First SAPA conference held Thursday, Friday to educate students, professionals


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Libby March/Staff Photographer Jazmin Moore, a junior visiting from Michigan State University, center left, listens to a lecture during the SAPA Sexual Aggression conference Thursday in Powers Hall's ballroom. Presenters discussed the necessity of fighting the bystander effect and getting involved to prevent acts of sexual aggression.

Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates hosted their first conference in conjunction with Central Michigan University Sexual Aggression Services.

The two-day event kicked off  at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Powers Ballroom.

Geared toward students, faculty and professionals, the conference included speakers from across the state, such as Brothers Against Rape and SAPA Director Steve Thompson.

B.A.R, a group of two men serving as advocates against sexual assault, opened the conference with a presentation entitled "Outcry," aimed at encouraging men to get involved in the movement.

Several of the men in attendance said the opening presentation was great, and they felt it spoke directly to them.

"The presentation was one of the best I've seen that actually got men involved," said Ash Christians, prevention coordinator of the Saginaw Sexual Assault Center. "It not only pointed out that men rarely get involved, but it gave examples of how to do so."

Thompson, the second speaker of the day, spoke about creating an environment where survivors feel comfortable. He talked about educating not only survivors but also professionals on how to deal with sexual aggression incidents without having attitudes based on preconceived ideas.

"I want to show people different ideas," Thompson said. "Most people deal with the aftermath of an attack, so that's what people need to be educated on."

The event concluded for the night with a social at Bennigan's, 2424 S. Mission St., to allow everyone an opportunity to talk to the speakers and discuss the topics brought up at the conference.

On Friday, the conference will resume with advice on how to start and maintain a peer advocate program and will end with speakers Alan Berkowitz and Carrie Giese.

Graduate Assistant of SAPA Ashley Thomas-Smith said she hopes through the conference the organization will grow.

"Our goal has always been to raise awareness, expand and possibly join with other agencies," she said.

Other mentors from the program said they were excited for the opportunity and hoped everyone could walk away having learned something.

"This is the first time we've ever done this," said Peer Advocate Alan Jones. "From speakers and presenters to professionals and students, everyone benefits from this conference."

For more information about SAPA or how to join, visit their website at www.sapa.cmich.edu or call 774-2255.

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