Join the Conversation about Consent 

Didn’t have a chance to give your input during camp this summer about the concept of consent?  Perhaps this is the first time you are hearing the words “consent” and “camp” in the same sentence? Read on for more information and a chance to join the conversation.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement the topic of consent has been brought to the forefront of popular culture.  As a society we are re-examining the ways we think and talk about sexual assault and the meaning of consent. Your Board has been discussing this as well. While consent for sexual activity is the focus of the #MeToo movement, consent can also apply to platonic, non-sexual touch. The youth and adults involved with UU youth conferences are very familiar with this concept and have been including consent in their policies for years. At this time, Eliot Institute does not. 

Starting at July & August camps, there was an opportunity to respond in writing to the following questions:

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  • What does consent mean to you?

  • Why is consent important to you?

  • Why would consent at Eliot be important to you?

Understanding the importance of giving the entire Eliot community a chance to respond regardless of whether or not they attended camp this year, we have set up a survey where you can answer those same questions, and a newly added 4th question: 

  • What concerns do have about introducing a culture of consent at Eliot? 

The survey will be open through Nov. 15. The consent task force will use this feedback to help guide us in developing our next steps.

Thank you for taking the time to Join the Conversation.

If you have any questions, please contact:  
Karen Valbuena, Eliot VP Communications, Chair - Consent Task Force