START BY BELIEVING DAY
START BY BELIEVING DAY IS THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY APRIL
Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity for communities across the country, and around the world, to unify with a single voice for those who have been the victims of sexual violence:
We hear you, and we are here to help.
What is it?
On this day, we gather to end the silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault. We Start by Believing.
Please join us in this global message of support for survivors.
Why April?
We chose this day to build on the momentum that began in April 2015, when State Representative Angela Romero sponsored a resolution to declare the first annual Start by Believing Day in Utah.
While many other communities and states have made similar proclamations, Utah’s resolution took the innovative step of establishing it as an annual event.
We can all help to create this international event, each and every year. We can all Start by Believing.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
We have all the tools you need to get started, but the first step is to make a personal pledge. It all starts with you.
START BY BELIEVING DAY RESOURCES
The following resources are available to assist you in your efforts on Start by Believing Day and throughout the year!
Our action kits offer tools to create real change, including successful examples from previous campaigns and ideas tailored for specific professional disciplines.
Change your social media profile picture or banner to highlight Start by Believing Day or include in your email signature.
Tailor this proclamation template for your city/state/county/school to recognize Start by Believing Day or officially become the next Start by Believing City or State.
No two campaigns look exactly the same. There are countless ways to spread the word. So please tell us what you’re up to!
8th Annual Start by Believing Day
Start by Believing Day will be here before we know it, and now is a great time to start generating ideas for your campaign. For the 8th annual event, we are focusing on the theme of fighting for change. As we work to improve criminal justice and community responses to sexual assault, we certainly wish we didn’t have to fight for change. But the reality is, long-term cultural change never comes easy.
There are many ways to fight for change in your community! You can galvanize a pledge challenge or social media blitz. You can connect with policy leaders to enact new policies or protocols. You can even work to become the next Start by Believing City or State. We are here to support you in your efforts, so please reach out if you need assistance.
The Start by Believing Day Social Media Toolkit offers graphics, suggested posts, and other useful resources. Make sure you use #StartbyBelieving so we can follow your efforts!
Print and display Start by Believing posters in high traffic areas around town.
Encourage people to take a selfie or video with the Start by Believing placard and post on social media.
Feel free to print and distribute these one-page flyers, or email them to your audience. The topics of these flyers include:
- Start by Believing: Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Say When Someone Discloses to You
- 10 Reasons to Start by Believing
SBB on Social Media
#StartbyBelieving
