A big, full, bleeding heart

I'm studying the domestic violence prevention movement this summer, in particular, the activism and social services in Illinois. The state is so big and diverse, and learning about all of the activists is so inspiring for a professional and a social justice advocate like me. Learning about the history of activism is one thing that does make me feel proud to be an American, as the tradition of standing up for what's right is ingrained in our nation's history. I'm not saying that everything this country does is perfect, but I do know that there will always be resistance and service to address it.

I spent 6 hours doing archival research for my project! What stories these women have! I left with my heart full just thinking about them all. I could be typically described as a "bleeding heart" lefty liberal, and this time is no exception.  I have been thinking nonstop about the early activists in the domestic violence prevention movement.  During the 1970s, there were no shelters or programs as we know them now.  I would read the coalition newsletter, and believe you me, it was a BIG DEAL when a hotline or informal counseling service rented out a house to serve as a shelter.  I read the stories of activists in big urban areas finding that the house or apartment building they rented (sometimes with their own money!) was overrun with women fleeing a dangerous situation.  I read about women in rural areas, who faced enormous amounts of isolation and provincial attitudes when their shelters opened.  And still,  I read about outspoken activists who found unlikely allies in local celebrities anxious to make a social difference.

The stories are not easy to read, but they made me feel like I was part of something big.  Again, I'm a crisis worker for rape victims, but I saw myself as part of a larger movement to end violence against women and children.  They were just what I needed to stay inspired and energized.  What struck me was how many of these women did this FOR FREE.  Such services were not professionalized or "career choices."  The women did this because they saw a need and did everything in their power to fill it.  They rented these homes with their own money, and they formed a telephone tree to serve as a hotline in the beginning.  It was their passion and dedication that kept them going.

So it must with me as well.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about ending violence and promoting equality.  The topic is a part of the very fabric and fiber of my being.  It makes me wonder, what is it that keeps each of us going?  What would we do for free, because we believe in it so much?