April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a powerful time for our community to unite in the movement against sexual violence. 
This year’s national theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” reminds us of our collective strength and potential when we stand together. Each of us has a part to play in creating a community where survivors feel seen, supported and believed.
As part of our local observance, you’ll notice teal ribbons proudly displayed throughout downtown Pagosa Springs, symbolizing our commitment to standing with survivors and raising awareness about sexual violence. 
You can also grab a free teal ribbon pin from the pants hanging around select downtown locations later this month for Denim Day. Wearing this ribbon is more than just symbolic — it’s a visible pledge that you stand with survivors, believe them, and are committed to creating a community that supports survivors and actively works to end sexual violence.

What does positive allyship look like?
Being an ally means choosing empathy, kindness and action. It’s about creating safe spaces where survivors are supported and respected. 
Here’s how we can all become effective allies:
• Believe and support survivors. Believing survivors is one of the most powerful acts of allyship. Simply telling someone “I believe you” can provide the strength and validation survivors need on their healing journey. Our compassion creates a ripple effect, making it safer for others to share their stories and find support.
• Listen with compassion. Effective allyship often means offering your presence without judgment. When survivors share their experiences, listening with an open heart — without trying to fix or judge — can make all the difference. Your compassion and presence can help someone regain their voice and sense of dignity.
• Challenge harmful attitudes. True allyship involves respectfully confronting attitudes and conversations that perpetuate sexual violence. By thoughtfully speaking up against victim-blaming or harmful jokes, you help create a safer, more respectful community.
• Support community initiatives. Positive change thrives when communities unite in action. Engage in local events, support educational initiatives or volunteer your time with organizations like Rise Above Violence that address sexual violence. By actively participating, you help strengthen community resources that survivors rely upon.
• Promote Respect and Safety: Encouraging conversations about respect, consent and healthy relationships helps shape a community that prioritizes safety and support. Even small actions, like discussing respectful behaviors with friends or family, can make a meaningful difference.
• Get involved. Our collective voice is powerful. Participate in SAAM activities, like our Push-Up Challenge fundraiser on April 23 or our Denim Day March on April 30, and proudly wear your teal ribbon this month. Every action, big or small, moves us closer to a safer community.
Together, we can change the future. Allyship isn’t a onetime action; it’s a lasting commitment to building a supportive, respectful community. Let’s continue our collective effort far beyond April, fostering a community that actively works to prevent sexual violence, support survivors and encourage positive change.
Join us this April.
Wear teal, speak out and take action. Together we act, united we change and together we rise.