When you’re out and about this summer, remember that your everyday actions and everyday voice are creating positivity in your community.

How can you help end violence against women?

Take any opportunity to spread kindness, model respect and show compassion.

These seem like simple and obvious actions, but it’s important to be intentional about them.

While you’re modeling these healthy every day actions, remember to speak up when you see someone who is saying or doing potentially harmful or damaging things.

Speak up when you hear someone body shaming. It’s common to hear people talk critically about female celebrities and their “beach bodies.” Every body is a beach body as long as it’s on a beach.

Challenge those who ask victim blaming questions. “What was she wearing?” and “How much did she have to drink?” are completely irrelevant questions when speaking about a sexual assault victim.

If someone you know tells a sexist, racist or offensive joke tell them you are not comfortable with that kind of joking. Let them know that while they might think their joke is funny and harmless, jokes like that do perpetuate a culture of hate and violence.

If you see or hear advertisements that objectify or degrade women to sell a product, give that business a call, let them know that if they want your business, they should change their advertising methods.

Summer in northern Michigan is a beautiful opportunity to spend time outdoors and with your community. At the beach, at barbeques with friends and family, enjoying nature with your kids, take all these opportunities to promote a healthy, safe and respectful community.