ad campaigns fanned the flames by focusing public attention on this previously unspoken subject. Year after year, with increasing effectiveness, efforts like these dramatically improved the quality of life for countless individuals and families, and our society as a whole.
That’s why today the three of us are discussing a new NSVRC initiative to re-”frame” the topic of sexual violence. The concern of my two companions for the victims of sexual violence compels them to keep this subject firmly fixed in the nation’s consciousness. It’s an interesting proposition. How can the public’s deeply held worldviews and widely held assumptions be changed and refreshed so attention is refocused on an important subject like this one? To find out more, visit frameworksinstitute.org or even better, take the 20-minute tutorial.
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