Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA) is excited to announce the launch of a new bystander intervention program specifically aimed at reducing sexual violence in central Illinois bars and night clubs, Raise the Bar. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes sexual violence is a serious public health threat stating more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.  The CDC further recognizes alcohol use as a potential risk factor for sexual violence, and acknowledges that alcohol is the most commonly used substance in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Raise the Bar will teach and empower bar and nightclub owners and staff to recognize problematic behavior and safely intervene to halt the situation. The two-hour workshops focus on positive messaging, bystander engagement, and changing social norms. This multi-faceted approach will help create long-term change by eliminating many myths surrounding sexual violence and ultimately creating safer communities. PCASA’s goal is to get five (5) area bars trained by this summer, and then continue the trainings with other local establishments each year. PCASA is inviting community leaders and organizations to join us as stakeholders in Raise the Bar.  Stakeholders are invited to be involved at the level they are most comfortable with and what their time allows.  Levels of participation include (but are not limited to):

• Providing an endorsement of the program
• Helping PCASA identify potential venues interested in participating in the Raise the Bar
• Help distribute Raise the Bar marketing materials to local establishments
• Go through the Raise the Bar training to better understand how everyone can be allies in the prevention of sexual violence in central Illinois.
• Become certified as a Raise the Bar trainer and help conduct workshops.

As a potential stakeholder, we invite you to attend one of two online meeting via Zoom.  You may also email prevention@prairiecasa.org to find out more about Raise the Bar.  Thank you for your time and consideration.  We hope you join us on the launch of this exciting new program.     Topic: Raise the Bar Stakeholder Meeting Time: Jan 27, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89453417911?pwd=S0Uwa0x0dTlaRkhoMEZWYkxCMlN1dz09 Meeting ID: 894 5341 7911 Passcode: 186038 One tap mobile +13126266799,,89453417911#,,,,*186038# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,89453417911#,,,,*186038# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 894 5341 7911 Passcode: 186038 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kxdRNFowR