Out of curiosity, I created a survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdssRZibGtMrRIPvyeRMO49tlIe-7-tK-pdp2vE21EJOhkEgg/viewform?usp=sf_link) asking individuals (all genders and varying age ranges) about their experiences with sexual assault/abuse and sexual harassment. Out of the responses I've received so far (presently as I'm writing this it's at 350 and counting), 50.6% report to have experienced sexual assault/abuse and 76.9% report to have experienced sexual harassment. 15.4% weren't even certain whether or not they had personally experienced either, which demonstrates the lack of education on the topic, and a mere 8% claimed to have not experienced either. If these numbers don't alarm you, I don't know what will.

I have spoken to the individuals brave enough to leave me with their contact information and step forward with their stories. Several of these instances took place IN SCHOOL, or with students they know from school. Even worse, in many cases victims hadn't even realized they were victims and what they had experienced was wrong until this movement came about. Such disturbing experiences could have a far higher chance of being avoided if we normalized and set higher priority*** to the concepts of consent and healthy boundaries being taught from an early age so that they are concrete in the minds of individuals growing up. This is more than achievable if we can work together to reach the school boards, starting with the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District, and hopefully growing from there. 

Let's come together and create a brighter future for ourselves and the people of tomorrow. Let's shine a light on what's been done wrong in the past. Let's talk about what is today an uncomfortable topic, so that tomorrow it could be something society has overcome. Everybody's stories are valid, and nobody's stories should have happened. We will not be silenced, we will not brush this off our shoulders, and we will not say "We've done all we can," until there's no wrongdoings left to correct.

We can do this!