Standing Together for SAAM 2026: Get Involved this April!
April marks the arrival of spring in Spartanburg, but it also signals a critical time for our community: Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). At Project R.E.S.T., this month is the heartbeat of our advocacy. It is a time for us to elevate the voices of survivors, educate our neighbors, and strengthen the safety net that protects our community. This year, as we celebrate 30 years of service, we are launching new traditions and inviting you to stand with us in more ways than ever before—including our inaugural Denim & Daffodils Luncheon.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness is the first step toward prevention. By openly discussing sexual violence, we strip away the stigma that often keeps survivors in silence. Our mission is to foster a community where every individual feels empowered to reclaim their autonomy and where advocacy is a shared responsibility.
Mark Your Calendars: SAAM 2026 Events
We have a full month of engagement planned, and we want you to be a part of every moment.
USC Upstate SAAM Student Event
- Tuesday, April 7
- We’re headed to campus to engage with the next generation of advocates. Student involvement is vital in changing the culture surrounding consent and safety.
Project R.E.S.T. Community Warehouse Sale
- Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Lynn Hawkins Center, 236 Union St.
- Help us clear out supplies as we prepare for our big office move! Every purchase supports our ongoing mission.
SAAM Proclamation at Spartanburg County Council
- Monday, April 27 | 5:30 PM
- Join us as Mayor Rice presents Project R.E.S.T. with an official proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
- Location: Spartanburg County Administrative Building, 366 N. Church Street, Spartanburg.
- Finding Us: The meeting takes place in the County Council Chambers. After entering the building and passing through the metal detectors, the chambers are located on the right side.
- Wear Teal: This event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend wearing teal—the official color of SAAM—to show the council that our community stands united.
Denim & Daffodils Luncheon
- Wednesday, April 29 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens
- Our premier SAAM event! Join us on International Denim Day for a catered lunch by Bluebird Catering and a powerful Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wright.
- Get Involved ⬇︎
The Power of a Proclamation
When the City and County of Spartanburg issue an official SAAM proclamation, it is more than just a piece of paper. It is a public acknowledgment of the challenges survivors face and a commitment from our local government to prioritize safety and justice. We invite you to stand in the room with us on April 27th to witness this moment.
What is Denim Day? (April 29th)
You might wonder why we ask you to wear your favorite jeans to a luncheon. The history of Denim Day is rooted in a 1998 Italian Supreme Court case where a rape conviction was overturned because the victim wore tight jeans. The court argued that the victim must have helped her attacker remove them, implying consent.
The following day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest. Today, wearing denim on the last Wednesday of April is an international symbol of solidarity and a rejection of the myths and victim-blaming that surround sexual assault.
Get Involved:
- Individuals: Wear denim on April 29th and share your “why” on social media.
- Businesses: Encourage your entire team to wear denim! It’s a simple way to foster a culture of support in the workplace.
- Organizations: Share the history of Denim Day with your members.
Take Action Today
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a call to action. We invite you to attend our events, share our resources, and consider a gift to help us reach our $5,000 Denim Day goal.
Your support ensures that Project R.E.S.T. can continue to provide 24/7 advocacy, emergency shelter, and healing resources for the next 30 years and beyond.
- Purchase Tickets for Denim & Daffodils
- Donate to our Denim Day Campaign
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for Updates
- Contact Izzy Pippen at izzy.pippen@projectrest.org to learn more about how your organization can get involved.
