Exciting Change at the Consent Academy!

As the seasons change, so too do organizations. The Consent Academy is thrilled to announce that Asha Lerae and Ariana Coveney will be taking over as Co-Directors starting January 2022. Things have changed a lot over the course of the last two years. As we enter this new, more global, phase of our work spreading Consent Education, we’re excited to have these two experienced educators and activists at the front.

In the coming year you’ll see a lot of the same quality and detailed consent education you’ve come to know. We’re also going to be trying some new directions and ideas, including expanding into Europe and beyond. There’s going to be a lot of exciting things. Stay tuned.

Sar Surmick, our current director, will be staying on with the academy, but is moving into an educator and writer role. We’re incredibly thankful to him for all the work she’s done these past years. We’re going to take that legacy, which all of you have helped us create, and move forward into the next 5, 10, 20, 100 years. 

“I’m sad to be stepping down from this work I’ve loved and excited to pass along the directorship to Ash & Ariana. It’s been amazing work, at times so fulfilling and at others heartbreaking. And it’s been hard work. We set out to change the world, to bring consent education into a new iteration. It’s been a great start and there is so much work yet to do. I’m fascinated to see where this next phase takes it. 
“I’m also thrilled to see the position move to a paid Co-Directorship. It’s way more work than one person can do, and I should know. Ariana and Ash have proposed awesome new programs and directions for the academy. I have every trust they’ll take this amazing thing we’ve grown and continue to lead it through this decade and beyond. Both are amazing educators and have the drive for this work. 
“For myself, I’m looking forward to a little down time and my own next steps: teaching, writing, speaking, and consulting. I’ve been wanting to get back to theory work and my own writing for some time and that’s hard to do when you’re running an international education org. Look for some new book announcements in mid to late 2022.”
- Sar Surmick, 2021

 “I can’t say enough how excited I am to be taking on the role of Co-Director. I’ve spent years volunteering with Consent Academy because I truly believe in this organization’s mission – to teach consent in all of its complexity, aspects, and potential. With Ariana, I will work to continue fulfilling that mission in new creative ways. Thank you in advance for your support!”
- Asha Lerae, 2021

 “I’m honored to be a part of this amazing organization and to lend my skills in a new way. I couldn’t imagine anyone else I’d want to do this work with. Asha and I can’t wait to continue to build on Sar’s legacy while bringing our own unique vision and projects to the community. Thank you all for being a part of this and for your continued trust and support. Consent Academy is and always will be a community based, educational collective. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
- Ariana Coveney, 2021

We welcome any questions or concerns. We know change, and the newness that comes with it, can be concerning. Know you will continue to receive the same professional, thoughtful, and amazing work you’ve come to expect from us. We expect a seamless transition over the next couple of months, and if anything pops up or you have any concerns, just let us know: theconsentacademy@gmail.com

We look forward to our new work together in 2022. Keep up the good work on your end and we’ll keep doing our part.

• If you would like to support us as we move forward please consider a One-Time Donation, join our New Patreon to make a Monthly Donation, or Book a Class for 2022, (1st quarter spaces are already filling up).
• New Workshops and Groups are available weekly.
• New Consent Conversations and Interviews weekly on our Twitch.
• And new ideas, theory, and practices created constantly: Sign up for our Newsletter to stay in touch and find out what’s coming.