RAINN Day: Campaign to Eliminate Sexual Assault on Campuses

Get ready, because later this month it is time to make it RAINN. Thursday, September 22 is RAINN Day, the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network annual campaign to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence on college campuses. With one out of every six American women the victim of a rape or attempted rape in her lifetime, and 80% of all victims under the age of thirty, I don't think there is a better cause for Change.org members to throw their considerable weight behind.

So, how can you get involved on your campus? First, go here and sign-up to be a RAINN Day organizer. You'll get a planning packet, including t-shirt designs, promotion guides, and everything else you'll need to get started. Whether you want to plan a march or a rally, pass out fliers or stage a show, RAINN wants to help you achieve success in getting the word out on your campus about the facts surrounding sexual violence.

You don't have to be a student to get in on the action. Anyone with a college or high school aged friend or family matter should make sure she knows RAINN's Back to School Safety Tips, including being aware of your surroundings, being careful with social media, and drinking responsibly. Frankly, these are tips that everyone, not just students, should practice. As my mother is found of saying, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Change.org members should also take advantage of two worthwhile petitions currently running. First, there is the call to Congress to pass the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act (S.834, H.R. 2016) immediately. This vital piece of legislation will promote campus safety by increasing transparency, accountability, and education. Sign the petition today and let your Congresspersons know that eliminating sexual violence on campuses is a high priority.

You should also sign RAINN's own Change.org petition seeking the passage of the SAFER Act, H.R. 1523, a bill that addresses the shocking national rape kit backlog. It will ensure greater transparency in the testing process and more efficient use of resources. Tell your Representative that this legislation needs to be passed swiftly so that survivors of sexual assault can get justice and we all can be a little safer.

One in four women will face sexual violence on campus. Enough is enough. So put on your anti-violence thinking caps on and start planning your events, talking to your friends, and even creating your own petitions to affect change in your campus community. Whether your ambitions are large or small, every action in support of RAINN Day 2011 matters.