Youth voices drive change in unique ways. They contribute essential perspectives to intergenerational activism that inform new resources and connections.
Contact us to participate as a youth leader at SSAIS.
Youth Initiatives Coordinator
Rose G.
My interest in SSAIS stems from a commitment to create safer, more equitable schools through leadership, education, and advocacy. SSAIS’s focus on empowering youth to take an active role in preventing sexual harassment and promoting the values of inclusion, respect, and accountability, has inspired me to deepen my own advocacy. Through my work, I hope to foster more supportive school communities across the country.
For me, it is important to approach the issues of sexual harassment and assault through an intersectional lens. Through SSAIS, I hope to connect the fight against sexual violence with broader efforts around disability rights, racial equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and educational access.
As the President and former secretary of my high school’s SASH Club (Students Against Sexual Harassment), I have used resources provided by SSAIS to help organize initiatives to raise awareness about sexual assault, acquire grants to support my club, and encourage open conversations to build an informed, compassionate school community. These experiences have inspired me to expand my advocacy beyond my own school by creating research, blog posts, and videos to help educate others and cultivate a supportive community that cares as much about this cause as I do
Rose is a junior in high school and a member of Girl Scout Troop 404. She enjoys art, swimming, reading, writing, word games, puzzles, and playing with her dogs.
Bella B.
Bella Burns (she/her) is a Seattle native, digital media strategist, and advocate passionate about fostering healthy relationships, accessibility, and equity in youth and education.
Growing up with parents who worked in Seattle Public Schools, Bella developed an early appreciation for education, empathy, and community engagement. Now pursuing her M.S. in Communication Leadership at the University of Washington, she focuses on digital media and the ways storytelling can drive real social impact.
At Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS), Bella led a creative strategy for the #MisogynyFreeSchools™ campaign to help students start conversations about gender equity, respect, and healthy relationships through social media and youth-driven storytelling.
She believes change starts with listening, creativity, and giving young people the tools to shape the culture around them.
Here’s a sampling of contributions from our former youth advisors:
Kathryn LaLonde: Change in Schools Starts With Listening to Students (Ed Post), video interview
Minnah Stein: articles in Our Bodies Ourselves and Ms, a video segment from “Sexual Harassment: Not in Our School!“, and video interviews with Emily Lindin and Lauren Allen
Cate Bikales: A New Way to Combat High School Sexual Harassment and Assault (Women’s Media Center)
Chellie Labonete Mendoza: video on starting a gender equity club