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Often when folks think of bystander intervention, they envision intervening in the moment when something harmful is about to happen. Out of Line, a small group of community members are approaching bystander intervention a bit differently and were honored to receive Texas Association Against Sexual Assault’s 2021 Community Engagement Award for their prevention of violence work in the City of South Houston. The name Out of Line signifies the importance of stepping out of line to disrupt society’s harmful social norms. Our group believes it is important to stand up for radical change to transform our communities into safe and accepting places. We meet at least once a week via zoom or at a local coffee shop. Sometimes we are in our pjs, sitting outside the gym or just clocking out of work to organize, plan, and imagine new ways to engage our community.

These new ways include listening and learning from community. What do our community members want and need? How can we incorporate play, laughter and prioritize authentic relationship building? After taking time to learn what our community members wanted, we held a Movie Night in the Park, a Loteria Night, a Meditation in the Park event, a virtual cooking and make up tutorial class, a family game night, two storytelling nights focusing on mental health and body image and a Tie Dye and Tacos Party. We are currently planning a series of networking nights for small business owners or individuals considering beginning their own business. You may be wondering what any of this has to do with bystander intervention or prevention of violence. We know that violence is reduced through fostering genuine connection, empathy, and equity within our community, and these are the qualities we infuse in our events. Out of Line believes in a future without violence and we charge you to also consider the ways in which you can work alongside your community to create safer, equitable spaces affirming of people of all identities.

Originally referred to as Close to Home, the group decided to change their name to something that best defined their personalities and their community work. The name signifies the importance of stepping out of line to disrupt society’s harmful social norms. The group believes it is important to step out and stand up for radical change to transform our communities into a safe and accepting place, even if people think they are out of line for doing so.

Out of line meets every week at 8 PM. Their meetings are filled with laughter, ideas, and dreams, allowing members to be their authentic selves. Sometimes they’re in bed in their pajamas, or just clocking out from work, or waiting in their car outside the gym… regardless of where they are, every member has always been committed to finding new ways to engage their community.

Out of Line is dedicated to creating a sense of connectedness and cultivating community gatherings in the name of supporting survivors, healing communities through positive relationships, mental health support initiatives, open spaces for vulnerable and powerful conversations, and planning for the next steps to continue engagement. Some of the group’s events include a community movie night, Loteria game night, tie-dye party, Meditation and self-care discussion, Virtual cooking class, dance class for survivors, and more.