You’ve seen the bright red shoes, the eye-catching imagery on our social media, and heard the term ‘Red Shoes Rock’, and now you want to know what it’s all about?
Read on to find out how you can get involved in this exciting global campaign to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)!
First of all, why are we wearing red shoes in September?
September is an important month for people living with FASD, their families and their communities – it’s International FASD Awareness Month, and the 9th is the official day of action.
Each year, advocates, organisations and community groups come together to spark conversation and drive change by raising awareness of FASD, through the Red Shoes Rock campaign.
Red Shoes Rock was started in 2013 by RJ Formanek, an adult with FASD living in Canada, with the support of Jodee Kulp. RJ decided to wear red shoes to stand out, be noticed and start a conversation about this hidden disability.
Now, red shoes, socks, clothes, monuments – everything red! – is part of a global annual event during September.
Importantly, Red Shoes Rock is not just about raising awareness to prevent FASD, through educating people about the risk of alcohol exposure during pregnancy; it’s also a chance to celebrate the incredible individuals who live with FASD, and who experience the world in unique ways as a result.
For many, living with FASD can be an isolating experience
Despite being the leading cause of preventable disability, FASD is still misunderstood and misdiagnosed across Australia and the world.
Here’s what Jessica Birch, a Lived Experience Advocate who lives with FASD has to say. “Stigma and misinformation continue to push individuals with FASD, their families and carers into the margins, leaving us out of critical conversations about alcohol harm, neurodiversity, health care, education and much more.
“This has devastating and far-reaching consequences for individuals and their families as well as impacting literally every sector of Australian society.
“By rocking your red shoes (or socks) over the month of September and sharing accurate information about alcohol and pregnancy with your friends, family and networks, you help relieve the stigma and shame that keeps individuals like me and their families hidden and unsupported.”
So how can you get involved?
It’s easy to show your support during September.
You can start by helping us turn the internet red in September!
- Pop on a pair of red shoes or socks and snap a pic – or head to one of over 70 sites that are lighting up in red across Australia, and take a pic in front of it!
- Share your photo alongside the carousel, tile or story templates sharing info about FASD. You can find all of these helpful resources and more on our website.
- Add a caption, use #FASD #RedShoesRock and tag @fare.australia. Our supporter kit has some prepared text to help get you started!
- Share to your social media and ask your friends to join you in helping to raise awareness!
