In 2006, the "me too" movement was founded by survivor and activist Tarana Burke.
A proud native of the Bronx, NY, Tarana’s passion for community organizing began in the late 1980s; when as a young girl, she joined a youth development organization called 21st Century. She launched initiatives around issues like racial discrimination, housing inequality and economic justice across the city. That work, coupled with a desire to deepen her academic education and organizing skills led her to Alabama State University, a historically black institution. Her organizing and advocacy work continued throughout college and remains a pillar of her professional life.
Her career took an intentional turn toward supporting survivors of sexual violence upon moving to Selma, Alabama to work for 21st Century. She encountered dozens of black girls who were sharing stories of sexual violence and abuse, stories of which she personally identified. Tarana realized too many girls were suffering through abuse without access to resources, safe spaces and support. So in 2007, she created JustBe, Inc., an organization committed to the empowerment and wellness of black girls. The ‘me too.’ Movement was born shortly thereafter as an entry to healing for survivors and a way for young people to share their stories.
In 2017, when ‘me too.’ as a hashtag (#metoo) went viral, Tarana emerged as a global leader in the evolving conversation around sexual violence. She placed the focus back on survivors and the need for survivor-centered, survivor-led solutions.
Me too. still continues today, with the organization serving as a convener, thought leader, and organizer in the global movement to end sexual and gender-based violence, grounded in Black feminist principles and survivor-led healing and action.
― Tarana Burke, Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement
Get Involved!
What would give you the courage to stand up to violence and hate in our community?
Share your thoughts with us in our Padlet virtual whiteboard!
Self-Care
Thinking, reading, and talking about sexual assault is stressful because we know the impact it has on ourselves and our loved ones.
What Can Help
Relaxation techniques can help alleviate stress, and this is a good time to start putting them in practice. A few you can try when you’re feeling the symptoms of stress:
General Information about Self-Care Techniques for Survivors
- me too. Survivor's Sanctuary
- Bloom
- Self-care strategies for Mental Health Awareness Month from KCSARC
Breathing
Exercise and Movement
GRC Recreation & Athletics – All GRC students get access to FREE exercise classes and use of machines and the gym during open hours.
GRC Trail Map – Take a break and go for a walk on the trails on GRC’s main campus. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings, bring a buddy if you haven’t visited the trails before, and don’t go close to dark. If you feel unsafe on the trails, you can call Campus Safety 24/7 for support.
Parks & Recreation – The Parks & Recreation Department in your local city often offers free and low-cost options for recreational sports, gyms, classes, trail walks, swimming pools and more.
YMCA – Provides pools, fitness classes, nutrition and cooking education, health resources, and more for young people and families for low costs in most local communities. Scholarships are also available for low-income individuals and families. If you are receiving/using Basic Food/EBT card, mention it when you are signing up!
Balance Yoga Kent – Offers free community yoga classes on select weekends
In-Person Healing Circles & Activities
Therapy Fund Foundation - Provide free mental health education, advocacy, and therapeutic services for individuals experiencing racial trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional or psychological challenges caused by systemic oppression, economic hardship, and unresolved intergenerational trauma.
Mother Nation - Mother Nation is a Native - led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers culturally informed healing services, advocacy, mentorship and homeless prevention in Washington State. We support Native and Indigenous women during times of transition from chronic homelessness and gender based violence to stable housing by providing counseling, connection to social services, sisterhood, community, and spiritual support.
API Chaya - API Chaya empowers survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking to gain safety, connection, and wellness. We build power by educating and mobilizing South Asian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and all immigrant communities to end exploitation, creating a world where all people can heal and thrive.