Help Us Build the Future of Safe Social Spaces
- Steven Johnson
- Sep 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2024

At Stop The Music, we’re not just creating a safety tool—we’re building the foundation for a new industry centered around cooperative safety technology. Our goal is to give women and vulnerable individuals in clubs, festivals, and social venues the ability to signal for help, discreetly alert staff, and even stop the music when necessary. But building this future is a massive task, and I need your help to make it happen.
The Challenge: A New Approach to Safety in Social Spaces
Our vision is to create standardized protocols that ensure multiple devices, apps, and venues can work together seamlessly. Much like asset tracking systems used to protect valuable equipment, Stop the Music will use technology to protect something far more important—people. We’re designing a system that integrates safety tools into the nightlife experience, providing users with control and venues with a reliable, easy-to-implement solution.
Who We Need
To bring this vision to life, we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives. Here’s who we’re calling on:
Engineers and Technical Experts
Firmware, Hardware, Electrical, and Embedded Systems Engineers: To design and build reliable, tamper-resistant SOS devices using Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Software and App Developers: To create a marketplace of apps that connect users with venues, ensuring seamless communication and interaction.
Security Experts: Both digital security (to protect user data and prevent hacking) and physical security (to safeguard the devices against tampering).
Business and Legal Professionals
Business Strategists and Analysts: To develop sustainable business models and demonstrate the profitability and societal benefits to venues.
Lawyers and Legal Experts: To navigate complex laws related to venue safety, privacy, and public safety regulations.
Designers and Creative Professionals
Industrial and Product Designers: To create devices that cater to diverse user preferences—from discreet wearables to bold accessories.
Fashion Designers: To integrate the devices seamlessly into clothing and accessories, making them both functional and stylish.
User Experience (UX) Designers: To ensure the devices and apps are user-friendly and accessible.
Marketing and Community Engagement
Marketing Specialists and Sales Professionals: To promote the devices and convince venues and users of their value.
Social Media Influencers and Content Creators: To raise awareness and generate interest through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Community Organizers and Educators: To build a supportive community and educate the public about the initiative.
Social Scientists and Advocates
Psychologists, Gender Studies Experts, and Feminist Scholars: To understand social dynamics and ensure the system effectively addresses users' needs and concerns.
Victim Advocates and Counselors: To provide insights into the experiences of those affected by sexual assault and how best to support them.
Feedback and Testing Volunteers
User Testers: Thousands of women and other potential users to test the devices, offering feedback on functionality and usability.
Critics and Advisors: Individuals willing to provide constructive criticism to help refine and improve the system.
General Supporters
Everyone Else: Anyone who can contribute—whether through sharing information, providing feedback, or simply spreading the word. Every action helps create a safer environment for all.
Moving Beyond Traditional Models of Attraction
We’re not opposed to bottle service or premium experiences, which are a big part of many venue business models. But we also recognize that older systems of attraction—where men often try to get women’s attention by demonstrating wealth—have limitations. While it’s great when people can celebrate with friends and spend a little extra for fun, we’re moving toward a model that’s less about men buying women’s attention and more about fostering genuine connections.
There’s a problem when some people, relying solely on spending power, believe that purchasing bottle service or showing off wealth is enough to earn attention without having a personality to back it up. This dynamic can foster a sense of entitlement, which can turn dangerous if not addressed. Stop the Music aims to help venues create financially successful systems that are more egalitarian, gender-equal, and focused on building connections rather than showing off.
The Complexity of Safety and the Emotional Labor Involved
Creating these systems isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s an emotional one as well. We’re asking women to share their stories, sometimes about moments when they felt unsafe or vulnerable. We need empathic professionals to hold space for these difficult conversations and guide us toward real solutions. This work is tough, but it’s essential for building a social experience where safety and connection are the norm, not the exception.
Why This Matters: Collaboration and Profitability
Safety isn’t just a social good—it’s also a business opportunity. As women’s spending power grows, venues that adopt Stop the Music will benefit from the trust and loyalty of their female patrons. This translates directly into increased profits. We need business developers and marketers to help craft business models that are both innovative and profitable, especially for venues that want to move beyond traditional reliance on premium services.
Join Us: Be Part of the Movement
We’re building something monumental here, and we need engineers, designers, psychologists, legal professionals, developers, marketers, business leaders, security experts, and testers to help us make it happen. If you have the skills, passion, or resources to contribute, we want to hear from you.
Together, we can redefine what it means to feel safe in a club or festival. This isn’t just about stopping the music—it’s about creating an ecosystem where safety and connection thrive.
If you’re ready to help us create the future of safe, connected social spaces, join us on discord or leave a comment below. The future depends on all of us.
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