What We Do
Mission
​To unite USAFA Cadets past and present to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment and survivor abuse at USAFA.
Vision
Zoomies Against Sexual Assault (ZASA) is a501(c)3 organization and a USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG) Affinity Group that is open to all cadets, former cadets (alumni and graduates), as well as families and friends of USAFA. Our goals are three-fold:
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Eliminate sexual assault/sexual harassment and survivor abuse at USAFA
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Ensure appropriate post trauma care is available to and support is provided to survivors
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Build a bridge between USAFA and those who have lost faith in the institution and USAFA's leadership
In order to accomplish our goals and further our vision, ZASA members:
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We support programs that combat sexual assault/sexual harassment at USAFA
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Support, track, and provide inputs for improvements for USAFA sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention programs, and exert continuous efforts to ensure these programs remain intact
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Provide information, resources and support to survivors, Leadership, Congressional delegates, and other interested parties in order to further our mission
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Educating and communicating with the AOG, parents’ groups, cadets and future cadet candidates
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Participate in USAFA Board of Visitors meetings and submit comment or questions as appropriate in order to keep our goals top of mind for the BOV, Leadership, and current and past Cadets
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Engage and communicate regularly with USAFA Senior Leadership to ensure continuity and accountability on the issues in order to keep a pulse on USAFA's policies and be a backbone of continuity for leadership changeovers
How We Do It
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Advocate
ZASA actively advocates for survivors by engaging the Board of Visitors, influencing policies in D.C., supporting the USAFA SARC, and working with USAF leadership. We played a key role in passing the "Safe to Report" Act, which has increased formal reporting and are actively working to ensure that current programming remains intact and this issue remains top of mind despite the climate surrounding the AF.
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Continuity
ZASA maintains a webpage with facts and resources and serves as an AOG Affinity Group open to cadets, alumni, families, and friends. ZASA regularly keeps its membership informed of any major news, changes to policies, or items we are working on via our eNewsletter and website.
ZASA actively ensures continuous focus on eliminating sexual assault/harassment amid USAFA leadership changes by engaging senior leaders, attending and questioning at Board of Visitors meetings, and participating in DoD and Service Academy prevention efforts. We keep records of all Courts Martial attended, outcomes, the programs implemented and their results, as well as a litany of other data from surveys and experience to ensure pieces do not get 'lost' along the path to growth.
Survivor Support
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ZASA connects USAFA survivors of sexual assault/harassment with support resources and a safe space to share their experiences. We fundraise for support of annual Rooted Within Healing Retreats, keep our phone line open 24/7, and work with USAFA Integrated Prevention and Response Liaisons (formerly Teal Ropes). While not counselors, we advocate for survivors and attend all related courts martial. We feel this is one of the most critical aspects of our mission and ensures that cadets experiencing SA/SH are supported.