Events & Programs

April 1-30, 2026

**Virtual

Join the Color It Blue “Move”ment

This April, take a small step that creates a powerful ripple by joining Brave Step’s annual Virtual Walk/Run, part of our Color It Blue “Move”ment. 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.

April 1-30, 2026

**Virtual

Change Begins with YOU. Color It Blue this April.

Color It Blue is Brave Step’s annual campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It’s a visible way to show support for survivors and help build awareness and prevention.

Your blue moment can spark something bigger: start one conversation, share a resource and/or invite someone else to Color It Blue.

Take the Next Step. Small steps. Powerful ripples.

April 2, 2026

6:30 p.m.

**Virtual

Courageous Conversations for Men

Join a monthly, virtual support group created specifically for male survivors of sexual violence. This judgment-free space is designed to foster recovery, resilience and hope. Whether you’re early in your recovery journey or further along, you belong here.

April 10, 2026

12 p.m. ET

**Virtual

Intimacy After Trauma

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.

April 17, 2026

12 p.m. ET

**Virtual

Community Without Pressure: Healing Together, Not Alone

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

April 21, 2026

6:30 p.m.

**In-Person

Peer Support Group

Those who identify as a woman and are affected by sexual violence can participate in a free survivor-led support group called Courageous Corner. Peer support group is offered to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.

April 24, 2026

12 p.m. ET

**Virtual

Navigating News & Media: Staying Informed Without Harm

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

April 25, 2026

11 a.m.

**Matthews United Methodist Church

Join Brave Step for an In-person Walk/Run

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.

April 28, 2026

7 p.m. ET

**Virtual

Brave Step Ally Workshop: Level 1

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.

May 6, 2026

6:30 p.m.

**Virtual

Peer Support Group

Those who identify as a woman and are affected by sexual violence can participate in a free survivor-led support group called Courageous Corner. Peer support group is offered to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.

May 14, 2026

6-8 p.m. ET

**Virtual

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Brave Step has teamed up with Ericka Ellis-Stewart to offer a QPR suicide prevention training. QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer — is a two-hour virtual training that gives everyday people the tools to recognize when someone may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, and the confidence to step in.

May 19, 2026

6:30 p.m.

**In-Person

Peer Support Group

Those who identify as a woman and are affected by sexual violence can participate in a free survivor-led support group called Courageous Corner. Peer support group is offered to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.

June 3, 2026

6:30 p.m.

**Virtual

Peer Support Group

Those who identify as a woman and are affected by sexual violence can participate in a free survivor-led support group called Courageous Corner. Peer support group is offered to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.

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Color It Blue Lunch-and-Learn Webinars

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