April is Sexual Assault Awareness month! Stop by Cranston Marche for lunch and enjoy a loaded french fry bar with chilli, cheese and various toppings. S.T.E.P.S will also be available to share sexual assault resources. 

🌟 What does FRIES have to Do With Consent & Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

FRIES is a simple, memorable model created by Planned Parenthood to explain healthy, affirmative consent. It stands for:

• F — Freely Given
  Consent must be given without pressure, manipulation, or fear.

• R — Reversible
  Anyone can change their mind at any time, even if they’ve said yes before.

• I — Informed
  All people involved must have accurate information to say yes (e.g., no lying about protection).

• E — Enthusiastic
  Consent should feel genuinely positive—not reluctant, unsure, or passive.

• S — Specific
  Saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean yes to everything.

Why Affirmative Consent Matters — and How FRIES Helps

Affirmative consent is important because it ensures everyone involved is actively choosing to participate. It’s about clear, respectful communication that protects personal boundaries and helps prevent harm. The FRIES model—Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific—breaks consent down into simple, memorable parts. Using FRIES helps people understand what healthy, mutual agreement looks like, making it easier to recognize, practice, and respect consent in all relationships.

This event is co-sponsored by S.T.E.P.S, FSA and the Fredonia Counseling Center