Change Starts with Blue

Join us March 4 during one of two shifts to create blue ribbons that spark awareness, support survivors and inspire prevention during Brave Step’s Color It Blue campaign. No skill necessary, just a caring heart and giving hands. 

Personalize your Color It Blue experience and invite others to join in our movement. 

This April, take a small step that creates a powerful ripple by joining Brave Step’s annual Virtual Walk/Run. When we move together, we show survivors and loved ones they are not alone while helping communities become more informed, compassionate and ready to prevent harm. Whether you walk, run or hike, every step matters.

Participants will learn about the impact of sexual trauma on the body and mind, including how it affects desire, boundaries, and trust. Attendees will learn to understand their personal needs, and explore what healthy, consensual intimacy can look like on their own terms. The focus is on empowerment, self-awareness, and fostering growth in reclaiming one’s sexual agency.

Presented by Ceara Corry, LCSW

This session explores peer support, safe navigation of group spaces, and the idea that community can be a resource rather than a requirement. Recognizing that loneliness is increasingly present in participant applications, the session emphasizes survivor autonomy and choice-based connection, supporting healing while fostering belonging and shared humanity.

Presented by Dr. Natalie Ricciutti Ph.D., LPCC-OH, LCASA, NC

This session presents how trauma and current national events intersect, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Dr. Engel will review signs of retraumatization and overwhelm in media engagement while offering guidelines for increasing effective strategies for news consumption while prioritizing healing, nervous system regulation and personal empowerment. Survivors, loved ones and community members are all welcome to attend.

Presented by Dr. Emily C. Engel Psy.D., PLLC

We’d love for you, your family and your friends to join us for a casual Walk/Run gathering on Saturday, April 25. We’ll meet at 11:00 a.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church (801 S. Trade St., Matthews) and head out on the greenway for a walk or run beginning at 11:30 a.m.
For anyone who wants to keep the connection going afterward, we’ll continue on to Seaboard Brewing for a relaxed, bring‑your‑own‑dollars fellowship.

Becoming an ally doesn’t require a title — just a willingness to learn, listen, and take meaningful action. Brave Step’s Ally Workshop: Level 1 is an empowering, introductory experience designed for family, friends, community members and anyone who wants to better understand sexual violence and support survivors with compassion and confidence.

Ideas, materials, graphics, messaging … all you need to dive into a Color It Blue experience.

Download, personalize and share.

Faith communities play a powerful role in creating safety, recovery and hope.

Share the ways in which you Colored It Blue. Help us showcase your impact. 

Tips on how to talk about sexual violence with the ones you love.

Explore resources on our Changemaker portal for a variety of audiences