By 
PHOTO/ Kendall Asbell
By: KENDALL ASBELL
Staff Writer
@asbellkendall
You may be asking yourself, “What is being a BRAVE Ambassador, and how is this Brave Training Series pertinent to me?” Well, BRAVE is an acronym that stands for Bringing Recovery Awareness Voices and Engagement.
Unlike other programs that solely focus on preventing sexual assault, the BRAVE program recognizes that some students have been sexually victimized before having even stepped foot on campus. With this in mind, BRAVE focuses on empowering individuals that have been victims as well as training students in how to prevent sexually abusive behaviors.
“Students victimized by sexual assault often feel disempowered and alienated from their college experience,” said April Lidinsky, director of Women’s and Gender Studies at IUSB.
She maintains that this results in “impediments to academic success, lower graduation rates, health problems and persistent mental health issues.”
“Students cannot learn in an atmosphere where they do not feel safe,” Lidinsky’s said.
The goals of BRAVE are essentially threefold: first, to teach students how to maintain an environment where previous victims feel safe; second, to inform students as to what sexual misconduct actually is and third, to empower students to stop and/or report sexual assault when they see it.
Trainees are also encouraged to become trainers, and participate in future training sessions and presentations.
This program is especially beneficial for students with resumes that may be a little on the slim side. Upon completing the BRAVE training series, students receive a certificate stating that they have been trained in how to prevent, report and detect sexual victimization. Adding this to your resume will let employers know that you respect the rules against sexual misconduct and know how to prevent it.
Obtaining the BRAVE Ambassador certificate takes three simple steps: first, attend the BRAVE Training on Tuesday, Feb. 21, then attend two other events listed below. Each event will have a sign-in sheet to keep track of attendance.
This program has only been in effect for the last three years, but has already had hundreds of students attend. It was developed under the leadership of Valerie Hinkle, who received a grant from Vision 20/20 for the idea. This training series, organizers hope, will inspire students to take a stand against sexual assault, but also provide the tools for how such students can help.
BRAVE SCHEDULE
BRAVE Actions Activity
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017
University Grill
An interactive activity that explores creative ways to say “Oh, Yes!” and “No.”
BRAVE Training
5:50 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017
University Grill (Fireside A)
Learn how you can prevent sexual violence and how you can empower those who have experienced it. Mandatory attendance for students seeking to earn a BRAVE Ambassador Certification.
Michiana Monologues
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017
Vegetable Buddies (Downtown South Bend)
Monologues written by local Michiana residents about their life experiences. Tickets can be found at the Michiana Monologues Facebook page.
Michiana Monologues
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017
Bristol Opera House (Bristol)
Monologues written by local Michiana residents about their life experiences. Tickets can be found at the Michiana Monologues Facebook page.
Michiana Monologues
7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 2, 2017
IUSB Campus Auditorium
Monologues written by local Michiana residents about their life experiences. Tickets can be found at the Michiana Monologues Facebook page.
Michiana Monologues
7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 3, 2017
Civil Rights Heritage Center (Downtown South Bend)
Monologues written by local Michiana residents about their life experiences. This will be an American Sign Language Performance and will include a silent auction. Tickets can be found at the Michiana Monologues Facebook page.
Viewing of the Documentary “The Bro Code”
7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2017
IUSB Campus EA 1011
This documentary analyzes how modern media influences male sexism. There will be a panel discussion after viewing.
Viewing of the Documentary “The Bro Code”
7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 9, 2017
Civil Rights Heritage Center (Downtown South Bend)
This documentary analyzes how modern media influences male sexism. There will be a panel discussion after viewing.
BRAVE Train the Trainer
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 23, 2017
Housing Study Lounge
Do some role-reversal and try your hand at training a BRAVE trainer.
Take Back the Night
6 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017
IUSB Campus
Come take a stand against sexual assault toward women.
