Blogs, Stories, & updates
Insights on safety, empowerment, and the people doing the work.
Reportback from NSAC2026
Meg, Josh, and Rene share their takeaways, observations, and experiences from the annual National Sexual Assault Conference in D.C.
Aug 28, 2026 • Meg, Josh, and Rene
All Blogs
Teen & Young Adult Self-Defense
What would it be like for a young woman or a young queer person to start college from a place of empowerment?
Jul 14, 2026 • Shay O.
What is a Safe Adult?
When IMPACT teaches kids’ classes, we sometimes teach them to tell a safe adult if something makes them uncomfortable.
Jul 8, 2026 • Impact Inc.
Inside the Suit
In IMPACT self-defense classes, instructors fall into two categories: Coach and Suit. The Coaches are in charge of leading the class as well as providing coaching support for students during the roleplays/scenarios.
Jan 23, 2026 • B Whitney
Making an IMPACT in Turbulent Times
Economic stress is all around us, from the federal government shutdown to higher grocery and health care costs.
Oct 14, 2025 • Elaine Sanfilippo
National Sexual Assault Conference 2025
Empowerment Self-Defense leaders from the east coast and west coast, from urban and rural areas, from cities and sovereign tribal land came together to
Sep 4, 2025 • Impact Inc.
Governor Healey, Stop Punishing Survivors!
We at IMPACT Boston were horrified to hear Governor Healey's announcement that her administration is planning to build a new women's prison complex estimated at $360 million.
Jul 28, 2025 • Shay 0.
Embracing Discomfort As a Source of Power
Earlier this month, I attended the Massachusetts Women of Color Network's annual "Superhero Effect" conference in Quincy, MA. This was one of many firsts for me since joining the IMPACT Boston team at the end of May, and it was a very memorable experience.
Jul 2, 2025 • Impact Inc.
Martial Arts Culture
When teaching classes for IMPACT, we often encourage students to decide for themselves whether they want to talk about what they learned to people in their lives. Some of our students might encounter friends or relatives who disparage the skills they have acquired.
May 23, 2025 • Impact Inc.
Justin Baldoni and The Men Who Pretend to Care About Us
Justin Baldoni is just the latest man in the public arena to turn out to be a huge disappointment, but for me, this one stung.
Dec 23, 2024 • Shay O