By Brian Pinero
Earlier this month in Denver, RALIANCE Chief Public Affairs Officer Kristen Houser and RALIANCE National Project Coordinator Brian Pinero trained members of the U.S. National Governing Bodies and the U.S. Olympic Committee on how to talk about sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse and contribute to a safe and respectful culture for all in the sport community 
The training took place over the course of two days at the offices of U.S. Center for SafeSport and focused on using common values in sport combined with the six messaging components from RALIANCE’s most recent report, that could be used to help audiences understand how prevention is possible. Constructing messages in this way provides an effective way to introduce policies, training and culture change around sexual violence. Attendees also learned how to focus on prevention messages even when met with challenges. Using pre-developed scenarios and pivot phrases, the group practiced delivering and staying on message when met with a skepticism or critics.
Members of the governing bodies were also provided with a tool kit, developed by RALIANCE and U.S. Center for SafeSport. This tool kit contained examples on how to use values, pivot points, messaging components and designed awareness materials for use messaging prevention to coaches, athletes, staff and other members of the sport community.
To learn more about how RALIANCE is partnering with the sport community to end sexual violence in one generation, check out the Sport+Prevention Center!