Megan Addison talks to Life&Style about Amnesty International’s new campaign centring education on informed and enthusiastic consent
Content Warning: references to sexual harassment
Tell me about ‘Let’s Talk About Yes!’
The campaign emphasises that consent is not the absence of ‘no’; it is a clear, profound ‘YES’!
‘Let’s Talk About Yes’ is one of Amnesty International’s new Europe-wide campaigns. For those who might not know, Amnesty International is one of the leading organisations fighting against human rights violations and has over 10 million worldwide supporters! The campaign aims to create a student culture based on consent, respect, and positive sexuality. It is important to remember that consent is enthusiastic, informed, reversible and freely given. The campaign emphasises that consent is not the absence of ‘no;’ it is a clear, profound ‘YES!’ This year, the Amnesty International society at UoB decided to take up this campaign on our very own campus.
How was this campaign chosen?
The wonderful members of our society vote each year on a campaign that inspires them and could make real change. Previously, the society succeeded in encouraging the Guild of Students to declare a climate emergency. Not to mention the ‘Stop the Killer Robots’ campaign, where many researchers at the University pledged to stop working on lethal autonomous weapons and Artificial Intelligence. This year, the ‘Let’s Talk About Yes’ campaign felt like a poignant choice. The recent surge in spiking in Birmingham (along with the rest of the UK) has highlighted the lack of understanding and respect for sexual consent and bodily autonomy.
Why is it important?
The importance of this campaign cannot be stressed enough! It is hugely significant for our members and countless other UoB students. Conversation about consent on campus must remain engaged. I think that the rise in spiking has had a huge effect on the University community– people are hungry for change. A lot of students probably want to make change but just aren’t sure how to go about doing that. This campaign provides a face to that desire for change; the message is easy to get behind. This campaign really can make a difference on campus!
Is Amnesty doing anything on campus?
Absolutely! We have considered the best ways to make tangible change on campus in regard to sexual consent; it’s time for action! Our handy acronym ‘SENSE’ should help to remember our aims for the year–
SERVICES EDUCATION NETWORK SUPPORT EVENTS
In terms of services, we will lobby both the University itself and the Guild of Students to raise awareness of their existing services. Further publicising of services offered to survivors of sexual harassment is needed. We want UoB to implement a proactive response to promoting consent.
For education, we want the University to implement mandatory sexual consent education when arriving at university. This education provided should be uniform and bridging; everyone should have the same knowledge of consent.
We aim to establish a network of student groups on campus that are working towards the common goal of preventing sexual violence and promoting consent. We plan to work together – supporting each other’s ideas and campaigns.
Regarding support, we want backing from the Guild of Students in our campaign. This will allow us to utilise their current resources to further the campaign.
Finally, we will continue to apply pressure on Guild events (Fab ‘n’ Fresh & Sports Night); encouraging them to focus on student safety, both while at the events and on their way home.
How could Redbrick readers take part?
Amnesty is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about human rights
The easiest way to get involved in this campaign is to come along to our weekly meetings. They are held at Thursday from 6-7PM (as well as other fun socials and events!) Our meetings are really relaxed and varied– some weeks we write letters of appeal or solidarity, other weeks we plan campaign events. Amnesty is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about human rights! Make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page and Instagram (@amnesty_uob).
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