SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — A panel discussion — titled Men’s Place in the #MeToo Movement — will address sexual harassment in SLO County and ways that community members, men and women alike, can get involved in supporting the Silence Breakers in our community and putting an end to sexual harassment. The event is hosted by RISE and the SLO Noor Foundation.
Five local men make up the panel: Abe Lincoln, Executive Director, SLO Noor Foundation; Dan Dow, District Attorney, County of San Luis Obispo; Dan Rivoire, Council Member, SLO City Council; Matias Bernal, Interim Associate Director, RISE; and Nick Bilich, Coordinator, Men & Masculinity Program. Panelists will bring their unique perspectives and answer questions related to the #MeToo Movement which continues to shed light on sexual harassment happening throughout society and in our own community.
“SLO County is a county of firsts: We have a reputation for being first adopters of important social and legislative change. What if we were the first county to end sexual harassment?” said RISE Executive Director Jennifer Adams. “We hope this event will foster local dialogue on how men can engage with and actively pursue the ideas embodied in the #MeToo Movement. The panelists will open conversation and speak to concrete steps men can take to participate and support survivors in their lives. We are hoping for a strong male presence at this event, and would love for all folks to attend and provide feedback for how male allies can get more involved. This is just the start, and we hope for continued community conversation beyond this event with even more people involved!”
Men’s Place in the #MeToo Movement will take place January 18, 2018, from 6 – 7:30 pm, in the SLO City-County Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The event is free to attend. Registration at www.RISEslo.org is requested but not required.
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (formerly SARP Center and North County Women’s Shelter) whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two safe houses, individual and group counseling, prevention education and self-defense workshops.