Respect.Now.Always

PERSON 1: We know your Orientation week isn’t exactly as you pictured it, but we still want to take this opportunity to welcome you to UTS and thank you for choosing us. And seeing as we won’t get to speak to each other in person this week - we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to RNA – to give you an idea of who we are, and what we do ….  

PERSON 2: Welcome to our UTS community. Whether your home is a 13-hour flight away in Chennai, an hour’s commute from Western Sydney or around the corner from our city campus – we want UTS to feel like home for you.   

PERSON 3: And a key part of that, is ensuring you feel safe whenever and wherever you’re studying or working within our community.   
  

PERSON 4: UTS has an ongoing commitment to putting community safety first, for all students and staff. This means creating an environment where there’s no space for disrespectful behaviour or sexual violence of any kind.   
 

PERSON 5: This is where RNA comes into play … RNA is Respect.Now.Always.... a national campaign that encourages a culture of respectful behaviour by talking about issues like the role of ethical and active bystanders, and the importance of clear communication and consent.   

PERSON 6: We’re trying to have these conversations within a broader discussion around a culture of respect and consent. And here’s how we’re going about it.   
 

PERSON 7: The RNA team works with an amazing group of staff and student volunteers on a variety of initiatives focused on shifting attitudes and changing behaviours. In recent years we’ve introduced mandatory Consent Matters training for all staff and students, a 24/7 sexual assault support phone line, and a 24/7 female security presence with first responder training as well as an out of business hours counselling service to name a few.   
 

PERSON 8: So now that you’re up to speed with RNA, ask yourself what actions can I take to help create a safe and respectful environment for me and my community to work, study and live in?  
  

PERSON 9: As one person, you can actually make a big difference to help shift attitudes and develop respectful relationships with your peers, lecturers, tutors and community.    
   

PERSON 10: For example, you can call out offensive behaviour when you see it or offer to support someone who you saw being disrespected or mistreated.   

PERSON 11: You can make sure you seek consent in your everyday interactions. Always respect the needs and boundaries of your friends, partners and peers.  

PERSON 12: And be clear in your communication when you're expressing your own needs and wants. Set boundaries around anything that doesn't feel right. It's about knowing what you need to feel comfortable and respecting that.  
  

PERSON 13: Want to know more about RNA? Well, you’ll be happy to know we run lots of events and activities throughout the year - like our famous ice cream activations at the start of session where we chat with students about everything from sexual consent to bystander intervention and university supports. All while spooning out the sweet stuff – with consent of course!  
  

PERSON 14: Keen to learn more or follow what we’re up to? Join the R.N.A. conversation. Head to our website at rna.uts.edu.au or pop along to one of our events soon.