Looking out for each other: It’s What We Do

Community consultation: a key part of campaign development

The campaign reflects what the campus community said they wanted at consultation sessions held throughout the previous academic year as well as feedback the SVRC had received from students directly. 

An initial focus group with students helped set the direction and approach: they wanted the campaign to contain practical, action-oriented messages that focus on community care, accountability and respect. Early drafts of campaign materials were then shared with additional students, faculty and staff at seven focus group sessions. The campaign was also presented to the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee and the UMSU Board of Directors to get feedback. 

“We heard clearly that people wanted more than awareness,” Woligroski says. “They wanted guidance on what they can actually do, like asking for consent, challenging harmful behaviour, checking in with a friend or supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence.”

Students also emphasized that effective messaging should empower people rather than rely on fear or alarm. They wanted a campaign that felt authentic, hopeful and rooted in shared responsibility.

The feedback shaped a campaign focused on actions that help create safer spaces:

• Asking for consent. It’s what we do.
• Checking in. It’s what we do.
• Supporting survivors. It’s what we do.

At its heart, It’s What We Do is about community

The campaign aligns with the University of Manitoba’s commitment to fostering a campus culture rooted in respect, well-being and care for one another. It reminds us that preventing sexual violence is not about extraordinary acts. It is about everyday choices that affirm dignity, respect boundaries and help people feel they belong.

• For example, asking, “Are you still into this?” recognizes that consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Telling someone, “Thank you for telling me.” after they disclose an experience with sexual violence can help them feel heard and supported.

Our actions matter. The words we choose, the behaviours we model and the way we respond to others all contribute to the culture we create together.
 

Support when you need it. It’s what WE do

The campaign also aims to increase awareness of the resources and supports available at UM’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) which has been actively working to make UM safer since it was established in 2020.

 “One common misconception is that the SVRC is only for students,” Woligroski says. “In fact, the SVRC supports students, faculty and staff members who have experienced sexual violence, are supporting someone who has, or are looking for information about prevention and response.”

The centre offers confidential, trauma-informed and survivor-centred support, as well as learning opportunities for the UM community, including healthy relationships workshops and training on responding to sexual violence disclosures.