The PAs, or the Peer Advocates for Sexual Respect, aim to have a diverse set of student volunteers who are committed to being a support network for other students struggling with sexual misconduct, having a healthy relationship, or for students who are concerned for others.
For some brief history, the PAs began as an AHS Capstone in 2014. Motivation to start the PAs stemmed the campus climate survey and a Frankly Speaking article from 2013 that confirmed that sexual assault does happen at Olin and affects the same percentage of students as other colleges around the country.
The PA program is here to advocate for and work towards making Olin a place where people feel safe and respected. As a completely independent, student-led group, we aim to be a resource and response to the evolving situation of sexual respect at Olin.
We also recognize that it can be very tough to approach anyone with personal and sensitive issues so we hope to connect with the community and break the social barriers when it comes to topics like consent, sexual health, and relationships as a whole. Be on the lookout for PA Jeopardy, “It Happens Here”, PA Wellness events, and community wide trainings!
An event run this past month was our relationship panel where we invite non first-years onto a panel to discuss their advice with first years. This spans not just romantic relationships on- and off-campus, but also those with our friends and families.
So to finally answer the burning question, here are the PAs. Please come talk to us!
- Anika Kale
- Brandon Spiller
- Wynona Brinkmann
- Lex Gerlack
- Rami Burdette
