35 Facts About Collective Shout

What is Collective Shout?

Collective Shout is an Australian grassroots campaign movement against the objectification of women and sexualization of girls in media, advertising, and popular culture. This organization works tirelessly to expose corporations, advertisers, and marketers who exploit women and girls to sell products and services.

1. Founded in 2009: Collective Shout was established by Melinda Tankard Reist and a group of like-minded activists who were concerned about the increasing sexualization of women and girls.

2. Non-Profit Organization: It operates as a non-profit, relying on donations and volunteer support to carry out its campaigns and initiatives.

3. Focus on Media and Advertising: The organization targets media and advertising industries, calling out companies that use sexist and harmful imagery.

4. Campaigns Against Sexist Products: Collective Shout has successfully campaigned against various products, including inappropriate children's clothing and sexist toys.

5. Educational Programs: They offer educational programs and resources to schools and communities to raise awareness about the impact of sexualization and objectification.

Key Campaigns and Achievements

Collective Shout has been involved in numerous campaigns that have led to significant changes in how companies market their products and portray women.

6. Targeting Wicked Campers: One of their notable campaigns was against Wicked Campers, a company known for offensive slogans on their rental vans. Due to Collective Shout's efforts, several states in Australia introduced legislation to ban these slogans.

7. Sports Illustrated Campaign: They campaigned against the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue being sold in family-friendly stores, arguing it contributed to the objectification of women.

8. Sexualization of Girls in Dance Competitions: Collective Shout has raised concerns about the sexualization of young girls in dance competitions, leading to changes in how these events are judged and presented.

9. Corporate Accountability: The organization has successfully pressured companies like Bonds and Target to remove inappropriate products from their shelves.

10. Advertising Standards: Their campaigns have led to changes in advertising standards, with several ads being pulled or modified due to public pressure.

Educational Outreach and Resources

Education is a significant part of Collective Shout's mission. They provide various resources and programs to help communities understand and combat the sexualization of women and girls.

11. School Programs: They offer workshops and presentations in schools to educate students about media literacy and the impact of sexualization.

12. Parent Resources: Collective Shout provides resources for parents to help them navigate conversations with their children about media and body image.

13. Teacher Training: They offer training for teachers to equip them with the tools to address these issues in the classroom.

14. Community Workshops: The organization holds community workshops to raise awareness and encourage collective action against sexualization.

15. Online Resources: Their website offers a wealth of information, including articles, research, and campaign updates.

Advocacy and Policy Change

Collective Shout is not just about raising awareness; they actively work towards policy changes to protect women and girls from exploitation.

16. Legislative Advocacy: They have been instrumental in advocating for legislative changes to protect women and girls from sexual exploitation.

17. Partnerships with Lawmakers: The organization collaborates with lawmakers to draft and support legislation aimed at reducing the sexualization of women and girls.

18. Policy Recommendations: Collective Shout provides policy recommendations to governments and organizations to help create safer environments for women and girls.

19. International Influence: Their work has influenced similar movements and policy changes in other countries, highlighting the global impact of their campaigns.

20. Corporate Policies: They have successfully lobbied for changes in corporate policies regarding advertising and product marketing.

Public Awareness and Media Presence

Raising public awareness is crucial for Collective Shout's mission. They use various platforms to reach a broad audience and amplify their message.

21. Social Media Campaigns: They utilize social media to spread their message and mobilize supporters for their campaigns.

22. Media Appearances: Collective Shout's leaders frequently appear in the media to discuss their campaigns and the issues they address.

23. Public Speaking: Members of the organization often speak at conferences, seminars, and public events to raise awareness about the sexualization of women and girls.

24. Collaborations with Influencers: They collaborate with influencers and public figures to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.

25. Documentaries and Films: Collective Shout has been featured in documentaries and films that explore the impact of sexualization and objectification in society.

Challenges and Criticisms

Like any organization, Collective Shout faces challenges and criticisms. Understanding these can provide a more balanced view of their work.

26. Controversial Campaigns: Some of their campaigns have been controversial, with critics arguing that they can be overly censorious.

27. Balancing Free Speech: The organization often navigates the delicate balance between advocating for change and respecting free speech.

28. Funding and Resources: As a non-profit, they sometimes struggle with limited funding and resources to carry out their campaigns.

29. Public Perception: They occasionally face backlash from those who believe their campaigns are too aggressive or misdirected.

30. Internal Challenges: Like any organization, they deal with internal challenges such as maintaining volunteer engagement and managing organizational growth.

Future Goals and Vision

Looking ahead, Collective Shout has ambitious goals to continue their fight against the sexualization and objectification of women and girls.

31. Expanding Educational Programs: They aim to expand their educational programs to reach more schools and communities.

32. Global Influence: The organization seeks to increase its influence on a global scale, collaborating with international partners.

33. Policy Change: They continue to push for policy changes at both the national and international levels.

34. Corporate Accountability: Collective Shout plans to intensify their efforts to hold corporations accountable for their marketing practices.

35. Empowering Women and Girls: Ultimately, their vision is to create a world where women and girls are valued for who they are, not how they look.

Final Thoughts on Collective Shout

Collective Shout has made a significant impact in the fight against the objectification of women and the sexualization of girls. Their campaigns have led to real changes, from getting inappropriate ads removed to influencing corporate policies. This organization shows that a dedicated group can drive meaningful change. By raising awareness and holding companies accountable, they’ve created a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.

Supporting Collective Shout means supporting a future where women and girls are valued for who they are, not how they look. Their work is far from over, but every victory brings us closer to a more equitable society. Keep an eye on their campaigns, get involved, and spread the word. Together, we can make a difference.