Save the Date: RISE 2024

My heart overflows with gratitude as I take a moment to reflect on my journey with the "RISE" art show. My name is Jenn Merz, and I've been privileged to be part of this transformative event for two years, including assisting in its coordination for 2024.

RISE has provided survivors, myself included, with a sacred space to share our trauma, stories, and pain through artistic expressions and written narratives.

This platform has allowed us to collectively elevate our voices and reclaim power over our experiences. Witnessing some individuals speak up for the first time has been particularly heartening, highlighting the therapeutic nature of the exhibition.

The impact of the "RISE” art show on the community has been powerful, fostering awareness and initiating crucial conversations about sexual assault. Despite its recent establishment, the exhibition has contributed significantly to the awareness of essential survivor support services, like those provided by The Blue Bench.

Your support honors survivors and communities, becoming a beacon of hope and transformation.

Please join me and share our Call for Artists widely to reach as many communities as possible. Remember to mark your calendars for our April event at RemainReal Fine Art Gallery.

Together, let's make "RISE" resonate far and wide.

With gratitude,

Jenn Merz

RISE Artist and Organizer

CALL FOR ARTISTS: OPEN THROUGH MARCH 1

Join us in celebrating resilience and creativity! Calling all artists to participate in this year's RISE art show. Be a part of our 3rd annual survivor art show by submitting your work today!

RISE Call for Artists 

This Black History Month, The Blue Bench aims to elevate the ongoing conversation around the institutional and systemic violence that BIPOC communities and BIPOC survivors continue to experience.

Throughout the month, The Blue Bench will highlight Black advocates and share valuable resources and stories related to BIPOC experiences. 

Read our full statement 

Join us at the capitol!

The Blue Bench joins Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) and other survivor support services to meet with legislators and educate them about our legislative priorities.

Share your voice and join us at the capitol! Email kswick@thebluebench.org if you’d like to attend and we will follow up with more details

Safe Bars Training with Cohesion Brewing and 9 Noses

Safe Bars offers staff working in alcohol-serving establishments training to prevent, recognize, and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and assault.

Learn more about Safe Bars

Join Our Team:

• Volunteer opportunities: 
  • Hotline Advocate
  • Hospital Advocate
  • Office Assistant
  • Event Volunteer

Become a volunteer today

• Internships:
  • Now accepting applications for our Client Services Intern Team:
    • Submit a resume and cover letter to Ana Martinez, at amartinez@thebluebench.org
• Open positions:
  • Bilingual Case Manager
  • Bilingual On-Call Advocate
  • Bilingual Staff Therapist

Quote of the Month:

"Love has the power to heal wounds and bridges gaps."

- John A. Powell, Powell is an acclaimed American legal scholar, civil rights activist, and renowned author who has dedicated his career to advocating for justice, equity, and inclusion.