There are many people in our community working to create positive change to end sexual violence. We want to meet as many of them as possible. If you would like to submit a recommendation, please email prevention@brstar.org.
I am inspired daily by the strength of survivors and the support provided by STAR staff.–Katelan Janik
1. What is your relationship with STAR?
KJ: I am a current phone and hospital advocate for STAR. This past summer, I was an intern in the Survivor Services division.
2. What led you to get involved with STAR and/or join the movement to end sexual violence?
KJ: I wanted to get involved with STAR because I was inspired by their mission. Sexual assault is a horrendous offense that is completely preventable, if people are educated properly. Because I want to become a social worker, I was particularly interested in how STAR works one-on-one with each survivor to help them as much as possible.
3. What do you find most rewarding about your participation in this movement?
KJ: The most rewarding part of my participation in the movement is talking to and assisting survivors. They are amazing men and women who have been hurt, and working with them is the most meaningful to me. Helping them through their personal struggle inspires me to live my life to the fullest and make a positive impact on the people in my life.
4. What motivates you to keep going when things get difficult or discouraging?
KJ: The survivors motivate me. Any time I feel down or drained, there is always a survivor who is so grateful for STAR and all that we do. Those people are what keep me going. I love knowing that we can help those survivors in their darkest time, and I am motivated to keep helping more survivors and keep fighting to end sexual assault.
5. What are some simple, day-to-day ways you promote positive change in our community?
KJ: One simple thing I personally do in my daily life to promote positive change in the community is to be respectful. Respect people’s decisions, actions, and words. Treating people with respect and decency can promote positivity in many different ways. It is also easy enough for everyone to do!
6. What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about joining the movement to end sexual violence?
KJ: I would tell them not to hesitate at all, because working in this movement is rewarding. From personal experience, I am inspired daily by the strength of survivors and the support provided by STAR staff. I am honored to know the amazing people I have met at STAR and as a volunteer. Because this issue effects everyone, it’s a cause worth fighting for!
Read more about Katelan and her fellow summer interns in our Services Spotlight segment.
staradvocates.blog 