White Sands Missile Range is leading the way with its annual SHARP training modules led by Angel (G-Mac) Gutierrez-Macias, the Installation Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate.
Gutierrez-Macias has become renowned throughout the U.S. Army for the innovative methods used to teach the class that traditionally was done via Power Point presentations. Her method of teaching the class is more activity based, helping to keep students engaged while learning.
She said the teaching method is part of what they teach instructors at the SHARP Academy.
As of today, she has trained 97 groups with an average of 35 students.
“The training is non-traditional and unorthodox, and we use a training model that is engagement based and interactive. We don’t use PowerPoint Presentations,” Gutierrez-Macias said. “In addition, the supervisors have already talked to the attendees about the importance of SHARP training, and the impact sexual harassment/sexual assault has on an organization.”
Sexual harassment and sexual assault reduce a unit’s overall mission readiness by destroying trust, teams, and unit cohesion.
Gutierrez-Macias said that a key part of SHARP training this year is that all supervisors were required to speak with their personnel prior to taking the training relaying the importance of the training and how sexual harassment negatively affects the organization.
“Throughout the SHARP Annual training on WSMR supervisors, chiefs, directors, and commanders were required to attend and speak about the importance of SHARP training and how the unhealthy behaviors of sexual harassment and sexual assault impact an organization,” Gutierrez-Macias said. “This is an essential part of the SHARP training model that trainings are leader/supervisor led.”
She said most supervisors, gave an impactful personal statement to their subordinates about sexual harassment/assault they have witnessed in their lifetime, or someone shared with them. Leaders in the room were able to hear and see concerns their employees expressed about sexual harassment inappropriate comments, reporting processes, and discuss their thoughts about changes in the policies (i.e., DoW Civilians can now report a ‘Restricted’ report as of July 2024).
During the training Gutierrez-Macias went over the different modules: Prevention, Bystander Intervention, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, and Retaliation.
One of the exercises emphasized the importance of speaking and listening through an interactive activity that kept the audience engaged.
Sgt. Jumaris Maduro, a student in the class, said the class was very helpful.
“She provided the class with several resources and useful information,” Maduro said. “The class was very engaging especially with the use of activities.”
Gutierrez-Macias emphasized through the training that prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Army is a group effort that starts with the individual.
In the end she emphasized that the most important thing to remember is to treat everyone with dignity and respect, which is part of a professional work environment. Keep it in the Green!
For more information contact the SHARP Office at WSMR by calling the following:
WSMR 24/7 Hotline: (575) 993-0589
WSMR SARC: (575) 678-3933
WSMR Victim Advocate: (575) 678-5138
Safe Helpline: (877) 995-5247 https://www.safehelpline.org/
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