Brave Step

04/05/2026

🎙️ Tune In Tomorrow

We invite you to join an important community conversation.

On Monday, April 6, from 9–10 a.m., Brave Step will be part of a panel discussion on Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins on WFAE 90.7.

This conversation will focus on sexual violence, how communities respond and the role we all play in supporting prevention and recovery.

💙 We hope you’ll tune in, listen and be part of the dialogue.

04/04/2026

💙 Why We Color It Blue

We Color It Blue for conversation.
We Color It Blue for community.
We Color It Blue for prevention.

Every blue shirt worn, every sign displayed, every conversation started — it all helps create safer, more informed communities.

Last year, supporters Colored It Blue in ways big and small — at work, at home, with friends and across our community. Some hosted conversations. Others shared resources. Many simply showed up and wore blue.

Participation doesn’t have to be complicated to make a difference.

💙 This video shares just a few of the ways our community Colored It Blue last year and reminds us that anyone can be part of this movement.

One simple action can spark awareness.
One conversation can support prevention.

What’s one way you will Color It Blue this year?

04/03/2026

💙 One Brave Thing

Courage doesn’t always look like standing alone.
Sometimes, it looks like choosing to walk alongside others.

One Brave Thing our partners have done:
They chose to walk with us.

They chose to support survivors.
They chose to invest in prevention.
They chose to stand with a community working toward recovery and hope.

Because of their partnership, education reaches more people.
Support reaches more survivors.
Prevention becomes possible.

This week, as we kick off Color It Blue, we’re grateful for the businesses and organizations who didn’t just show up, they stepped forward.

💙 Thank you to our Color It Blue partners - .etc.ga, , , , , and Amelie's French Bakery - for choosing to walk with us.

04/01/2026

💙 We kicked off Color It Blue month in the most meaningful way.

Thank you to the incredible volunteers from Bank of America who joined us to make bracelets and write heartfelt notes of encouragement for survivors. Each bracelet and message is a reminder that survivors are not alone—that a community stands with them, believes them, and supports them.

As we step into April, we invite you to join us. Wear blue. Start conversations. Take action.

Together, we can Color It Blue. 💙

04/01/2026

Today is the day. Color It Blue begins. 💙

All across our community, people are taking small steps to show support for survivors and help strengthen prevention during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Color It Blue is simple.
It’s visible.
And it starts with one small step.

Today, you can:
💙 Wear blue
🎗️ Share a blue ribbon
💬 Start one conversation
🏃 Join our Virtual Walk/Run
📸 Post your “I Color It Blue because…” sign

Because when one person takes a step, it creates a ripple.
And when many step forward together, change begins.

👉 Find ways to participate and download your sign at www.BraveStep.org/ColorItBlue

Let’s make April a sea of blue.

03/30/2026

💙 Education Is Prevention — A 3-Part Learning Journey

Prevention starts with knowledge. But more importantly, it starts with people who are willing to learn, ask questions and grow.

This April, we’re inviting our community into a three-part webinar series designed to build understanding, confidence and courage, one conversation at a time.

Each session offers a chance to pause, listen, and learn from changemakers who are helping shape safer communities.

Because prevention doesn’t happen in one moment.
It happens step by step through education, awareness and action.

✨ Whether you're a parent, professional, advocate or community member, there is space for you in this learning journey.

📅 Join us for one session or all three and become part of a community of courageous changemakers committed to preventing future sexual violence.

🔗 Register using the QR code or link provided. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/heeqdjy/lp/3a104cba-5d69-4437-872e-7880565e909c

03/27/2026

One Brave Thing 💙

For many men, talking about trauma can feel isolating. Messages like “be strong” or “handle it on your own” can make it even harder to reach out.

But recovery doesn’t have to happen alone.

One Brave Thing you can do today:
- Start a conversation.
- Check in on a man in your life.
- Or, if this speaks to your own journey, consider joining Courageous Conversations for Men, Brave Step’s monthly virtual support group designed specifically for male survivors of sexual violence.

It’s a judgment-free space focused on recovery, resilience and hope.

Sometimes the bravest step is simply showing up. 💙

03/25/2026

Sometimes the most powerful part of this journey is realizing you’re not alone.

At Brave Step, survivors and loved ones often tell us that what they find is more than support. It’s connection, understanding and a community that truly sees them.

This is what recovering together can look like. 💜

03/24/2026

We’re grateful to journalist Chris Miller for helping share this important story.

Chris recently sat down with Bob Anderson and Crystal Emerick to talk about Brave Step’s new support group created specifically for male survivors of sexual violence.

For many men, stigma and silence can make it harder to seek support. Creating spaces where men can connect, be understood, and find hope is an important step forward.

This conversation reflects the courage and conviction behind launching Courageous Conversations for Men because recovery should be possible for all survivors.

🎥 Take a moment to read and share. You never know who may need to see this. https://open.substack.com/pub/cpmille3/p/new-brave-step-program-creates-space?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

The local nonprofit hopes Courageous Conversations for Men will help survivors of sexual violence heal through shared stories.

03/23/2026

Education Is Prevention: Believe Them.

One of the most powerful things you can do for a survivor is also one of the simplest: believe them.

In this short video, Sharon shares how being believed by her mother shaped her. She repeats it because belief isn’t just comforting. It’s protective. It reduces isolation, shame and self-doubt.

When someone shares an experience of sexual violence, here’s what believing can look like:
• “Thank you for trusting me.”
• “I believe you.”

You don’t need perfect words or solutions.
Belief creates safety. Safety opens the door to recovery.

🎥 Watch Sharon’s story on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/19YXQB53mWs
💙 Share this with someone who wants to show up better for survivors

Being believed can change everything for a survivor.In this short video, Sharon shares how the simple, powerful act of being believed by her mother shaped he...

03/21/2026

April is Color It Blue month. What’s your plan? 💙

Here are 3 simple ways to show up for survivors and prevention:

1️⃣ Wear Blue + Share Why
Post a photo in blue and tell your community why prevention matters to you.

2️⃣ Complete Your “I Color It Blue” Sign
Fill out your sign, snap a photo and help make prevention visible.

3️⃣ Start One Conversation
Talk with a friend, class, team or family member about consent, boundaries or support.

Small actions build safer communities.
What’s one way you’ll Color It Blue this April?

03/20/2026

One Brave Thing ... Speak the truth, gently.

Identify a difficult reality, acknowledge it and frame it with kindness, for yourself or others.

Compassion makes truth approachable.