Prospectus Letter Final

Men Can Stop Rape
Creating Cultures Free From Violence

Sexual Assault Anti Violence Information (SAAVI) is an organization on campus that helps stop sexual assault and gender violence. We are currently working on a program called Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR). MCSR is a unique course that teaches men how they can stop sexual assault and gender violence. With your help, we will have the funds necessary to promote MCSR and develop a campaign, used nationwide, know as men of strength (MOS). We are seeking a donation of $15,000 for the year of 2010. The purpose of this campaign is to change the mentality of men and create a culture free from violence.

Appeal:

Our organization is seeking private sponsors to fund the MCSR and MOS. The Jon M. Huntsman foundation has been a leader in philanthropy. The foundation has donated numerous times in helping domestic violence, the homeless and most importantly education. Most recently it donated 26 million dollars to the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University (USU). Huntsman’s strong ethical beliefs and values correlate well with the message our organization promotes. We are looking for a private donation of $15,000 for our chapter of MCSR.

Opportunity:

SAAVI is a one-of-a-kind organization in the state of Utah. They have their own building, director and separate funds to help educated and help students attending USU. Donations make it possible for us to offer help, support, and programs to those in need. With increased donations, our programs can reach more people and be effective in creating cultures free from violence. One in four women will be raped or sexually assaulted before she reaches college. In Utah, one in three women will experience rape or sexual assault in her lifetime. With the help of the Huntsman foundation we will better equipped to reach our goal of reducing this statistic.

Solution:

By receiving a $15,000 donation, MCSR will be able to implement various programs to increase university awareness. These programs include:
-A 15 second radio PSA on Fusion HD3
-A 60 second TV PSA on local channels
The radio and TV PSA are scripted and ready to go into production.
-Events:
Campus Strength: supports and empowers USU male students to work on campus and within the community to put an end to men’s violence again women in all forms. Many educational programs use the phrase “real men don’t rape…” however the stereotype associated with “real men” is a negative, misogynistic view. Instead MCSR has created campus strength, the tagline being “my strength is not for hurting,” thus implying that you can be manly without hurting.

Youth Development: goes into Jr. High and High schools teaching males in peer-to-peer small group settings. MCSR members encourage them to make a pledge, being a man who uses his strength for respect and not for hurting.

Public Education Messaging: using pictures and inspirational messages, this program emphasizes how men can use their positive attributes and attitudes to help change our culture into one free of violence.

Capabilities:

USU started a SAAVI chapter in 2002. For many years before that, USU Women’s Center helped with rape and sexual assault cases. A small committee of volunteers formed, meeting periodically and addressing these types of issues. However, they didn’t have a central location, budget or director. Since then, SAAVI has created and opened up chapters of organizations against rape and sexual assault, MCSR being one of them. Men Can Stop Rape is a unique program that focus’ on teaching men about sexual assault and rape and is under the direction of Rachel Brighton, who is also the director of SAAVI.

Budget:

Amount/Description

$2,500 -- Radio PSA
$2,500 -- Video PSA
$5,000 -- Classes and teachers
$5,000 -- Events and programs

Conclusion:

By receiving these donations, MCSR will be able to further their mission in creating cultures free from violence. We will give you two week to review this proposal and are excited to answer any of your questions after that. If any questions arise before then, feel free to contact Rachel Brighton at 435-797-RAPE or rachel.brighton@usu.edu