Hall of Fame
In their own wordsTestimonials from current and former SafeBAE chapter organizers — the students who started the clubs, ran the assemblies, and trained their peers.
Dorie McNamara
Former Chapter Lead
Board of Directors
Spreading the education that SafeBAE provides is the best way to prevent sexual violence from occurring and help those who have experienced sexual violence get the support they need.
My experience with leading the SafeBAE club at Central Catholic high school has been a challenging yet very rewarding journey. Being able to educate my peers on topics like sexual violence, Title IX, healthy relationships, consent, etc was an eye opening experience. So many of my own friends had no idea what their rights are under Title IX nor what support systems are in place for them at school. Starting the club and getting more students started on the training has made a great impact on not just myself but my entire Central community. Something I wish for though, is a chance to spread this important message throughout more communities as well. I know that so many kids in the public school system lack the same opportunity that I was granted by working with SafeBAE, and if there’s a way to spread SafeBAE’s message, training, and education to more students throughout Essex County I think that would have an immense positive impact on our youth. Spreading the education that SafeBAE provides is the best way to prevent sexual violence from occurring and help those who have experienced sexual violence get the support they need.
Additionally, being involved with SafeBAE opened up opportunities for students like myself to continue doing social justice work. Through online networking with SafeBAE, I discovered another organization, Advocates for Youth, that provided a paid internship program and extensive Title IX training in Washington, DC. After completing that program It not only widened my knowledge but also increased my support network by connecting me with other youth advocates and adult allies. I had access to even more resources and information thanks to my association with SafeBAE. Overall, working with SafeBAE as a chapter lead in high school was an excellent educational, networking, and fulfilling experience I’m forever grateful for being a part of.
Enetu Nelson
Former Chapter Lead
SafeBAE Peer Educator
I left with knowledge, but most importantly, a plan on how to start a club at my school.
I became interested in SafeBAE after Shael came to my school during my freshman year and gave a presentation on what consent is and the statistics of violent relationships, bias, and sexual violence in high school, and lastly, I learned about Title IX. When the boys in our class were uncomfortable with the conversation, I knew I had to dive more into this and bring it to my school. During the week spent in Maine, not only did I build connections and friendships, but I also learned how to become and embody a peer educator in every form. I left with knowledge, but most importantly, a plan on how to start a club at my school. During my time, I did two assemblies, one introducing and educating the school about consent, and the other was hosting Denim Day at my school two years in a row. I believe the curriculum we learn in a safe bar needs to be taught in health classes. Kids don’t even know what coercion is or what consent even is. I am interested in education policy. From my time at Safebae, one day in the future, I plan to strengthen the health curriculum and requirements for school and start teaching about these topics from elementary and up.
Where it can lead
Val and Arturo both started out the same way our chapter leads do — as youth leaders running SafeBAE clubs at their own schools. Today they sit on our Board of Directors.
From chapter lead to the boardroom
Val and Arturo talk about running SafeBAE clubs as students, what that experience gave them, and what it looks like to keep doing this work as adults.
SafeBAE is a 501c3 Not-for-Profit Organization
