#Speak4RAINN15

By far, one of the highlights of my trip to TLA (which I promise I'll recap at some point), was attending a special party co-hosted by Macmillan and RAINN for the 15th anniversary of Laurie Halse Anderson's groundbreaking novel Speak, which, if you somehow have not heard of it, is about a girl who stops speaking after she is raped.  In honor of the anniversary, Laurie, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and RAINN are partnering up to raise funds and awareness during April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Did you know:

• 80% of sexual assault victims are under 30.
• Every 2 minutes, another American is sexually assaulted.
• 60% of sexual assaults are NOT reported to police
• Approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim
• 38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. RAINN's primary goals are to PREVENT sexual violence, HELP victims and survivors, and ENSURE that rapists are brought to justice. They carry out these goals daily by educating the public and working with lawmakers to create anti-sexual violence policies and laws. They also work in partnership with over 1,100 rape crisis centers across the country to operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and the National Sexual Assault ONLINE Hotline (online.rainn.org). Since the hotline's creation in 1994 and expansion to online services in 2007, RAINN has helped more than 1.5 million sexual assault victims. Through their efforts at education and prevention, more than 120 Americans receive critical information annually. RAINN's services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. For that reason, RAINN depends on donations and volunteer support to run these amazing life-saving programs.

What is #Speak4RAINN15?

In honor of the 15th anniversary of Speak, Macmillan has pledged to match donations to RAINN in April with a goal of $30,000. At the time I wrote this post, the campaign had raised $19,224 $19,374 (it increased over $100 in just the amount of time it took me to write this post!). That leaves just over $10,000 needing to be pledged with only 6 days left. You can find all the information about #Speak4RAINN15 HERE. The suggested donation amount is $15, but there are incentives for high donations including signed posters, signed books, your likeness being included in the upcoming Speak graphic novel, and a Skype session with Laurie. Again, full details are available at the website linked above. You can donate by going to donate.rainn.org/speak or mailing your donation to #Speak4RAINN15 c/o RAINN at 1220 L Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20005. The campaign ends Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59pm so please donate soon! If you have any questions, you can contact RAINN at 202.544.3561.

Giveaway:

I saw Laurie a couple times throughout TLA so I had her sign a couple extra copies of Speak for me. This giveaway is open to the US only and will run until 12 AM CST May 2. Please read my full giveaway policies as stated in the Site Policies tab. I am making a donation to #Speak4RAINN15 not mandatory, but obviously, I'm weighting the entries. I am also not imposing a donation limit so if you have the ability, please donate what you can. There is no way for me to check whether or not you actually donate, but I am asking you to be honorable. Please, please, please, have integrity on this giveaway. This is an important cause, and my giveaway is meant to be my own way to pass word of the campaign to you, my readers, and hopefully motivate you to help this great cause. No matter if you can donate, feel free to enter the giveaway and PLEASE SHARE. We can raise $10K in 6 days, but only if we work together, as a team. Thank you!

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