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What is RYOT
Against Rape?
At the heart of
PCAR’s teen movement are youth just like you. From developing the
“Xpose” CD to filming the “Gonna Make It” music video to presenting
workshops at national conferences, members of RYOT (Rallying Youth
Organizers Together) Against Rape have been calling the shots.
RYOT’s self-penned
mission “to train ourselves to be able to reach out to all victims as
well as to educate the public to end sexual violence in its entirety,”
sets the tone for the important work that they do – educating peers on
the realities of sexual violence.
RYOT members are high
school teens from across Pennsylvania who meet regularly at the state
level to create projects by teens for teens.
Individual members are supported in their efforts by local rape crisis
centers and are highly encouraged to take part in statewide
activities.
Check out photos from
past RYOT events.
The excitement doesn’t
stop there… as individuals and small groups RYOT members are stepping into
the spotlight and gaining local, regional and national attention. In the
past year, RYOT members:
- Partnered with local
rape crisis centers in teen outreach at malls, community events and
fairs
- Challenged popular
musical artists’ to learn ways to promote respectful relationships in
their music and videos
- Offered insight into
books published by national authors including the Reverend Al Miles
- Received training from
nationally recognized socio-drama coaches
- Participated in the
socio-drama, Two Brothers, about the impact of family violence on
youth at East Stroudsburg University before 425 attendees
- Spoke at local Take
Back the Night marches, rallies and vigils
- Performed poetry and
living art displays to raise awareness at community events
- Participated in
newspaper, TV and radio interviews about teen sexual violence issues
- Attended and
participated in regional and national conferences including the Quest
for the Best Youth Leadership Summit and the Institute for Domestic
Violence in African American Communities
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Why should I get
involved?
You may be asking
yourself, why should I get involved? The fact is youth are at the
highest risk of falling victim to sexual violence. One in 4 girls and
1 in 6 boys will be victims of sexual assault before the age of 18.
Think about it…at least one person among your group of friends already
has or will endure this traumatic experience…wouldn’t you want to
help?
You CAN make a
difference. Youth are gaining skills and learning how to take action.
By becoming a RYOT member, you will receive the support you need to
make your voice heard. Through PCAR and your local rape crisis center,
you will have access to a lot of cool stuff to share with your
friends…and it is all FREE.
Sign me up!
Becoming a member of
RYOT is easy… simply complete the online application form and submit it
to PCAR for consideration. You will receive information about RYOT
youth activism in your region and if your application is approved, you
will receive a RYOT Against Rape Welcome Packet that
will include information on the next statewide meeting.
ONLINE APPLICATION
Teen Spotlight
Check out this
month’s Teen Spotlight for a look into the life of a
RYOT member.
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