The Center for Respect Blog​

“Remember that there are many people who think they want to be matadors, only to find themselves in the ring with two thousand pounds of bull bearing down on them, and then discover that what they really wanted was to wear tight pants and hear the crowd roar.” ~Terry Pierce

High school students in Mosinee, WI took action to speak out about sexual assault with a T-shirt concept often used on college campuses around the country. You can see a picture of one of the shirts speaking out against sexual assault in the full article here.

Here is a quote from the Acting Associate Principal at Mosinee High School in Wisconsin (as quoted in the Wausau Daily Herald):

“I’m all for educating students on this topic, but I think it should be done during the month of awareness using pamphlets and fliers from an established organization. That would add some substance to the cause,” Kaczor said.

While all of us as parents have talked to our children about being a “Leader,” what about being a follower? Often being a follower can be MUCH MORE productive and create amazing results.

Recently, Progressive Insurance launched a new national TV commercial where their main character, Flo, refers to riding the Pink Pony. Upon our contacting them to inform them of this pornographic sexual reference, they responded quickly and in a very positive action. We give them KUDOs for taking decisive, positive steps to correct the situation. Here is their response:

Last night, I had the honor of speaking at my childrens’ school to 8th graders and their parents. Entertainers and speakers will tell you the toughest audience is the one you know best (family and friends). We were blessed to have a strong turnout and some great insight shared. One Dad stated, “Tonight, I realized I need to talk with my high school student about the situations I don’t think he will find himself (just in case he does).” Another parent stated, “I always thought I had an open line of communication with my kids. Then tonight I discovered how I need to really open up about issues like rape and sexual assault – so my kids KNOW they can come to me.” What do you need to open up with your children about?

In a community where the high school has around 275 students, 200 PEOPLE attended the evening “Can I Kiss You?” show in their community last night. 80% of the room was filled with high school students. How did they draw such a fantastic audience?