Advocacy in Action: A Recap of SAAM and CAPM Initiatives by Tu Casa, Inc.

Written by: Tiffany Martinez, Education & Outreach Coordinator

At Tu Casa, Inc., our commitment to advocacy and awareness knows no bounds. This April, we embarked on a journey to raise awareness for both Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Through a series of engaging events and collaborations, we aimed to shine a light on these critical issues and empower our community to take action.

Clothesline Project: A Tapestry of Voices

Our Clothesline Project took center stage this month, with impactful displays at TSJC, ASU, and SLV Health. This powerful initiative allowed survivors and allies alike to share their stories and express their solidarity through art. Attendees were moved to action during our April Lunch and Learn session, hosted by our passionate Tu Casa Program Advocates, Mari and Janine. Their insightful discussion on sexual assault not only educated, but also inspired, attendees to create pieces for our Clothesline Project, weaving together a tapestry of voices and experiences.

Chalk the Walk: Spreading Awareness, One Sidewalk at a Time

As sidewalks became canvases, our community came together for two inspiring Chalk the Walk events. Tu Casa, Inc. staff and the public joined forces, using chalk to spread sexual assault awareness with impactful statistics and artwork. These vibrant displays served as reminders that advocacy knows no bounds and can be as simple as a stroke of chalk on pavement.

CAC Poster Contest: Empowering Young Voices

The annual Poster Contest hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of the San Luis Valley (SLV CAC) brought forth creativity and imagination from the young minds of Alamosa Elementary. This year's theme, "It's a Beautiful Day to Protect Children," sparked meaningful conversations and artistic expressions about what “protecting children” meant to our local community. We were thrilled to visit Alamosa Elementary on April 29th to award this year’s Poster Contest winners their well-deserved prizes, celebrating their role as advocates for child protection. 

Safety Snake Event 

The SLV CAC recently hosted a special event in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis Valley to mark CAPM. Together, we presented the Valley's first "Safety Snake Event". Designed to education and engage children in grades K-6, the event featured interactive stations including an obstacle course and face painting, and had a brief educational presentation on body safety. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to create blue pinwheels to reaise awareness for CAPM. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the rock painting activity, where children contributed to the creation of the Valley's first Safety Snake. 

 This symbolic project, initiated by the SLV CAC aims to extend its reach to parks across the Valley in the coming years. The Safety   Snake serves as a tangible reminder for children that safeguarding against abuse is a collective responsibility, necessitating   support  from the community, trusted individuals, and most importantly, each other. Through events like these, the community   fosters an environment of awareness, safety, and support for its youngest members. 

Library Displays: Knowledge is Power 

 Throughout the month, informational boards on child abuse awareness and sexual assault awareness adorned the walls of our local college libraries, elementary libraries, and the City of Alamosa Public Library. Accompanied by curated book lists, these displays   served as educational resources and reminders that knowledge is power in the fight against abuse and assault.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As April comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in our events this year. Your support, engagement, and dedication are the driving force behind our advocacy efforts. Together, we continue to raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards a future free from abuse and assault.

At Tu Casa, Inc., advocacy is not just a word—it's a call to action. As we reflect on the successes of this past month, we look forward to the continued collaboration and community engagement that will drive positive change in the days to come.