During a spring 2018 class taught by Dr. Michelle Rodino-Colocino, a group of dedicated Penn State students became determined to make a class campaign project into a formal club. The focus would center around advocating for survivors of sexual harassment and assault.

One of the students was Penn State alumna Sophia Braverman, who organized the group aligned with the goals of the “Time’s Up” movement; a campaign that “supports individuals who’ve experienced sexual harassment or retaliation at work to come forward to seek justice — and to protect others from similar behavior.”

The group’s original name was “Time’s Up, Penn State,” but it did not officially become a club until August 2019. After proudly taking its club formation, the group is now known as “Survivors and Allies United.”

Its mission is to not only advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and assault, but to take action in any way possible. SAU has taken part in protesting, petitioning, educating, changing policy, raising awareness, and more.

The organization is continuously determined to support other causes, such as LGBTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, police reform, and sexism in the workplace.

Senior Hannah Nelson, SAU’s current president, said that even though meetings are currently held virtually, each session holds impactful messages for each of its members.

“We want to create a welcoming environment where anyone can feel comfortable sharing their experiences, having discussions on difficult topics, and learning,” Nelson said. “Our club makes a difference because we let people have a community and a support system they know they can trust.”

A large part of the organization’s mission is to include a voice and outlet for survivors and allies who are determined to raise awareness and educate others on a daily basis.

SAU utilizes their Instagram account to spread awareness and to educate the public on pertinent issues. Members like sophomore Alexandra Tingley use SAU as a channel to learn and to advocate.

Throughout her time there, they have educated her on Title IX, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), gender equity, and advocation at Penn State.

“Silence is the language of the oppressor. Be louder than the hate and violence being perpetrated,” Tingley said. “Speak up for others, and if not, for yourself.”

For sophomore Hanna Freidenberger, SAU helped her relate to others about her personal experiences with sexual assault.

“Some of the people in the club have become like family to me because we’re able to connect on a deeper level,” Freidenberger said. “Something that my family members and friends at home can’t completely relate to.”

Not only has she been able to feel understood within the SAU community, but the environment taught her that sexual assault has a different meaning for everyone.

“I take what I have learned from this club and implement it by being supportive of anyone who has gone through something traumatic,” Freidenberger said. “[We] also invite people to join the club even if they don’t specifically have an experience like others in the group. That is why we include ‘Allies’ in the name of the organization.”

Anyone can become an SAU member. Teachers, staff, members of the State College community, undergraduate, and graduate students can join this organization to form an intersectional coalition of survivors and allies. The organization lets individuals join whenever they are comfortable and ready to be within the group.

If you’re interested in joining Survivors and Allies United, its contact information can be found here.