16 Days of Activism & 16 Ways to Get Involved
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to raise awareness and generate action to end violence against women and girls in communities around the world
Here are 16 ways to get involved and make a difference on social media. Follow #OrangeUrHood and #16Days to participate and learn more.
1. November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Today kicks off 16 Days of Activism! We will be sharing 16 ways to get involved starting with an easy one: change your profile picture or cover photo on social media to show your support for ending violence against women and girls.
2. November 26
Know the Hotline! The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support & referrals 24/7 to anyone affected by domestic violence. Memorize their # (1-800-799-SAFE), plug it into your phone, & keep it handy — you never know when someone you know might need it.
3. November 27
Movies help us talk about difficult topics like domestic violence. Watch a movie that deals with issues of power, control, & abuse with your family or friends. Talk about the themes raised in the film and how those things may impact people in your community. What else are you going to be doing after your Thanksgiving feast today?
Check out our Pinterest page if you need ideas!
4. November 28
Shop and use #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday, and #CyberMonday for good! Shelters try to provide items that survivors couldn’t take with them when they fled. Donate gift cards so that families can buy groceries, PJs, holiday gifts, or anything else that will bring them security and comfort.
5. November 29
Lend a hand! Domestic violence programs rely on local volunteers to help them in their work. Call your local program to learn how you can volunteer and make a difference in the lives of survivors and their children.
6. November 30
Stay in the loop! NNEDV works with Congress to make ending domestic violence a national priority, but we need your help to urge them to act. Through our action alerts, NNEDV asks allies to contact Congress at key times to improve laws and funding for domestic violence programs.
Sign up to receive action alerts!
7. December 1
Watch this PSA where celebrities and athletes speak out and say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault. Share this video with others to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, encourage conversation, and spark action!
8. December 2
It’s #GivingTuesday and it’s time to make your money matter! Donate to NNEDV, your state/territory coalition against domestic violence, or a local program today and you’ll be supporting our work to address and prevent domestic violence and better meet the needs of victims and their families across the country.
9. December 3
Calling all high school and college students! Now is the perfect time to organize an event to raise awareness & share information about the resources available at your school and in your community. Film screenings or panel discussions are great ways to start conversations!
Check out our Pinterest page if you need ideas!
10. December 4
Words have power! How often have we laughed off comments like “Dude throws like a girl”? Gender stereotypes contribute to a world that allows violence against women. Commit to changing your language and say “hey, not cool” to interrupt these patterns.
11. December 5
Your social media feeds are a great way to learn about ending domestic violence in your town & across the country. Like NNEDV, your state/territory coalition, and local programs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to get involved and stay informed!
12. December 6
Stay in Tonight! Instead of going out, donate the cost of your typical restaurant or bar tab to an organization working to end violence against women and girls (like NNEDV!). Host a night in with your friends, family, favorite board games, & a smorgasbord from your fridge!
13. December 7
Adopt a family this Holiday season! Call your local domestic violence program to find out how to help children and their parents living in a shelter have a brighter holiday. (Gift cards are especially helpful!)
14. December 8
Join NNEDV’s book club on Goodreads – Reader With a Cause. This month we’re reading The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel. Join the discussion and connect with like-minded readers online.
15. December 9
Raise a glass & raise awareness! Host a wine & cheese fundraiser with your friends (or are beer & brats more your thing? Tea and scones?).
It’s easy: over your drink of choice, share info about domestic violence, along with actions that you all can take to make a difference. Ask your friends to make a donation and give the funds to an organization working to end domestic violence (like NNEDV!).
16. December 10 – International Human Rights Day
Tell someone about it. Though 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, many are silent. Talk about abuse with friends, family & coworkers this week. Break the silence, show your support & build a community that is ready to end domestic violence. Why is ending domestic violence important to you?