What is #CalgaryGetsConsent?

#CalgaryGetsConsent is a campaign initiated by the Centre for Sexuality (formerly Calgary Sexual Health Centre) in 2017 with the intention of creating a culture of consent.

Recognising that consent is important at all ages, from birth into old age, this campaign aims to normalise consent in all aspects of our lives.

#CalgaryGetsConsent includes several initiatives:

  • free community training opportunities about consent and bystander interventions
  • a media campaign across multiple platforms to start the conversation about consent
  • working with community partners on local events

 

How did #CalgaryGetConsent get started?

In the year prior to launching #CalgaryGetsConsent, Calgary Sexual Health Centre was approached multiple times with the same question – what can we do to address the sexual violence and harassment that is occurring in our communities? Through a series of conversations, Calgary Sexual Health Centre realised that the shame and silence surrounding sexual violence and harassment in Calgary is directly related to our fuzzy understandings of consent and healthy communication. #CalgaryGetsConsent was born out of these discussions.

The overall goal of #CalgaryGetsConsent is to raise awareness and provide education about consent by creating a community-wide conversation, and to provide community members with tools to discuss consent. Sexual violence is not just a women’s issue; #CalgaryGetsConsent recognises that every person in our community has a role to play in creating a culture of consent. #CalgaryGetsConsent calls all members of the community to join the conversation and learn what they can do to stop harassment and sexual violence.

 

#CalgaryGetsConsent acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the peoples of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. We would like to recognise the Treaty 7 Nations who make their home on this land, including the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. This land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

#CalgaryGetsConsent is grateful to the people of Treaty 7 for taking such good care of this land, so that we may enjoy such abundance, and accepts the responsibilities of being treaty people.