Everything Under The Sun: RCIS And The Community

RCIS Community Educator with informational display at a conference.

Located in Westminster, MD, the RAPE CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE OF CARROLL COUNTY (RCIS) was started in 1978 to provide free counseling and other needed support services for those have experienced sexual violence. In addition, this organization provides preventive education, professional training, along with advocacy, with the ultimate goal of eliminating sexual violence. Much of their funding comes from government programs and individual donations.

One of the campaigns in which RCIS was involved is "The Bystander Napkin Campaign". Organized as a prevention strategy, the organization's outreach specialist distributed 40,000 beverage napkins to local bars and restaurants. These napkins contained information encouraging users to be an active bystander, along with the hotline number for RCIS.

Another outreach event involved staff attendance at a Chamber of Commerce PM Connection event, in order to inform attendees about the services RCIS provides. In addition, one of the staff also promoted an upcoming event, Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, in which male supporters walk that distance to promote awareness and respect for women and their lives.

Currently, RCIS is promoting their next event, A Culinary Experience 2017, one of their major fundraisers. The focus at this point is on business sponsorship, providing advertising in the program booklet for companies, based on donated levels of support. Other perks also come with sponsorship, based on level of support.

These young graduates from Silver Oak Academy being presented with a 2nd place fundraising certificate for the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event.

The event itself will be held on October 9 at Martin's in Westminster. The showcase is the culinary selection from several local restaurants, providing an opportunity for guests to sample some of the fare at restaurants they may or may not have patronized. A silent auction and raffles will also be conducted, along with scheduled entertainment, so there will be plenty to do for attendees, besides supporting such a vital organization.