July 2020
STAR’s mission is to prevent sexual trauma and provide comprehensive, collaborative crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to victims/survivors, their families, and our communities.
AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY
Since the safety of our community is at the heart of our mission, after much contemplation, we have made the decision to cancel our 2020 Masquerade Ball.

We are researching opportunities to hold a virtual event but will certainly miss our in-person annual gathering - dressing up in fabulous themed attire, celebrating our accomplishments, and raising crucial funds to bolster the work we still need to do.

Support from our community remains essential to reach our goal - all Alaskans live free of sexual trauma.   We are asking past sponsors and partners, despite the event cancellation, if they would be willing to contribute to replace the lost funding from our biggest annual fundraising event.

Instead of covering typical event expenses such as table linens, centerpieces, entertainment and venue rental, etc., donating at these levels would provide direct, critical, immediate needs for our clients:

  • $250.00 - Change locks on home
  • $250.00 - GCI Lifeline/phones/3 months’ credit on phone
  • $500.00 - Food voucher
  • $500.00 - Utility bills
  • $1,000.00 - Set up a household with basic kitchen, bath, and bed supplies
  • $1,000.00 - Legal services, New ID, driver's license, birth certificate, Tribal cards, etc.
  • $1,500.00 - Car insurance  
  • $1,500.00 - Car repair
  • $2,000.00 - Home security system
  • $3,000.00 - Hotel for emergency and/or relocation
  • $3,000.00 - Childcare for one child for 2-3 months
  • $3,000.00 - Counseling grant
  • $3,000.00 - Medical not covered by VCCB
  • $3,000.00 - Security Deposit and Rent
  • $3,000.00 - Ship vehicles to relocation destination
  • $3,500.00 - Airfare to relocate family out of state  

If you would like to join the campaign to help replace lost funding, you can give at any level at www.staralaska.com Your gift today would provide immediate crisis care and transformative services for victims of sexual assault.

Thank you to Providence Alaska Medical Services and Wells Fargo Alaska for being the first to offer continued corporate sponsorships! 

Thank you also to our monthly Constellation Club donors!  We are so grateful for your generosity and compassion, month after month, towards those in dire need of trauma services.

I would personally like to thank each and every one of you for supporting STAR through these difficult times. Together, we have been able to serve thousands of survivors and their loved ones each year, and plan to continue doing so until we accomplish our goal that all Alaskans live free of sexual trauma .

Please call or email us anytime if you have questions. We would love to hear from you!

Sincerely,
Keeley Olson, Executive Director
Standing Together Against Rape, Inc.
PREVENTION & EDUCATION
July Blog: Practicing Consent while Social Distancing
Things sure have been different the past few months!

STAR’s Prevention Team is feeling the impact of social distancing and although social distancing looks different for everyone, all of our lives are being impacted. 


The STAR Prevention Team has been brainstorming the idea of practicing consent while social distancing. Even though folks may be physically distant, there is still a need for connection and consent. People are relying now, more than ever on technology. 

Parents are navigating more screen time for children and teens, relationships are going digital, social media, zoom, and FaceTime are keeping friends, families, and coworkers connected. 

Safety for Kids

Talking about cyber consent with our kids and teens is incredibly important right now. Our youth are accessing even more online platforms, and this is a perfect time for caregivers to start talking to the youths in their lives about respecting digital boundaries, how and when to share personal information, and what to do if something is making you feel uncomfortable. 

We can let our kids know that even though we are not talking in person as much, they should still be thinking about how their actions can impact other people and to make sure we are treating others with compassion and kindness. Let the kids and teens in your life know that they can always come to you with questions or concerns about cyber safety. 

Consent for Adults

Adults are also interacting online more than before. Couples may be social distancing from each other for many different reasons and may start using digital communication to send pictures or sexting. Not everyone feels comfortable sexting and that’s okay, but if a couple is interested in trying it, they’ll need to agree on what they are okay with sending and receiving, what to do with any photos they send, and making sure that consent is active and enthusiastic. 

Many people are choosing not to participate in social events and in person visits. This is a great opportunity to practice digital consent to learn what your friends and family are comfortable with and to let others know what your boundaries are. 

It’s unknown how long we will all be in this situation but social distancing it is an important reminder that everyone’s personal and cyber space boundaries are different and warrant respect.

Want to test your consent knowledge?  Take this quiz!
DIRECT SERVICES
Employment Opportunity!
STAR is currently accepting applications for a Direct Services Advocate positions. Advocates Provide crisis intervention, advocacy and support for victims and their families of sexual violence through one-on-one personal support sessions, crisis line coverage, medical and court accompaniment and group facilitation.

To apply, email a cover letter, current resume and three professional references to star@staralaska.org .
STAR (Standing Together Against Rape, Inc.) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. STAR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
The next Crisis Line Responder Training is coming up in September!

STAR's Crisis Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support and information for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, as well as others seeking information or resources. The line is staffed by volunteers, in shifts that last from 4-7 hours at a time.

Crisis Line Responder Training participants will be given specialized online training to assist callers from all walks of life in crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals to other services.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer responder, you must first complete our Volunteer Application , and we will soon follow up with you to schedule an interview.

Great news! STAR has recently received generous support for our Safety Coloring Book for Kids. This coloring book has been updated and we will release the new version soon! When we do, this resource will reach thousands of young people statewide. It explains in an age-appropriate way about physical boundaries, how to keep their bodies safe, and how to identify trusted adults in their lives for when they have questions or need support. Thank you, ZONTA Club of Anchorage and Alaska Children's Trust, for funding this project to help keep our kids safe from sexual violence.
STAR OFFICE OPERATIONS
The health and safety of our staff and clients are of utmost importance to us. In light of COVID-19, this is how STAR is modifying operations until further notice:

  • No appointments are taking place at the STAR Office.

  • STAR Employees are working from home and maintaining social distancing.

  • All meetings are being held online or by teleconference. 

  • Counseling appointments are happening via TeleMed.

  • We will continue to reevaluate to determine next steps and will provide updated information as it evolves.

  • The STAR Crisis Line is available for survivors and their loved ones. As always, STAR services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
 
24-Hour Crisis and Support:
(907) 276-7273
Toll-Free: (800) 478-8999