Healthcare Reform

For information about current healthcare decisions and reform, visit this link.

Vaginas, Chocolate and a Monologue

The Vagina Monologues were a success!
Thanks to everyone that came out to support the show. All proceeds went to groups working to end violence against women. We had a great time and our anatomy quizzes were helpful (and most of the time puzzling) to many people. As a prize, we gave out signed copies of Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power & A World Without Rape

Being a Role Model

It seems like as we grow up, a lot of emphasis is put on the idea of "role models". From a young age, we are encouraged to find a role model and learn from him/her so that we have someone to look up to and help create direction and purpose. As college students, we are in between childhood and adulthood and as we navigate the transition, some of us find ourselves in leadership positions and with it comes the responsibility of being a role model.

When it comes to sexual health, there are a few things to remember as you help others. Whether it is a friend, sibling, classmate or a stranger that comes to you seeking advice, a few things can help the conversation be safe, helpful and meaningful for both of you.

How to be an ally:
- listen and do not tell other people what was said during the private conversation
- be a resource (know of places to go for more services or offer to help look them up)
- watch your body language (most communication is non-verbal)
- be ethical and maintain boundaries
- do not make promises you can't keep
- be accessible
- be trustworthy
- remember, just because you had a similar experience does not mean that the person feels the same way
- don't call yourself an ally, just be one

For more information on teen dating violence, go to the CDC's website

Share Your Vision

Young Visionaries Contest

Contestants: People ages 18-30 who are actively engaged in shaping a world that supports free and informed choices about sexuality and reproduction and/or where health services and information is available to all

Challenge: Share your vision for a just and healthy life

Prize: $1,000 grant from International Women's Health Coalition

The International Women’s Health Coalition leads global and local actions to secure every woman’s right to a just and healthy life. They are working to create a world where women are free from discrimination, sexual coercion and violence, and have access to health services and information.

VDay

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...
And it is a great time to think about the wonderful women in your life! All of us at SHA are celebrating by doing our part to end violence against women and girls. The Vagina Monologues are being performed at DePaul and we can't wait to go!

The Vagina Monologues
Feb 13 & 14 @ 8:00pm
DePaul Student Center
Tickets $10 on sale Feb 1-3 and 10-12
Proceeds benefit the Rape Victim Advocates, Apna Ghar and Take Back the Halls.
All three groups work to end violence against women in Chicago.

Join us in supporting VDay by purchasing a ticket and attending the event.


While we're on the subject of sexual assault, check out these very informative articles about how and when it happens Cycles Are Hard to Break: Disability and Domestic Violence
Touch and Go: How Groping Happens


Side note: we are a student group at DePaul, but are not officially sponsored or affiliated with the university. Our organization is made up of students who want to create a forum for discussion and education for other students.