A new SMC club is aimed at dispelling the taboo around sexual violence and mental health.

Two freshmen at Santa Monica College (SMC) have started a club aimed at dispelling the stigma around topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and mental health. The mission of the “Break the Silence” club is to create a community that fosters important discussions and advocates for change.

“We want to approach these topics as best as we can,” said Noemi Alvarado, president and co-founder of the club. “We are doing our best to inform ourselves and spread the correct information.”

Alvarado, 18, shared that she recently joined the SMC Title IX Leadership Program, a platform that promotes leadership in the combat against sexual harassment and sexual violence in the college space. The program inspired her choice of subject for the club.

“I want to educate people as I believe education allows us to eradicate violence and social stigma,” she said. Alvarado also shared how the club will encourage all members to take Title IX workshops.

Brianna Magana, 18, vice president and co-founder, is no stranger to student leadership. She created a club focused on educating students about environmental activism and political engagement when in high school.

“I knew I wanted to start a club that pertained to mental health this time around,” Magana said. “Even though these are sensitive topics, they’re not something we should shy away from.”

The two students met on their first day at SMC. They were both waiting outside the classroom, nervous about stepping inside, and spontaneously struck up a conversation. “We had an instant connection,” Magana said.

Alvardo said the process of creating the club was challenging, especially trying to find faculty members who would act as advisors.

“Many professors were very supportive, but were too busy to join us,” she said.

Eventually, Maria Cruz, Reference Librarian, accepted the position as the club's main advisor. Tupelo Hassman, Associate Professor of English, will act as their co-advisor.

“We want to create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their stories,” Magana said. She added that tools such as trigger warnings and guidelines will be used to respect the confidentiality and sensitivity of the topics discussed.

Magana and Alvarado stressed how they plan to expand the club’s activities to include events, guest speakers, and fundraisers. Alvarado, having volunteered at the East Los Angeles Women’s Center and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Rape Treatment Center, affirmed she wants to take the club beyond the SMC campus.

“We’re looking forward to having opportunities to be guest speakers and present in different communities and universities,” she said.

Campaigning will be a large part of the club’s mission, the pair said. They shared that spreading awareness and promoting discussions about consent will be one of the first campaigns to be realized.

Magana explained that they have plans to collaborate with SMC resources and programs such as the SMC Wellness Center, Title IX Program, Adelante Club, and Period Club.

“I just really want to make an impact,” she said. “We want to make a change and have this club progress even after we transfer.”

Alvarado reiterated that the club welcomes all genders, ethnicities, and races. Being part of the Latino community herself, she is also interested in discussing these topics in relation to her identity.

“I grew up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood where resources and information are scarce,” she said. “It's very hard for them to reach out and get help.”

Both students highlighted how they aim to create a space where all “Break the Silence” members contribute to campaigning and advocating for change, not only board members.

“The club belongs to everyone and all members can participate,” Alvarado said. “Hopefully we can inspire someone to start their own organization or campaign.”

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