The collection of stories and resources
www.isis.aust.com/rtn/storiesres.htm

The purpose of this collection is to strengthen the link between women who have previously organised Reclaim the Night events - those doing it now - and those who could do so in the future. 

Our aim is to increase the participation of women in all communities in Reclaim the Night, in order to unite women around the world in a collective protest against men's sexual violence and to work together for change. 

The unique nature of organising Reclaim the Night in many communities is captured within the stories of women.  Our intent is for these experiences to be an inspiration to women through acknowledging and understanding the background and philosophy of Reclaim the Night and how it can be staged in communities everywhere. 

The idea for the collection came about as a result of listening to women in neighbouring communities about their experiences of raising community awareness about sexual violence and abuse against women, through Reclaim the Night. (the original RTN material for the web was collated in a kit by the Bathurst NSW women in concert with RTN women everywhere.

The first event can be scary and the barriers to such an event seem immobilising. Yet through the encouragement, support and sharing from other groups, women have been able to sustain the event in their communities. It has happened with the commitment of groups of women from all backgrounds who have given of their time, energy and talents to make the event possible in order to make their communities safer for women and children.  No experience necessary
- NEWBIES WELCOME :)  - training wheels provided  :)

The collection comprises the collective wisdom of women who have devoted their energy and skills to organise Reclaim the Night events. Our focus has been to highlight the stories of women in communities across Australia and the world, from communities where they may encounter people who are suspicious, wary, conservative, anti-feminist, uncooperative and even hostile.

These stories demonstrate the passion and commitment to raising awareness of the issues of men's sexual violence and abuse against women and children and women's courage and tenacity in speaking and acting publicly about the issues.

It is a bigger risk to do this in a country town, where women will be publicly recognised and have to live, love, work and play after the event.  It is about the connection, friendship and support women give to each other and the healing that happens as a result of coming together to organise, march, rally.

The stories are complemented by information and resources received from not only the rural women who we spoke with but women from Reclaim the Night collectives in the cities,  and around the planet.  Annually, RTN women, in their own time and at their own expense, approach their sisters in suburbs, cities, rural and remote areas and encourage more and more groups to organise events in their communities, through sharing their wisdom and resources, as well as organising their own local march, rally and after.  The National web collates and distributes RTN current information and herstorical resources.

The collection covers background information and the philosophical underpinnings of Reclaim the Night, as well as descriptions of how groups have approached the practical planning and organising of events in their community.  The collection also has resources which Reclaim the Night groups have generously shared. These include sample flyers, programs, statements, speeches, media releases, images, video, planning checklists and other resources.