What’s in a Name? A New Name for the Work We’ve Always Believed In

Some names tell a story. Ours tells 20+ years of one.

When we began this work in 2004, we named our organization Taking Back Our Lives and our prevention program Take Back the Halls. Both names were inspired by the Take Back the Night movement, a survivor-led movement to reclaim spaces where women and girls deserved to feel safe.

We had big dreams back then. We imagined that someday we might provide comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

But over the past two decades, our work has shown us where we can make the greatest impact: prevention.

Today, our commitment is clear. We work with schools to help young people build healthy relationships, understand consent, develop leadership skills, and create school communities where respect and safety are the norm. We also believe young survivors deserve support, which is why our school-based approach includes supportive counseling and connections to services.

And through it all, one name has continued to capture the heart of what we do:

Take Back the Halls.

Many of you already know us by that name. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that our organization’s legal name has been Taking Back Our Lives all along!

So, after 20+ years of growth, learning, and listening to young people, we’re making it official:

We are becoming Take Back the Halls!

We have adopted Take Back the Halls as our official DBA and will be rebranding our public identity around the program that has been the heart of our work.

Our legal name will remain Taking Back Our Lives for now. But moving forward, you’ll see our programs, communications, and public presence under the name Take Back the Halls.

Because we believe the halls of our schools should be places where every young person can learn, connect, lead, and feel safe.

The name is changing.

The mission is growing stronger.

And we’re excited to take the next step with you.

Welcome to Take Back the Halls.