Just Yell Fire Empowers Teen Girls
Girls Learn Techniques to Prevent Sexual Assault and Abduction
Nov 21, 2008
"Just Yell Fire" is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching preteen and teenage girls how to keep themselves safe from sexual predators. According to their website, teenage girls face a 1 in 4 risk of becoming the victim of a sexual assault (Just Yell Fire website, 2008). Many girls wrongly believe that their smaller size and strength means they would be powerless to fight back against an attempted assault or abduction. "Just Yell Fire" provides girls with the tools to learn how to do just that.
Dallas Jessup Starts "Just Yell Fire"
"Just Yell Fire" originated three years ago when Dallas Jessup, then a thirteen year old Tae Kwon Do black belt, wrote and produced a film designed to teach girls simple techniques they could use to defend themselves against a potential attacker. Dallas also participates in a variety of speaking engagements as well as broadcast and print media appearances to get the word out about how girls can stay safe.
The "Just Yell Fire" Film
The 46 minute film includes a question and answer session with law enforcement, demonstration and explanation of ten easy to learn “no rules street fighting techniques,” and the introduction of a “Dating Bill of Rights.” The video also includes special appearances by actors Evangeline Lilly and Josh Holloway from the television show “Lost.” The film, which was one of the most downloaded videos in 2007, is available for free on the "Just Yell Fire" website.
"Just Yell Fire" Training Opportunities
"Just Yell Fire" also offers three types of educational seminars: one for girls age 11 to 19, one for women 18 to 24, and one for companies, groups, conferences, and law enforcement. In addition, Just Yell Fire has launched a “Train the Trainer” certification program. This initiative was initially introduced with the goal of training teachers how to incorporate this safety and self defense material into their school curriculums. However, the program has grown to include representatives from other fields who help spread the "Just Yell Fire" message throughout their organizations and communities.
Empowering Girls
Encourage the girls you work with to view the video, or better yet, view the film as a group so you can process and practice together. Teens can also purchase Enation’s recent song, “Permission to Dream” through the "Just Yell Fire" website knowing that their money will go directly to the support of the organization.
You may also want to consider a donation to help support the endeavors of this worthy cause. To download the video, learn more about the organization, or donate, visit the "Just Yell Fire" website. Find out more about Dallas Jessup's youth activism work.
