SlutWalks the world over challenge the silent underpinnings of a hypersexualized western society, a notion that sexual assault has as much to do with the victim as the assailant.

A resurgence of activism has flooded the grassroots arena in the last 9 months as feminists, college students, victims, and advocates have taken to streets the world over. In LA and London, Toronto and NYC, the angered, sorrowful, and empowered have marched, chanted, sung, and cried, under myriad banners of a single theme, brought together to reclaim and embolden the sexual empowerment of choice and an unalienable right of every person to say no. Emblazoned by the words of a Toronto police officer, the movement has taken up where feminists left off in the sexual liberties movement. SlutWalks the world over challenge the silent underpinnings of a hypersexualized western society, a notion that sexual assault has as much to do with the victim as the assailant.

A bike ride around Gray's lake in downtown Des Moines will precede a protestor gathering and commencement speech at Nolan Plaza, followed by a march on the Des Moines capital. A number of speakers and performers will address the assembly at the foot of the capital steps after which the crowd will be dispersed and encouraged to participate in the fund drive. Fundraising will be accomplished through partnerships with bars and restaurants in the DSM East Village including food/bev specials and a benefit concert. T-shirts, posters, etc. will also be available for sale.

This will be a day of community and pride. You are encouraged to engender your own rallies, cries, and campaigns in association with the march, and we expect everyone to come decked in tastefully flamboyant garb.

While we want everyone to keep in mind that this march is a protest of the blind eyes turned to tens of millions of women and men sexually assaulted each year.

This is also a celebration of the liberties of sexual empowerment that we enjoy and fight to maintain.

This is as much a war cry as a jubilant chant. We come together to celebrate the liberties of sexuality and the importance of securing its protections.

I thank you in advance for your efforts and participation, whatever capacity you choose to act in.

----We are openly accepting applications for volunteers, recruiters, bands, performers, speakers, sponsors, and partners, if you or anyone you know may be interested in furthering our cause. -----

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