IMPACT Chicago

Something to remember for those holiday weekend gatherings!

Are you interested in joining the IMPACT Chicago team? We are currently accepting applications for Lead Instructors. Follow the link below for more information and/or share with your circle. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Ripples in the pond...

https://www.impactchicago.org/become-a-lead-instructor-2024.html

***BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND***

IMPACT ADVANCED OCTOBER 19-20, 2024
11am-5pm
Ebenezer Lutheran Church
1650 W. Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Building on the foundation of IMPACT Chicago's Core program, our newly designed IMPACT Advanced Program allows students to explore additional scenarios and provide answers to some of the most common concerns, such as:

“What if the assailant is not alone?”
“What if I have a child or pet with me?”
“What if I’m in a constricted location, such as a bed?”
“What if I’m being choked?”
“What if _________?”

This jam-packed TWO-DAY course provides Core graduates with the opportunity to deepen and broaden their empowerment self-defense techniques and responses, combining physical and verbal/non-verbal boundary-setting skills. Practice and refresh techniques learned in Core in new scenarios, plus learn brand-new strategies for dealing with multiple assailants and choke holds.

Only open to IMPACT Core graduates!
Only 15 spots available!

Sign up today!

Tools for the toolbox. (Please feel free to share!)

IMPACT Chicago's 2024 Instructor Team. Thanks for all you do, folks!

Another fantastic workshop with Uber! Safe drivers indeed!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Hats off to Lisa and our fantastic participants at the Elmwood Park Library last month! Way to go, team!

(Full link in comments)

"Growing up, we learn everything we know about boundaries, or their absence. We learn how to ask for what we want directly or, very often, sideways, using charm and other strategies of manipulation. Some of us may have learned to feel so ashamed of what we need that we don’t dare ask for it. This is especially risky when what we need is protection, distance, a halt to communication, or someone to believe us. This practice of noticing our habits around boundaries has nothing to do with blame, but is about bringing awareness to and loosening the grip of these habits. The patterns are there fine, okay. New patterns can be developed. The goal is simply to reveal another way, or maybe several more ways, and then to practice.

Practice without making perfect."

Congrats to our AWESOME July Core grads!!!

Own Your Independence: Self-Defense at IMPACT Chicago 💪🏽 - https://mailchi.mp/db19ab2e6ec1/impactnewsletter-10704672

Authenticity Is Powerful! 🌈 - IMPACT Chicago's Newsletter is here! - https://mailchi.mp/484b67d648fe/impactnewsletter-10703156

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

At IMPACT Chicago, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and spirit of our LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Month, let’s honor our shared journey of empowerment, the power of community, and the importance of radical self acceptance as a self care & activism.

“I will never apologize for being me. You should apologize for asking me to be anything else.” - Unknown

In Empowerment Self Defense (ESD), we claim our right to exist as we are. We stand tall, unapologetically, ready to defend our true selves.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month by standing strong, supporting each other, and continuing the fight for a world where everyone can thrive in safety and love. ❤️

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Celebrate your Power! 💜 - IMPACT Chicago Newsletter: Check out what's new! - https://mailchi.mp/b27a2fe7f81d/impactnewsletter-10697000

Shout out to Kaite and AC for bringing the energy to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwestern Indiana workshop! 🌟

The Girl Scouts rocked the house by practicing their empowered "NO" and learning to assess their environments with confidence. We're thrilled to be part of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana journey of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place!

If you're interested in having IMPACT Chicago host an Empowerment Self Defense workshop for your organization, check our linktree for more information! [https://linktr.ee/impact_chicago]
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About Workshops @ IMPACT Chicago:
IMPACT Chicago offers three types of Online and In-Person Workshops to non-profits, corporations, and community organizations. Each workshop is designed to offer Empowerment Self Defense principles that enable participants to build their knowledge and expand their self-defense toolkit. Topics include: Intro to Empowerment Self Defense, Adrenaline Management, Conflict De-escalation, Non-violent Communication, and Boundary Setting 101.

👋🏽 Hey Facebook Fam!

Ready to empower the young women & gender non-conforming youth in your life?

We have an upcoming 2-day self-defense course that is the perfect opportunity! In our 2-day course we equip youth (ages 12-15) with essential self-advocacy & boundary-setting skills, boost their confidence through situational & environmental awareness drills - all in a supportive environment.

🚨There's only 3 days left to register though! So don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Sign up today & we'll see you cheering for our youths on the mat: [linktr.ee/impact_chicago]
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🏁 Ready to join Impact Chicago's Graduate Circle? Check out our upcoming Spring/Summer classes! 💪 Whether you're looking to boost confidence, improve boundary-setting, or connect with an encouraging community, we've got you covered. Enroll today at linktr.ee/impact_chicago & we'll see you on the mat!
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🌟 Building Confidence & Taking Names! 🌟

Applause to our April CORE Self Defense graduates for completing the intensive 2-day course! Your dedication to personal safety and empowerment is inspiring. Remember, the skills you've gained extend beyond physical techniques; they're about asserting boundaries and owning your space & power. Keep shining, graduates! ✨

Ready to join a class? 👊 -> https://linktr.ee/impact_chicago
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About CORE: The Core Program is IMPACT Chicago's most intensive program designed for participants ages 16 years - ageless! The program allows participants to gain the most self-defense training in the shortest amount of time. Training progresses from setting verbal boundaries to responding to a physical assault. "

🗓 Free tomorrow to support survivors?

Join us at Daley Plaza for Resilience's Standing Silent Witness event @ noon!

50 West Washington Street Chicago, IL 60602

About the Event: Standing Silent Witness event is a visual demonstration against sexual violence and r**e culture. Participants gather in silence, with t-shirts and posters to amplify the voices often silenced. Resilience will also have a t-shirt and poster-making station, public speakers, and goodie bags. (While supplies last)

Let's Show Up & Show Out! 🤝

🚨 Last Call for April CORE Class!
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April 19-21 (4-8pm; Sat/Sun: 9am-6pm)
4200 W. Diversey Ave, Chicago

Know anyone who is ready to take charge of their safety and confidence with a solid team cheering them on every step of the way?

Our Empowerment Self Defense class is designed for womxn and gender non-conforming people to gain self defense skills (verbal & physical) in the shortest amount of time. Training progresses from setting verbal boundaries to responding to a physical assault. Our classes are designed to support you every step of the way.

Register today! --> https://shorturl.at/vyIUV

📢 Empowerment begins with awareness.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to amplify the voices of survivors, educate ourselves and our community, & take action toward rebuilding our culture to promote consent, boundaries, bodily integrity and healthy communication.

During every CORE class we start with a loud collective "NO"! This is because we know our voices are powerful. And as a collective we are a force!

--- But when one of us does not feel safe or respected we are ALL affected. The IMPACT Chicago community stands with survivors, and is committed to helping end sexual violence with empowered action. We will keep proving classes that equip students with the tools to prevent violence, protect themselves, and build confidence & self advocacy. We are here for you.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, check out the resource links listed below. It's up to us to create a safer world for all, together.

: hotline.rainn.org
: nsvrc.org/find-help
UIC Resource List: wlrc.uic.edu/resources/for-dv-sa-survivors/
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
IL Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-2873
IL Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-863-6338
NAMI Mental Health Helpline 312-563-0445
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🌟

International women’s day is a great reminder to continue working toward our mission: IMPACT Chicago is committed to ending violence and building a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity.

Share this with a woman who empowers you!

We Love Your Strength! ❤️‍🩹 - Check out IMPACT Chicago's February Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/impactchicago/impactonline-10689995

Happy Valentines Day from IMPACT Chicago💜 Show yourself some self love by checking out IMPACT’s 2024 programming to find a class that empowers you!

Empower Your New Year! - The IMPACT Chicago Jan Newsletter is here! 🌟 - https://mailchi.mp/impactchicago/impactonline-10685531

There are still some open spots in our upcoming IMPACT for girls program. Please share with anyone who could benefit from the program!

The December IMPACT Newsletter just dropped! Check out what's new w/IMPACT Chicago - ❄️☃️ - https://mailchi.mp/impactchicago/impactonline-10511907

Congratulations to our November Core Graduates! Changing the world one circle at a time

IMPACT Chicago - November Newsletter -

IMPACT Chicago - November Newsletter

IMPACT Chicago - October Newsletter -

IMPACT Chicago - October Newsletter

More details about our new Advanced course are available on our website!