As a crisis worker and a feminist and as a human being in general, I am really getting riled up over this whole "debate" over reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Well, actually, I am really quite happy for the bipartisan support it's received in the Senate. The Senate version is designed to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and this one even includes provisions for helping LGBTQ survivors, Native women, and undocumented women. How's that for helping some vulnerable groups? I have worked with women who are undocumented, and many of them really fear that they will be deported if they report their abuse. The new VAWA will help them get a visa if their abuser is the primary immigrant. And the LGBTQ provision is also quite needed, as gays and lesbians and trans folks are unfortunately a high-risk group for violent crimes. I am glad that our Senators chose to include them to make this bill super-comprehensive.
In the House, though, is a whole different story and a much uglier one. My dentist is probably going to tell me my bruxism has gotten a million times worse, but how can it not, with all the teeth grinding I've been doing over this issue? The House, which is controlled by Republicans, is really not at all cooperative. They've been trying to block passage of VAWA, and now that they know they're not going to get away with it, they're drafting up a new version of it. One, specifically, that will strip away those provisions to help undocumented women, Native women, and LGBTQ survivors. I mean, what is this?? Preventing violence against women should mean protecting all the women, not just those you deem acceptable! To make matters even scarier, an undocumented survivor would be at risk for having her abuser know that she's applied for a temporary visa. Now how does that help her? That's only going to exacerbate the abuse! And the LGBTQ community is still targeted for hate crimes. Where does that leave a lesbian survivor or a transgender individual needing assistance?
I am really praying this House version of VAWA does not become the one that's up for a vote, as I really don't think it's right that certain individuals' rights and safety become a political football. This reminds me a lot of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Though I was really happy that so many Americans would get healthcare, I was enraged that it had to codify the oh so odious Hyde Amendment to do so. It felt like a Pyrrhic victory almost, at least for women. Why should our rights to reproductive healthcare be considered acceptable to trade away? Why is it that we have to "wait our turn"? Now, with the House refusing to re-authorize VAWA with its new provisions, it really worries me that re-authorization may come on the backs of groups that are already vulnerable. Haven't survivors from these groups suffered enough? It's bad enough to be discriminated against, as well as being a survivor of abuse. But to be at further risk or with inadequate services available? I can't imagine what that feels like. I can't speak for those groups. I can only speak for me, but I am really hoping this is not the trade-off we must strike.
I'm tired of trading away people's rights in the name of bipartisanship. Like my comment on the Affordable Care Act, these are people's whole lives we are talking about. We can't play games with people's lives. Yes, it's easy to say no federal funds will pay for abortion services...when you're not the low-income woman facing an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy. I'm sure it's also easy to be okay with stripping protections for these survivors as well...when you're not the rape or domestic violence victim with nowhere to go and facing huge discrimination. I really hope (and will be sending my letters and emails!) that the Senate does the right thing and sticks to their own version of the bill. We can't divide the issue and give protections only to those we like. If we truly believe in our country as "the land of the free and home of the brave," we need to understand that freedom has to mean freedom for everyone.
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
What does it take?
I have time on my hands. Well, I would've spent the time doing other things, but considering that I am currently waiting to hear back about a repair I need, I figure I will fill that time. So I figure I will discuss something that's been eating at me for quite a while.
As a crisis worker, I hear a LOT of difficult and traumatic stories. I'm trained to do this, and frankly, I've come to see it as a privilege that people I haven't met are trusting me with their stories. That is not easy for them to do. Additionally, as a crisis worker, I try to work for social service and social change. While it's important to treat a problem, it's also important to consider why that problem even exists and what can be done about it.
Recently, I learned that a student at a local high school in a very affluent community was very brutally attacked and left for dead a couple of months ago. The story broke all over the papers, and I really felt awful for the young woman and what she's been through. I've spoken to many people from this community, and they've had a lot of questions for me about how they can talk to their kids and families about what happened. I'm glad there's some sort of a dialogue about this--frankly, I think our silence on these issues allows them to foster and go unreported. It just makes me angry that a very highly publicized and very horrific case is what spurred this community into awareness and action. I cannot and will not discuss specific client cases due to confidentiality, but I do know that this one case is one drop in a pretty enormous bucket of survivors in this particular town. Just because the town is so wealthy and well-off does not make it crime-free.
But that got me thinking...what does it take to move people to action? The realization that yes, this could happen to them, in their community? The realization that no matter how much you do to "reduce your risk," the only thing that will reduce your risk of rape is to never be around a rapist in the first place?? (Yes, I'm playing Alex the Advocate here. Can't turn that off!) Why is it that a particularly horrific and publicized event gets people talking and mobilized, yet the cases that happen daily warrant no attention?
I don't know the answers to these questions. Not now, with too much caffeine in my system and too little sleep. I guess I will close with a quote from the divine Cherie Moraga. Read it and think about it in the context of this entry. This is from her poem, "What Does It Take?" from her amazing book Loving in the War Years:
If they took you,
I would take to the streets
scream, BLOODY MURDER.
What does it take to move me?
your death
that I have ignored
in the deaths of other women?
Isn't the possibility
of your dying
enough?
I love that poem, but I think it's applicable for here. Why does this one story get everyone fired up, but not the thousands of others? And like Ms. Moraga mentioned, isn't the possibility that it could happen bad enough? I guess now that they are fired up, I hope this momentum lasts.
As a crisis worker, I hear a LOT of difficult and traumatic stories. I'm trained to do this, and frankly, I've come to see it as a privilege that people I haven't met are trusting me with their stories. That is not easy for them to do. Additionally, as a crisis worker, I try to work for social service and social change. While it's important to treat a problem, it's also important to consider why that problem even exists and what can be done about it.
Recently, I learned that a student at a local high school in a very affluent community was very brutally attacked and left for dead a couple of months ago. The story broke all over the papers, and I really felt awful for the young woman and what she's been through. I've spoken to many people from this community, and they've had a lot of questions for me about how they can talk to their kids and families about what happened. I'm glad there's some sort of a dialogue about this--frankly, I think our silence on these issues allows them to foster and go unreported. It just makes me angry that a very highly publicized and very horrific case is what spurred this community into awareness and action. I cannot and will not discuss specific client cases due to confidentiality, but I do know that this one case is one drop in a pretty enormous bucket of survivors in this particular town. Just because the town is so wealthy and well-off does not make it crime-free.
But that got me thinking...what does it take to move people to action? The realization that yes, this could happen to them, in their community? The realization that no matter how much you do to "reduce your risk," the only thing that will reduce your risk of rape is to never be around a rapist in the first place?? (Yes, I'm playing Alex the Advocate here. Can't turn that off!) Why is it that a particularly horrific and publicized event gets people talking and mobilized, yet the cases that happen daily warrant no attention?
I don't know the answers to these questions. Not now, with too much caffeine in my system and too little sleep. I guess I will close with a quote from the divine Cherie Moraga. Read it and think about it in the context of this entry. This is from her poem, "What Does It Take?" from her amazing book Loving in the War Years:
If they took you,
I would take to the streets
scream, BLOODY MURDER.
What does it take to move me?
your death
that I have ignored
in the deaths of other women?
Isn't the possibility
of your dying
enough?
I love that poem, but I think it's applicable for here. Why does this one story get everyone fired up, but not the thousands of others? And like Ms. Moraga mentioned, isn't the possibility that it could happen bad enough? I guess now that they are fired up, I hope this momentum lasts.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Pink Prison
I'm a feminist in a career and educational path that can be best described as traditionally "feminine." Due to the nature of our work, most rape crisis workers are female. Most of the counselors are female, too, and our statewide policy dictates that all first contact with a rape survivor must be done by a female advocate. I don't necessarily see any problem with that. As most rape survivors are women, I can see how it might be frightening for a survivor to have an advocate who was the same gender as her attacker.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Don't Ask Don't Tell, don't come back!
Don't Ask Don't Tell is officially over!
All I will say on this most happy and historical day is that I hope that terrible law never, ever, ever comes back!
Although I am something of a pacifist and although I do wish that the DADT repeal also included a non-discrimination clause and protections for transgender men and women serving in the armed forces (I'm all about equality for everybody, not just a few), I am really happy to see this inhumane and discriminatory law gone and finally relegated to the dustbin of history. Nobody should ever have to hide who they are to serve our country.
All I will say on this most happy and historical day is that I hope that terrible law never, ever, ever comes back!
Although I am something of a pacifist and although I do wish that the DADT repeal also included a non-discrimination clause and protections for transgender men and women serving in the armed forces (I'm all about equality for everybody, not just a few), I am really happy to see this inhumane and discriminatory law gone and finally relegated to the dustbin of history. Nobody should ever have to hide who they are to serve our country.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Headed to the guv!
Fast on the heels of my excitement over New York's marriage equality (June brides? How 'bout June PRIDE?) comes something I've been coveting for quite a while.
I think that sending me back to the state coalition in Springfield is a "capital" idea! I'm so stoked to serve my center and the crisis cause by working with the statewide organization. Best of all, it doesn't conflict with my classes (who says you can't have it all?) and I can learn from the delegates coming from the other crisis centers. I really love the networking and learning all about the sister centers all over the state (and then bringing it on home), so this is going to be one terrific opportunity.
This is going to be an awesome fiscal year....
I think that sending me back to the state coalition in Springfield is a "capital" idea! I'm so stoked to serve my center and the crisis cause by working with the statewide organization. Best of all, it doesn't conflict with my classes (who says you can't have it all?) and I can learn from the delegates coming from the other crisis centers. I really love the networking and learning all about the sister centers all over the state (and then bringing it on home), so this is going to be one terrific opportunity.
This is going to be an awesome fiscal year....
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Six months...a revel's reflection
I haven't written in ever so long, mostly because I've been unbelievably busy and partly because I am not entirely sure how I could condense everything I've been feeling into a blog-ready, condensed entry. I've been at my job for six months.
Doesn't seem that long, does it?
I feel like I've grown a lot in that time. I'm still marvelling over the fact that I'm there. For those of you who don't know, I'm working at the rape crisis center where I interned a few years ago. I figured that when I entered the "Real World" it'd most likely be at a non-profit, preferably a women's organization like a crisis center but not necessarily this crisis center. I've learned so much in this short period of time: how to write grants and proposals, how to analyze budgets and audits, how to improve my public speaking skills (I was good at public speaking before, but I think I've really improved), and what it means to represent my cause. All that and more. I feel like I'm really making a difference in the lives of women and children.
Being at the flagship agency in the state also really has made me aware of everything that goes into being among the best. I remember that I studied the history of crisis intervention back during my senior year, and I had made the case that advocates needed to get back their grassroots approach to their work. I still agree with that, but I see the current state of crisis intervention as the next phase in that grassroots movement. No matter how much a center can be sophisticated and polished, the fact is that we still need to advocate for victims of violence. And the kinds of things that we do help bring advocacy and the horrifying subject of violence against women and children into the public consciousness. As much as some of our popular fundraisers may seem like a far cry from the grassroots days of yore, they represent the next stage on our journey because they show that anyone can advocate for a victim, in the largest or smallest of ways.
Being at such a big and multifaceted agency also has made me wonder how the small centers do everything they do and still stay strong. I remember during my days at Rape Crisis/RACES (they go by RACES now but are still as fantastic as ever), all the employees did direct service as well as all the administrative and fundraising tasks. I remember when I'd go there after hours, many of the staff members would be there until 7 or 8 PM. I know that there are agencies that are even smaller and more pared-down, and I really have gained a greater respect for the way that they can do all of that hard work and still stay on top of their game.
Well, I'm sorry I kept you all waiting to hear about my updates, but I think this sums it up well. Happy 2010, everybody!
Doesn't seem that long, does it?
I feel like I've grown a lot in that time. I'm still marvelling over the fact that I'm there. For those of you who don't know, I'm working at the rape crisis center where I interned a few years ago. I figured that when I entered the "Real World" it'd most likely be at a non-profit, preferably a women's organization like a crisis center but not necessarily this crisis center. I've learned so much in this short period of time: how to write grants and proposals, how to analyze budgets and audits, how to improve my public speaking skills (I was good at public speaking before, but I think I've really improved), and what it means to represent my cause. All that and more. I feel like I'm really making a difference in the lives of women and children.
Being at the flagship agency in the state also really has made me aware of everything that goes into being among the best. I remember that I studied the history of crisis intervention back during my senior year, and I had made the case that advocates needed to get back their grassroots approach to their work. I still agree with that, but I see the current state of crisis intervention as the next phase in that grassroots movement. No matter how much a center can be sophisticated and polished, the fact is that we still need to advocate for victims of violence. And the kinds of things that we do help bring advocacy and the horrifying subject of violence against women and children into the public consciousness. As much as some of our popular fundraisers may seem like a far cry from the grassroots days of yore, they represent the next stage on our journey because they show that anyone can advocate for a victim, in the largest or smallest of ways.
Being at such a big and multifaceted agency also has made me wonder how the small centers do everything they do and still stay strong. I remember during my days at Rape Crisis/RACES (they go by RACES now but are still as fantastic as ever), all the employees did direct service as well as all the administrative and fundraising tasks. I remember when I'd go there after hours, many of the staff members would be there until 7 or 8 PM. I know that there are agencies that are even smaller and more pared-down, and I really have gained a greater respect for the way that they can do all of that hard work and still stay on top of their game.
Well, I'm sorry I kept you all waiting to hear about my updates, but I think this sums it up well. Happy 2010, everybody!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Unkindest Cut
Okay, if my advocacy posts are boring you, then please skip this one. However, if they don't, keep reading and take note (please).
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I love this!
For all of my feminists and advocates and prevention educators, check this out! I swear it is not affiliated with La Casa (since I can't seem to keep quiet about that place) or RCS:
http://www.survivormuralproject.com/index.html
It's like a cross between the Clothesline Project and the Post Secret project that the Women's Resources Center at the U of I created. And did I mention it is a traveling exhibition? Definitely worth checking out. Check back later, when they get more submissions, for the full effect.
http://www.survivormuralproject.com/index.html
It's like a cross between the Clothesline Project and the Post Secret project that the Women's Resources Center at the U of I created. And did I mention it is a traveling exhibition? Definitely worth checking out. Check back later, when they get more submissions, for the full effect.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Maine Event!
YES! Go Maine, go!!!
Five states to recognize marriage equality, forty-five more to go. And Washington DC too!
Holy matrimony! Let's keep up the good work!
Five states to recognize marriage equality, forty-five more to go. And Washington DC too!
Holy matrimony! Let's keep up the good work!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Number Four! Yes!
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and now....Vermont!
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Four down, forty-six to go--which state is next? Hopefully ALL of them! This is going pretty quickly. I remember how on National Coming Out Day last year (October of 2008), they announced that Connecticut recognized same-sex marriages. Then within this month, two more states joined on. Let's keep this progress going!
And 2009 is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, like I said before. Isn't it fitting to see quite a bit of progress since that time?
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Four down, forty-six to go--which state is next? Hopefully ALL of them! This is going pretty quickly. I remember how on National Coming Out Day last year (October of 2008), they announced that Connecticut recognized same-sex marriages. Then within this month, two more states joined on. Let's keep this progress going!
And 2009 is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, like I said before. Isn't it fitting to see quite a bit of progress since that time?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Let's hear it for Iowa!
Well, this is certainly exciting! Same-sex marriage is legal in Iowa now, and that makes it the third state now to allow it (technically, it's the fourth one, but CA passed that dumb Proposition 8 in November, so I am not including CA).
I know that there are now three states down, forty-seven more to go, but if you think about it, there might be many more that might follow the example of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa. Massachusetts legalized it in 2004, Connecticut in 2008, and Iowa in 2009. So that just might mean that we can expect to see more people talking about it and more states legalizing it. And how fitting, too, that it's in 2009, since 2009 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Which state will be next?
I know that there are now three states down, forty-seven more to go, but if you think about it, there might be many more that might follow the example of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa. Massachusetts legalized it in 2004, Connecticut in 2008, and Iowa in 2009. So that just might mean that we can expect to see more people talking about it and more states legalizing it. And how fitting, too, that it's in 2009, since 2009 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Which state will be next?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Learning, living, and loving
Sex Out Loud was really great! I think this year's one was the smoothest one yet, and while I'm not meaning to brag, I am really happy with the groups and the visitors. Seems like there was always a constant stream of visitors (and it was a pretty good, responsive crowd), and they weren't all the stereotypical liberal, feministic type you'd expect to attend. Sure, we had a lot of the typical crowd (heck, I am one of them), but all that chalking/flyering/emailing totally paid off because we had a lot of people who normally wouldn't be expected to attend. (Much love to my feminists and womanist for the hours of publicizing on Monday!) Several attended it for class credit, some sororities and fraternities and dorm floors went over as groups, and others were just curious about what the fuss was all about!
The groups played off of each other well too. I think they were just great together. The Illini Arcade and Pure Romance booths were swamped...but is that a surprise?? Benita from NARAL was such a sweetie. She must have thanked me at least seven times during the day because it gave NARAL some publicity and exposure. And she got to talk with the folks from Students for Choice (when they finally finished making their display board) and Planned Parenthood. The ALA student chapter garnered a lot of compliments because they had a display of sexual health and women's/LGBT history books. (There's more to them than the "Sexy librarian" cliche.) MASV's display was really impressive, and their theme was "Are you man enough?" And the V-girls from the Vagina Monologues had a good time as well, even working out a Pure Romance party for the cast within minutes (now, that's what I call networking!). The health peer table was cute, with its I-SHAG theme and Superhero Kits. The YWCA was a good choice as well, and they (along with Students for Choice, Colors of PRIDE, and the librarians) made their debut at the fair. I loved the others as well, but these are the highlights.
I hope that I can come back next year for the Sex Out Loud fair and that Fem Maj is in good hands so it can live on. That group and event means the world to me.
The groups played off of each other well too. I think they were just great together. The Illini Arcade and Pure Romance booths were swamped...but is that a surprise?? Benita from NARAL was such a sweetie. She must have thanked me at least seven times during the day because it gave NARAL some publicity and exposure. And she got to talk with the folks from Students for Choice (when they finally finished making their display board) and Planned Parenthood. The ALA student chapter garnered a lot of compliments because they had a display of sexual health and women's/LGBT history books. (There's more to them than the "Sexy librarian" cliche.) MASV's display was really impressive, and their theme was "Are you man enough?" And the V-girls from the Vagina Monologues had a good time as well, even working out a Pure Romance party for the cast within minutes (now, that's what I call networking!). The health peer table was cute, with its I-SHAG theme and Superhero Kits. The YWCA was a good choice as well, and they (along with Students for Choice, Colors of PRIDE, and the librarians) made their debut at the fair. I loved the others as well, but these are the highlights.
I hope that I can come back next year for the Sex Out Loud fair and that Fem Maj is in good hands so it can live on. That group and event means the world to me.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Big Fat GWS Recap!
My Big Fat GWS Conference is over.
All I can say is that all the prepping and hours I spent slaving away on it were SO worth it! THIS is the story I'm putting on my grad school apps! I totally rawked it, and I think I could do it again, if needed. Hell, when I'm getting my MA and defending my thesis or defending my Ph.D. dissertation, I'll look back to this time for inspiration.
Cris gave the introduction to the program, with one of her trademark acerbic speeches, but I could tell she was really proud of all of us. (Not quite up to the standard of her cyanide-laced roast of one of the other professors at the GWS Banquet, but that's a story for another time.) I gave my speech about the history of crisis intervention first, because I was listed as first on the program. I didn't get nervous once! I mean, sure, there were lots of professors and folks from different departments, as well as the students. And Ross and Jacque came too! Ross knows everyone, and everyone knows him. Jacque is the associate head of the department, as well as being an advisor extraordinaire. But I just was pretty normal. I think my introduction was the best. Not meaning to brag, but shouting "WE HAVE THE POWER, WE HAVE THE RIGHT, THE STREETS ARE OURS, TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!" really grabs people's attention! (Don't worry, it wasn't out-of-control shouting, just "making a point" shouting.) At least somewhat more so than "My paper is about..." The questions were insightful but sooo provocative. One professor who was a historian and another who was a sociologist had some really thought provoking questions. I think I answered them well, but I could feel my brain rushing to think on its feet. The biggest surprise were the domestic advocates. They played off of my stories, and they helped make my discussion session last as long as my presentation itself! But wow, I had no idea that the domestics were such a separate group. While I'd worked with them (I work with rape victims, so I usually don't run in their circles), I had no idea how much more different their job was. Another paper could be written about them, because they are a VERY different species altogether. Maybe they aren't even in the same species as my guys. Who knows? I was so glad I got to incite so much dialogue, because the questions came fast and furious and it showed they were interested. I think I learned just as much from their questions as I did from my research.
The other presenters were top-notch. I was so proud of my classmates. Emily presented on natural disasters and the "gendering" of charity, and although I'd worked with her before, I was still really struck by her speech. Stephanie discussed the concept of white trash and brought up the context of TV shows. It was kind of shocking to see her because she had a faux hawk earlier in the year, but she had cut it all off for the conference! (Not something I could do. Then again, I don't have a faux hawk to do it with.) Jeff and Eric talked about prejudices and how they played out, which was pretty effectively researched. Desiree's speech totally deconstructed online gaming and World Of Warcraft. All of them really did a good job, and I know I learned a lot from my brilliant classmates!
We recapped the conference over student movies and an Indian dinner from Bombay Grill. The other students stuck around as well. We were all relieved to have it done! Cris (yes, she's letting us call her by her first name) was telling us about what the professors told her. Apparantly all the professors were really complimentary because they all liked the presentation. Then she went into the specifics, and she brought up what they liked about each of students' presentations. When it came time for me, she said, "And Alex, they all liked how you could hold your own with them and not back down from answering hard questions." Well! I am totally flattered by this, but then again, when do I back down from something? ;) Hard to believe it's all over, but it was TOTALLY worth every minute!
All I can say is that all the prepping and hours I spent slaving away on it were SO worth it! THIS is the story I'm putting on my grad school apps! I totally rawked it, and I think I could do it again, if needed. Hell, when I'm getting my MA and defending my thesis or defending my Ph.D. dissertation, I'll look back to this time for inspiration.
Cris gave the introduction to the program, with one of her trademark acerbic speeches, but I could tell she was really proud of all of us. (Not quite up to the standard of her cyanide-laced roast of one of the other professors at the GWS Banquet, but that's a story for another time.) I gave my speech about the history of crisis intervention first, because I was listed as first on the program. I didn't get nervous once! I mean, sure, there were lots of professors and folks from different departments, as well as the students. And Ross and Jacque came too! Ross knows everyone, and everyone knows him. Jacque is the associate head of the department, as well as being an advisor extraordinaire. But I just was pretty normal. I think my introduction was the best. Not meaning to brag, but shouting "WE HAVE THE POWER, WE HAVE THE RIGHT, THE STREETS ARE OURS, TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!" really grabs people's attention! (Don't worry, it wasn't out-of-control shouting, just "making a point" shouting.) At least somewhat more so than "My paper is about..." The questions were insightful but sooo provocative. One professor who was a historian and another who was a sociologist had some really thought provoking questions. I think I answered them well, but I could feel my brain rushing to think on its feet. The biggest surprise were the domestic advocates. They played off of my stories, and they helped make my discussion session last as long as my presentation itself! But wow, I had no idea that the domestics were such a separate group. While I'd worked with them (I work with rape victims, so I usually don't run in their circles), I had no idea how much more different their job was. Another paper could be written about them, because they are a VERY different species altogether. Maybe they aren't even in the same species as my guys. Who knows? I was so glad I got to incite so much dialogue, because the questions came fast and furious and it showed they were interested. I think I learned just as much from their questions as I did from my research.
The other presenters were top-notch. I was so proud of my classmates. Emily presented on natural disasters and the "gendering" of charity, and although I'd worked with her before, I was still really struck by her speech. Stephanie discussed the concept of white trash and brought up the context of TV shows. It was kind of shocking to see her because she had a faux hawk earlier in the year, but she had cut it all off for the conference! (Not something I could do. Then again, I don't have a faux hawk to do it with.) Jeff and Eric talked about prejudices and how they played out, which was pretty effectively researched. Desiree's speech totally deconstructed online gaming and World Of Warcraft. All of them really did a good job, and I know I learned a lot from my brilliant classmates!
We recapped the conference over student movies and an Indian dinner from Bombay Grill. The other students stuck around as well. We were all relieved to have it done! Cris (yes, she's letting us call her by her first name) was telling us about what the professors told her. Apparantly all the professors were really complimentary because they all liked the presentation. Then she went into the specifics, and she brought up what they liked about each of students' presentations. When it came time for me, she said, "And Alex, they all liked how you could hold your own with them and not back down from answering hard questions." Well! I am totally flattered by this, but then again, when do I back down from something? ;) Hard to believe it's all over, but it was TOTALLY worth every minute!
Conference time!
December applications are in ahead of time, presentation is cut to size, and it's dawning on...
My Big Fat GWS Conference!
This conference is going to be amazing!! I'll tell you more later once it's done and I can recap it. The other topics include childbirth, white trash, natural disasters, anarchy, going to jail, online gaming, heteronormativity, and racialized theme parties. Mine is about the history of advocacy and social services. But man oh man--this is my first time presenting! I have acted and facilitated groups, but nothing of this magnitude. This is going to be GREAT!
My Big Fat GWS Conference!
This conference is going to be amazing!! I'll tell you more later once it's done and I can recap it. The other topics include childbirth, white trash, natural disasters, anarchy, going to jail, online gaming, heteronormativity, and racialized theme parties. Mine is about the history of advocacy and social services. But man oh man--this is my first time presenting! I have acted and facilitated groups, but nothing of this magnitude. This is going to be GREAT!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Everything's changing now...
We get a new treasurer for Fem Maj in the spring. We'll miss you, Christine!
There is a new director of advocacy, and she is...the vice director! Surprise!
General Eccentric, Moonstruck, Bar Giuliani, and Garcia's have all closed or will close for good.
Wow.
Although one thing has not changed.
The grad school process is STILL kicking my butt! If this keeps up, I'll go certifiably insane!
There is a new director of advocacy, and she is...the vice director! Surprise!
General Eccentric, Moonstruck, Bar Giuliani, and Garcia's have all closed or will close for good.
Wow.
Although one thing has not changed.
The grad school process is STILL kicking my butt! If this keeps up, I'll go certifiably insane!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Everybody loves a happy ending
This last semester is gonna end with a bang...
I'm speaking on a panel about student activism in front of the current events classes.
Fem Maj has done three major events for the semester.
My Big Fat Undergrad Conference is in about two weeks, and the faculty and staff will hear me present my paper about the history of advocacy! (And several of my friends are coming.) Then the department and our guests will go out to dinner together.
Vagina Monologue auditions are next week. (I'm aiming to do "My Short Skirt"!)
This is the perfect ending to a whirlwind semester!
I'm speaking on a panel about student activism in front of the current events classes.
Fem Maj has done three major events for the semester.
My Big Fat Undergrad Conference is in about two weeks, and the faculty and staff will hear me present my paper about the history of advocacy! (And several of my friends are coming.) Then the department and our guests will go out to dinner together.
Vagina Monologue auditions are next week. (I'm aiming to do "My Short Skirt"!)
This is the perfect ending to a whirlwind semester!
Monday, December 1, 2008
La vie en teal
Well, I suppose I've officially entered the rat race, since today was the holiday office party. Got a very me gift at the gift exchange. I'm glad my pressie was well-received by Mary, one of our very cool volunteers (well, one might say they are all cool). Our advocacy director, Jenn, is leaving in the middle of the month. She will be greatly missed because she's really taken all of us under her wing and has made the effort to get to know all of us. Jenn did "Hair" in my first year of The Vagina Monologues, and she knows a lot about feminism and other social issues. She also taught us all a lot about disability rights. She uses a wheelchair to get around, and she has often been really vocal about how inaccessible most places are and how hard it is to perform daily tasks. RCS will have a hard time replacing her, and she will be missed. We've gone through so many changes. In less than a year, we've gotten a new director, a new therapist, and the legal position has been taken on by the director of advocacy. Don't get me wrong, I like the new therapist, and I think Kerri is as well-qualified as anyone can be to lead the rape crisis center. It's just a lot of rapid change.
I got into a conversation with a prevention educator at dinner today, after the party. One thing that has both of us somewhat worried is the recession. The recession isn't "coming," it's already here. We're not stupid. We know that times are extremely tough, and it's rather worrisome. We're both seniors, and we're pretty worried about the job market when we enter the full-time workforce. The scary thing is that there are people who will be or are affected by it worse than we could imagine.
The social service industry will be profoundly affected by this. Already, a lot of charities are getting their funding slashed, and most of them are needed more than ever. The homeless shelters are already overcrowded. A Woman's Place, Haven House, Women's Residential, and Safe Place are strict about limiting the amount of time a client can stay. I haven't done hotline since October because I've been doing administrative work at RCS, but when the other advocates pulled out their paperwork to give to Jenn, I was shocked by how many forms were turned in for the month. (A form details the hotline or medical call-out. Many forms=many call outs=many reasons--and I'm sure you know what those reasons are--for the call out) Even a big center like La Casa, which is mostly dependent on private funding, had some pretty huge cutbacks as well.
And here is where the problem lies. More unemployment and bad economic conditions usually leads to more crime. We have seen this all throughout history. People become desperate and take out their emotions in the worst ways. What bothers me is that if the funding for the centers keeps getting cut (and the need for them keeps going up), there won't be any services for the clients who need them the most. My two centers were really threatened by the governor's proposed budget cuts, and when he took those cuts off the table, we were all really relieved. We can't afford to lose the social services now. With worse conditions, we need our social services more than ever. I just hope the state government (and President Obama's administration too) thinks so and is willing to keep funding them.
I got into a conversation with a prevention educator at dinner today, after the party. One thing that has both of us somewhat worried is the recession. The recession isn't "coming," it's already here. We're not stupid. We know that times are extremely tough, and it's rather worrisome. We're both seniors, and we're pretty worried about the job market when we enter the full-time workforce. The scary thing is that there are people who will be or are affected by it worse than we could imagine.
The social service industry will be profoundly affected by this. Already, a lot of charities are getting their funding slashed, and most of them are needed more than ever. The homeless shelters are already overcrowded. A Woman's Place, Haven House, Women's Residential, and Safe Place are strict about limiting the amount of time a client can stay. I haven't done hotline since October because I've been doing administrative work at RCS, but when the other advocates pulled out their paperwork to give to Jenn, I was shocked by how many forms were turned in for the month. (A form details the hotline or medical call-out. Many forms=many call outs=many reasons--and I'm sure you know what those reasons are--for the call out) Even a big center like La Casa, which is mostly dependent on private funding, had some pretty huge cutbacks as well.
And here is where the problem lies. More unemployment and bad economic conditions usually leads to more crime. We have seen this all throughout history. People become desperate and take out their emotions in the worst ways. What bothers me is that if the funding for the centers keeps getting cut (and the need for them keeps going up), there won't be any services for the clients who need them the most. My two centers were really threatened by the governor's proposed budget cuts, and when he took those cuts off the table, we were all really relieved. We can't afford to lose the social services now. With worse conditions, we need our social services more than ever. I just hope the state government (and President Obama's administration too) thinks so and is willing to keep funding them.
Monday, October 27, 2008
So true...
"The advocate is one of the few people who has no desire to be needed."
Quote from the United Way conference I went to and especially fitting for my senior project. The conference was amazing, and I learned a lot about social services and partnering with different organizations. Also met many of the domestic advocates at A Woman's Place (they might be our sister organization, but I think we need to do more with them because they're a cool bunch and we could learn from each other).
But that quote is so true. I'm pretty sure that all of us wish our jobs didn't even have to exist.
Quote from the United Way conference I went to and especially fitting for my senior project. The conference was amazing, and I learned a lot about social services and partnering with different organizations. Also met many of the domestic advocates at A Woman's Place (they might be our sister organization, but I think we need to do more with them because they're a cool bunch and we could learn from each other).
But that quote is so true. I'm pretty sure that all of us wish our jobs didn't even have to exist.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A tale of two cities and their centers
To be honest, going "back home" has always been difficult for me. You might remember a post I did some time ago called "Who Says You Can't Go Home," but I've been thinking about it even more now. During freshman year, I would go home about once a month, both to see my family and to see the guy I was dating. Since we had a lot of mutual friends, there would be no shortage of things to do. And since I'd only be home for a weekend (or in the case of a holiday, a month), there'd be enough time to make me feel appreciated but not like it was overbearing.
Then summer came. Summer was tough. I had left that guy after finding out some sickening stuff about him, fended off his unwanted calls and attempts to contact me, and had a difficult time of trying to re-adjust to being back up north. I felt like I had returned to a puzzle I was no longer part of, a block on a Rubiks Cube trying to fit into a jigsaw puzzle. I had gone to college and found a niche, and I had none of the support or like-minded people around me. I'm not saying I was miserable, what with the family and concerts and other great things going on, but it was still a tough adjustment. I didn't know if I had changed too much, or if they just weren't the type of people I could really say I fit in with. The coming years made me even closer to the university and college community (feminists, advocates, activists, etc.), which of course made it even tougher to go back up north. When I'd get off of work, drenched in sweat and smelling like chlorine, I would check my email. It was pure torture to read messages about all the summer activities down there, with me up in my tourist trap of a hometown where one couldn't get anywhere without driving.
I think I recovered some of that sense of belonging this summer at La Casa. I received the invite for their fall banquet last weekend. Sadly, it's on a school night so I cannot attend, but it brought back all those memories of interning there. I'm not saying La Casa was perfect--it had its flaws (like the dress code!), but it was one place in that whole town where I felt I could act like myself. When I was with the staff (and NOT with the clients, that would be unprofessional), I could talk about anything I wanted and learn more about them. It was (shock*gasp) OKAY to label yourself as a feminist! I found people I could look up to; ones who weren't the stereotypical "role model" type but rather the type who lived their beliefs through their work. Halfway through it, I felt as though I was one of them and was for the first time in a long while happy to be back home. You might be thinking, "They're in your field, Alex, what did you expect?," but not everyone who is in crisis work is going to be close to me.
Before the internship began, I was somewhat reticent about going home, and I kept on thinking I would miss RCS. I did miss RCS. Now that I am back down here, I miss La Casa. Thanksgiving break is in a little under two months, and the fact that I will be doing some court dates or fundraising stuff once I get back makes me look forward to going "back home." It took me twelve years before "home" felt like home, but I guess it's better late than never.
Then summer came. Summer was tough. I had left that guy after finding out some sickening stuff about him, fended off his unwanted calls and attempts to contact me, and had a difficult time of trying to re-adjust to being back up north. I felt like I had returned to a puzzle I was no longer part of, a block on a Rubiks Cube trying to fit into a jigsaw puzzle. I had gone to college and found a niche, and I had none of the support or like-minded people around me. I'm not saying I was miserable, what with the family and concerts and other great things going on, but it was still a tough adjustment. I didn't know if I had changed too much, or if they just weren't the type of people I could really say I fit in with. The coming years made me even closer to the university and college community (feminists, advocates, activists, etc.), which of course made it even tougher to go back up north. When I'd get off of work, drenched in sweat and smelling like chlorine, I would check my email. It was pure torture to read messages about all the summer activities down there, with me up in my tourist trap of a hometown where one couldn't get anywhere without driving.
I think I recovered some of that sense of belonging this summer at La Casa. I received the invite for their fall banquet last weekend. Sadly, it's on a school night so I cannot attend, but it brought back all those memories of interning there. I'm not saying La Casa was perfect--it had its flaws (like the dress code!), but it was one place in that whole town where I felt I could act like myself. When I was with the staff (and NOT with the clients, that would be unprofessional), I could talk about anything I wanted and learn more about them. It was (shock*gasp) OKAY to label yourself as a feminist! I found people I could look up to; ones who weren't the stereotypical "role model" type but rather the type who lived their beliefs through their work. Halfway through it, I felt as though I was one of them and was for the first time in a long while happy to be back home. You might be thinking, "They're in your field, Alex, what did you expect?," but not everyone who is in crisis work is going to be close to me.
Before the internship began, I was somewhat reticent about going home, and I kept on thinking I would miss RCS. I did miss RCS. Now that I am back down here, I miss La Casa. Thanksgiving break is in a little under two months, and the fact that I will be doing some court dates or fundraising stuff once I get back makes me look forward to going "back home." It took me twelve years before "home" felt like home, but I guess it's better late than never.
Friday, September 5, 2008
See you in Arcola!
Well, I looked up some more about Arcola. All I can say is that it's pretty stereotypically small-town. After reading about it, I have made a solemn promise to never call C-U or Mahomet or Savoy "rural" because Arcola is WAY more so! The funny thing is, the advocates with urban origins are the ones doing the display and workshop, so we're all in the same boat pretty much.
The highlight of this Broom Corn Festival is the Lawn Rangers. I don't know if I'm doing the booth or workshop on the day they perform, but they seem like something else entirely! Apparantly, it is a "high-precision, lawn mowing drill team" that does stunts! Dave Barry was one of them for a while, and he's written several columns about his experiences.
Somehow, I don't think he's making anything up.
This is either gonna be entertaining or "are-you-kidding-me." I mean, how do you do stunts with a lawn mower? I know I've mowed my lawn at home before, but the most exciting thing that I've done there is try to avoid the rocks and my mom's plants. Not that thrilling. So how do the Rangers do it? Do they push the mowers and do formations with them? Do they RIDE the mowers and do tricks atop them? And what does it have to do with broom corn?
[Oh yeah, and I found out what broom corn is. It's decorative corn that you can't eat. You can use it for brooms and industrial purposes if you like, but it's not edible. What do Lawn Rangers and broom corn have in common? Guess I find out Sunday!]
The highlight of this Broom Corn Festival is the Lawn Rangers. I don't know if I'm doing the booth or workshop on the day they perform, but they seem like something else entirely! Apparantly, it is a "high-precision, lawn mowing drill team" that does stunts! Dave Barry was one of them for a while, and he's written several columns about his experiences.
Somehow, I don't think he's making anything up.
This is either gonna be entertaining or "are-you-kidding-me." I mean, how do you do stunts with a lawn mower? I know I've mowed my lawn at home before, but the most exciting thing that I've done there is try to avoid the rocks and my mom's plants. Not that thrilling. So how do the Rangers do it? Do they push the mowers and do formations with them? Do they RIDE the mowers and do tricks atop them? And what does it have to do with broom corn?
[Oh yeah, and I found out what broom corn is. It's decorative corn that you can't eat. You can use it for brooms and industrial purposes if you like, but it's not edible. What do Lawn Rangers and broom corn have in common? Guess I find out Sunday!]
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