tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905025859897208302024-03-12T19:03:51.625-05:00Prevention and Awareness of Sexual ViolenceBUILD to BLEND stands for: Breaking Up Ideas Leading Downward to Build Ladies/Lives Entering New Directions
BUILD to BLEND - caters to and supports a fellowship for Women and Men who have been affected by sexual violence in all it's forms.
We come together to help bridge a gap taking Sexual Violence from “My issue", "that's just his/her struggle" to "OUR PROBLEM".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-68219918184303606712013-10-25T16:37:00.000-05:002013-10-25T16:37:43.056-05:00<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">A
man said to me, "Hey sis! Listen you must be doing something right, or in
your past helped another, so keep doing whatever it is.,. Cause its evident.
Have a good day!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Man that touched me in so many places. This
week alone I needed that warmth. I had a serious setback in my personal life
not to mention an illness (that I can't shake at the moment). I, at the
time remained unable to figure out how to make it through other things
necessary for the week and month. My decision or lack of response would
happen in 10 minutes or less. I say ten minutes because it took about
three to grasp what was really happening and being stated to me and two more to
listen to it being conveyed I had only one minute to resolve. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">I am thankful for my purpose. I am equally thankful
for my close, personal and extended friends I have here in my life. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">A few years back, I questioned and doubted
my purpose, even life itself but a big difference, is the people I've met on
this journey moving forward, the ones in my life, who become what I call my
"Safe Circle" now hold me up. Without me asking - when and if I get
weak, depressed, unmoved, whether I'm hurting, overwhelmed, anxious, stagnant,
troubled or over-extending myself ( as passionate people do from time to
time). </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">What makes my "Safe Circle"
different now vs. Back then during my trauma(s)? Good question.
Well instead of turning/walking away and talking about me like others in
my past...they talk to me, walk with me stand in the gap for me and hold my
hand when needed, give me hugs ( I love and thrive off hugs! ) cause they know that’s what
moves me...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">I have made it #Fullcircle </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">The amazing thing is I was one person,
alone providing all those things, standing up and in the gap for individuals
and strangers, (who have touched my heart and remain), giving what I couldn't
get after being raped... and again after my son died. It was in those times,
what I needed most was <b>love</b>, <b>encouragement</b>, <b>hugs</b>, and <b>words of
affirmation</b>.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Through my trials I learned how to heal
daily. Now I help others create,
identify, maintain their own "Safe Circles" and take their own individual
steps to heal daily.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">All the love care support- I've given to so
many is now continuously given to me and I am thankful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">I wanted to share this short note because I
was asked how and why I am able to keep moving and I am always encouraged by
others and sometimes their energy gives me the strength to move when I feel I can’t.
I still get hurt, just recently I might
add but I am still here. I believe what I teach. You are bigger than your
circumstance or situation and so am I , The teacher just needed a little nudge
and reminder , so thank you universe
thank you for providing a way for me to see and become Thankful once
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Jamila </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-5481903383726176732012-04-22T23:53:00.000-05:002012-04-22T23:53:35.874-05:00National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)Relief Fund Design Contest |<h2>
In 2005, the <a href="http://www.nsvrc.org/relief-fund" target="_blank">Relief Fund for Sexual Assault Victims</a> was established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to collect donations that will aid sexual assault victims and advocacy programs that have been impacted by disasters in the United States.</h2>
<h2>
<div class="rteleft">
To help support these efforts, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) will be releasing a set of blank greeting cards, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these cards will support the Relief Fund.</div>
<div class="rteleft">
</div>
<div class="rteleft">
Four designs will be chosen and then those designs will be transformed into greeting cards. In addition to helping survivors of sexual assault, winners will have their name printed on the back of the cards and have their design promoted via our social networking sites and website. As a thank you for pitching in, winners will receive a prize pack of <a href="http://www.nsvrc.org/saam">Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)</a>-themed merchandise.</div>
</h2>
<br />
How to enter NSVRC contest:<br />
<br />
Get creative. Come up with an original design that conveys the theme, “Lend a hand, heal a heart.” Artwork can be either portrait or landscape orientation, with the final note card size of 4.25 in. X 5.5 in. The design contest is for the front of the card. The inside of the cards will be blank and the back panel will contain information about the Relief Fund and artist.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Save a copy of your artwork as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Keep in mind, the file you submit via email is for voting purposes only, so it should be 72 DPI. If your design is one of the finalists, we will ask you for high-resolution artwork (300 DPI). </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Email contact information, design(s) and a PDF of the completed release form to <a href="mailto:resources@nsvrc.org?subject=Note%20Card%20Contest">resources@nsvrc.org</a>; please note in the subject line of the email that it is for the “Note card contest.” There is no limit to the number of designs you can submit, however each entry must be accompanied with contact info and a completed release form</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Deadline to submit a design is <strong>5 p.m. EDT., Monday, April 30, 2012</strong>. Submission will be posted online for voting. Once your design is up for voting, feel free to promote your design via networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. On <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/nsvrc" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, we’ll be promoting the contest with #ReliefFund. Winning designs will be chosen and announced by<strong> Friday, May 18</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.nsvrc.org/projects/relief-fund-design-contest#.T5Td_Bb2zfM.blogger">Relief Fund Design Contest | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-42820578542582520722012-04-14T17:14:00.028-05:002012-04-14T20:01:57.579-05:00Free Webinar: How Understanding and Responding to Children's Sexual Behaviors Can Prevent Child Sexual Abuse<span class="list-conference" title="Webinar"><br />
Date: April 25, 2012<br />
Time: 1:00 PM -2:30PM Eastern<br />
<br />
This workshop covers how to determine whether sexual behaviors in children are age-appropriate and how to respond to behaviors that are outside of what you would expect to see in children of various ages. Register: <a href="https://stopitnow.ilinc.com/perl/ilinc/lms/event.pl?div_view=reg&event_user_id=" target="_blank">Stop It Now Webinar</a><br />
<br />
<h2>Objectives</h2><ul><li>What are <a href="http://www.stopitnow.org/age_appropriate_sexual_behavior">Age Appropriate Sexual Behaviors</a> in pre-pubescent children</li>
<li>How to use context to determine whether behaviors are concerning or harmful</li>
<li>How to respond appropriately including talking with parents or other adults about concerning behaviors</li>
<li>Practice putting knowledge into action by discussing various scenarios</li>
</ul><br />
This workshop is particularly appropriate for professionals who work with families or children, including child care providers, home visitors, teachers, and staff of youth serving organizations. <br />
The focus is on pre-pubescent children<br />
</span><strong>Presenters</strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Yvonne Cournoyer - Program Director, Stop It Now!</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sarita Hudson - Director of Public Engagement, Stop It Now!</em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
April is Sexual Assault Month!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-42232756088808186412012-04-14T14:30:00.001-05:002012-04-14T19:13:37.714-05:00Web Conference: End Child Sexual Abuse within the Sexual Violence Prevention MovementDuring 2012 there will be 9 web conferences to explore themes of how to end child sexual abuse and build the network of those committed to addressing this issue.<br />
The first web conference on May 3, 2012, is titled “Including Efforts to End Child Sexual Abuse within the Sexual Violence Prevention Movement.” <br />
<br />
This session focuses on the power and possibilities of local, statewide and national strategies to highlight child sexual abuse prevention as foundational to sexual violence prevention efforts throughout the lifespan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>This ninety-minute (90 min) session will start at 2 PM Eastern Time (1 PM Central, Noon Mountain, 11 AM Pacific, 10 AM Alaska, 8 AM Hawai’i).</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Sponsor:</strong> <a href="http://ms.foundation.org/" target="_blank">Ms. Foundation for Women</a><br />
<strong>Web Conference Facilitators:</strong> Joan Tabachnick and Cordelia Anderson<br />
<strong>Speakers: </strong><br />
<ul><li>Sally J. Laskey, Director Special Projects, <a href="http://www.nsvrc.org/" target="_blank">National Sexual Violence Resource Center</a></li>
<li>Donna Dunn, Executive Director, <a href="http://www.mncasa.org/" target="_blank">Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault</a></li>
<li>Gina Scaramello, Executive Director, <a href="http://www.barcc.org/" target="_blank">Boston Area Rape Crisis Center</a></li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-36269269738758662242012-04-13T16:00:00.030-05:002012-04-14T18:27:05.659-05:00Caroline County Hosts Walk to End Sexual Violence1st Annual Teal Ribbon Walk to End Sexual Violence - tomorrow!! <br />
<br />
Hosted By Caroline County Alliance Against Violence<br />
In Support of Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault <a href="http://www.rcasa.org/">www.rcasa.org</a><br />
<br />
April 14, 2012 at Caroline High School<br />
<br />
Register on site tomorrow or call 540-371-6771<br />
Cost per Individual: $25<br />
Cost per Team Member: $15<br />
<br />
All Funds support education, prevention, and intervention on sexual violence and abuse in Caroline County<br />
<br />
*Central Virgina offers 24hr Hotline*<br />
<span class="style9"><strong> </strong>1-540-371-1666</span><br />
<strong><span class="style9"> free</span> crisis intervention, counseling, support and medical accompaniment </strong><br />
<strong> </strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0Caroline High School, 19155 Rogers Clark Blvd, Milford, VA 22514, USA38.0020875 -77.4151949999999834.3621400000000037 -137.18081999999998 71.642034999999993 -17.649569999999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-37774099151314468072012-03-23T22:47:00.000-05:002012-03-23T22:47:04.055-05:00Healthy Reform in the Community<i><span style="font-size: large;">Building a Healthy Exchange<br />
<br />
The African American Leadership Forum's (AALF) Health and Wellness committee is joining the Minneapolis Urban League and TakeActionMNfor an event to ensure you have "voice and choice" on health care exchanges a critical element of Affordable Care Act<br />
<br />
What: Building a Healthy Exchange: A Community Conversation about Health Reform in Minnesota, with special guest <strong>Commissioner of Commerce</strong> Mike Rothman</span></i><br />
<i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> When: Sunday, March 25th. Registration starts at 2:30pm, meeting is from 3pm to 5pm</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Where: Kagin Commons on the campus of Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 55105</span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA44.9381441 -93.169572744.9379551 -93.17029620000001 44.9383331 -93.1688492tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-15863889868468912712012-03-15T19:49:00.000-05:002012-03-15T19:49:46.145-05:00<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF), and University of Richmond are co-sponsoring the fifth Basic Virginia Victim Assistance Academy from June17-22, 2012 at the University of Richmond. Applications are being accepted through Monday, March 19, 2012.<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Virginia Victim Assistance Academy is a week-long intensive course of study that requires a substantial commitment on the part of all faculty, staff and student participants. The Academy offers a rare opportunity to live, work, study and interact with allied professionals and victim service providers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Academy is open to individuals who live or work in Virginia and <strong>potential students are required to submit applications to attend the Academy</strong>. Successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the Academy, and will also be required to complete some work prior to the Academy. This Academy is designed for students with <strong>less than three years of experience working with victims</strong>.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Academy registration fee is $150.00 and includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, refreshment breaks in addition to training materials and lodging.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">To be considered for admission, interested individuals should submit applications to DCJS by 11:59 p.m. on March 19, 2012. The application is available online at </span><a href="http://www.vanetwork.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=JfPt7x8eb6eTxrCSEMcCxm7hfe7FKbAiJIGt9H%2bZ56Rudwy5rTgX8SZHym6KIyRuVhjdBj2XuCi8bEe%2fBjyGwWWWs7fAL7FzjDg33%2fQ1%2bv8%3d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/<wbr></wbr>trainingevents/victims/vvaapp/<wbr></wbr>index.cfm</span></a></b><u></u><u></u></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-15385778904335516962011-07-07T14:45:00.000-05:002011-07-07T14:45:53.858-05:00Community Conference 7/16/2011 : So, How Are The Children?Join Kwanzaa Community Church for a conference addressing our children’s multi-layered trauma from the experience of the recent tornado in North Minneapolis.<br />
<br />
We will examine the healing power of childhood resilience, how it can be enhanced, and how it can lead them toward recovery and restoration.<br />
<br />
Date and time:<br />
Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
Location:<br />
UROC<br />
2001 Plymouth Ave. N.<br />
Minneapolis, MN 55411<br />
<br />
(break out sessions at the Minneapolis Urban League)<br />
<br />
Cost:<br />
$10 to attend (scholarships available)<br />
<br />
Questions?<br />
Email kwanzaachurch@msn.com<br />
<br />
Register two ways :<br />
http://www.kwanzaachurch.org/ (pay in person)<br />
<br />
http://sohowarethechildren.eventbrite.com/ (to pay online)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com02001 N Plymouth Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411, USA44.9914843 -93.30571429999997744.9914758 -93.305714299999977 44.9914928 -93.305714299999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-66680510702086314222011-07-07T14:02:00.000-05:002011-07-07T14:02:15.893-05:00Upcoming WATCH Webinar Training<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span lang="EN" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Improving Your Court’s Response to Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Cases</span></span></span></i></b></strong><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 24pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join WATCH on Tuesday, July 26<sup>th</sup> at 1pm CST (11am PST, 12pm MST, 2pm EST) for its webinar training on <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Improving Your Court’s Response to Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Cases</span></i>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This webinar will provide an overview on how to monitor misdemeanor domestic violence cases in suburban and rural settings including a review of WATCH’s most recent report, <i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.watchmn.org/sites/default/files/Suburban%20FINAL.pdf" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.watchmn.org/sites/default/files/Suburban FINAL.pdf"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Promoting Victim Safety and Offender Accountability: Improving the Response to Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Cases</span></span></a>. </span></i>This webinar will help you create a framework for examining misdemeanor-level cases including creating a research or monitoring project designed to improve your courts.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Topics include:<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><ul style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">partnering with criminal justice and community stakeholders<u></u><u></u></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">reporting case outcomes<u></u><u></u></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">incorporating best practices<u></u><u></u></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">implementing recommendations</span></span></li>
</ul><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">COST</span></span></u>: </b>$35 for current <i><span style="font-style: italic;">National Association of Court Monitoring Program</span></i> members and $50 for non-members. You may pay with a credit card at <a href="http://www.watchmn.org/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">www.watchmn.org</a> or send a check to the address listed above.<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">* If paying by check, please include the name of the webinar you are registering for, as well as a phone number, mailing address, and e-mail contact.</span></span><u></u><u></u><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">QUESTIONS</span></span></u>:</b> Contact Anna Light at <a href="mailto:alight@watchmn.org" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">alight@watchmn.org</a> or <a href="tel:%28612%29341-2747%20x7" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank" value="+16123412747">(612)341-2747 x7</a>.<u></u><u></u></div><div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-56981599426813688102011-01-13T07:00:00.007-06:002011-01-13T09:07:49.855-06:00Violence Against Women and Girls PSA's Air During MN Sports</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color:#000099;">A big thanks to Chuck Derry at Gender Violence Institute for the notification.</span></em>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em></strong>
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;">Anoka</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#009900;"> </span>County Domestic Violence Council/CBIM in Anoka County has partnered with Fox Sports North, and other state partners, including MNMAN, to develop public service announcements to be played during Minnesota Wild, Timberwolves, and Gopher hockey games in January </span></span></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Fox Sports North has also developed a Coaching Boys Into Men web page with excellent short video clips and blogs focused on Coaching Boys Into Men.</span> </span><a href="http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/north_supports/"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/north_supports/</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span>
<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Do your part and help support or gather new ideas to create a on-going dialogue about respect and fair play among kids and adults in your life and community. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Use this as a tool, opportunity to </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">reinforce messages of respect for women and girls</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">
<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">
<br />*</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Promo spots will be 1 - 2x during a game, equaling 30 placements for the month. </span>
<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span>
<br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><u>January 2011 Scheduled Dates</u></span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">(although subject to change)*</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Gopher Hockey: Friday and Saturdays only </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">MN Timberwolves: Monday/</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Wednesday Games,(</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Tuesday/Thursday/Friday)<span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span>
<br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">MN Wild : Tuesday/Thursday, (Saturday/Sunday)<span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span>check website for specific days on each teams scheduled games</span></strong></span>
<br />
<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><em><strong>Fo</strong></em></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><em><strong>r information contact:</strong></em></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Chuck Derry- Gender Violence Institute
<br />P:320-558-4510 or E:</span></span><a href="mailto:gvi@frontiernet.net"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">gvi@frontiernet.net</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">
<br /></span>
<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Men's Action Network
<br />MN Men's Action Network
<br />15510 Huber Avenue NW
<br />Clearwater, MN 55320 </span></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-50725985940530667322011-01-12T11:00:00.057-06:002011-01-13T20:37:20.209-06:00Did Far Away Go Too Far or Not Enough?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#006600;">"Marsha should have taken a different approach", at least in some circles whether large or small you can hear a overwhelming murmur that agrees or at least willing to argue the point. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Do you agree with what has been stated? What side do you find yourself on? Is your opinion solely based as a music lover? Is it the content of the video or something else entirely?</span><br /></span></span><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pqzMXSqDmQs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pqzMXSqDmQs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">Anyone who has heard<strong> "Far Away"</strong> before release of the video <span style="color:#000099;">(listen above) </span>when and if</span><span style="color:#006600;"> polled probably had a specific visual creative direction in their head of what the song's concept would be when released. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /></span><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here's what I learned from being a vessel of creative spirit and observation</span>.<span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t1WDlpLp-Ov6XHvGWQbAahZMijNX17ku0aDRDn7EVP-da3TfNkkEBnGZWEFBs2EYoZ7jQYiGaVpHSDBooTkgUw-7L-HVYZxcU7H27SftCoB8f2NtFrKM7X5IEkByTnvsTrVs0guNe1U/s1600/18572_305013696391_603236391_3575168_29583_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561401708025722194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t1WDlpLp-Ov6XHvGWQbAahZMijNX17ku0aDRDn7EVP-da3TfNkkEBnGZWEFBs2EYoZ7jQYiGaVpHSDBooTkgUw-7L-HVYZxcU7H27SftCoB8f2NtFrKM7X5IEkByTnvsTrVs0guNe1U/s200/18572_305013696391_603236391_3575168_29583_n.jpg" /></a> <strong>Me</strong><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>"</em></span></span><span style="color:#006600;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Anything, once written and given up for an audience to share is up for interpretation"</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Meaning- What lies in the head of every creative person(myself included) if asked, is a storyline that's interchangeable, accessible yet different to those who partake in it.</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">What is apparent and understood with our eyes and felt in our hearts unfortunately remains the same, hate and violence, especially in the minority community towards a non-heterosexual continues and we as minorities continue to suffer. </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">Hopefully, this visual tug at the heart can bring understanding and a necessary urgency to <span style="color:#ff0000;">STOP</span>. </span></span><br /></span><strong><br /><object width="640" height="392"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRwLMC2wP0g?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRwLMC2wP0g?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="647" height="389"></embed></object><br />Far Away- Marsha Ambrosius<br /></strong><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Personally, I am happy that someone else (especially in the Music Entertainment world) is willing to showcase black love in it's various forms (Am I gonna get in trouble?) Who cares!<br /><br />The effect good and /or bad that we can have as community members, neighbors, friends, loved ones, activists, advocates dealing with choices that we make as individuals has to be told.<br /><br />Silence has never helped anyone. While you prepare to sit quiet we still are being ignored, underrepresented, hurt, beat, raped, outcast, ridiculed, forgotten and dying. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">As you see, read, walk, listen or move around today I urge you to try something different, like Marsha Ambrosius did and <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">SPEAK OUT</span><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong>to save a life! </span><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-61099787768730107162011-01-11T09:38:00.014-06:002011-01-13T09:57:03.421-06:00Virginia to Offer 3,000 Small Grants for Teen Violence Prevention<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;">The Virginia Department of Health is offering $3,000 mini-grants for community-based or youth-serving agencies to implement activities from the Choose Respect Playbook.<br /><br /></span><strong>Applications must be received by 3:00PM Friday, January 28, 2011 via email, fax, or mail.<br /><br /></strong><span style="color:#009900;">For more information, download the funding announcement and application materials at </span></span><a href="http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/datingviolence/index.htm"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/datingviolence/index.htm</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#009900;">under the “News and Events”</span> <span style="color:#009900;">heading at the bottom of the page.<br /><br />For questions or submissions, contact</span>: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Erica A. Williams, MS Violence Prevention Specialist<br />Division of Prevention and Health Promotion<br />Office: 804-864-7741 Fax: 804-864-7748<br />Email: </span><a href="mailto:erica.williams@vdh.virginia.gov"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">erica.williams@vdh.virginia.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Office of Family Health Services<br />Virginia Department of Health<br />109 Governor St, 8th floor<br />Richmond VA 23219 </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-91286697715848658812011-01-03T10:15:00.002-06:002011-01-05T11:19:16.701-06:00Assurance Offers Free Wireless</span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Do you know any homeless teens or adults? Do you know any former inmates? Do you have a loved one or a friend who needs a phone but just can't afford one, then mention Assurance Wireless to them which could help create a new sense of normalcy.</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Having access to a reliable phone is a great start for some who are low-income or for ones who may be starting over after fleeing domestic violence or assault. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:130%;">It also proves beneficial for communication, employment and survival for families and/or individuals when pay-phones, calling cards and landlines are becoming non-existent almost obsolete in many neighborhoods.</span>
<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Taken from Website:</span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Assurance Wireless is FREE to eligible customers. Assurance Wireless offers a FREE phone and 250 FREE minutes of wireless voice service each month. There are no bills, long-term contracts, activation fees, recurring fees, or surcharges for Assurance Wireless customers. Additional upgrades are available for phone</span>
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">For more information call 1-888-898-4888 for a advisor to assist you in the application process. Or print application online</span> </span><a href="http://assurancewireless.com/Public/CustomerInformation.aspx"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://assurancewireless.com/Public/CustomerInformation.aspx</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">(provides application link to each state)</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><span style="color:#006600;">Assurance Wireless comes with a one-year warranty from the original equipment manufacturer. If you experience an equipment malfunction, lost or stolen call at 1-888-321-5880</span> </span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Assurance Wireless is currently available in these states : Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.</span> </span></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-19584150993853054662010-12-03T22:40:00.002-06:002010-12-22T15:22:53.004-06:00Your Roots Matter-taken from Girlosophy 1997<blockquote><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">LOVE EVERYTHING IN YOUR PAST. YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">IT</span></strong></em><span style="color:#ff0000;">.</span></span></span></blockquote><p><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Roots....</span></em></strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><em>Where do you come from? </em></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><em>What do you stand for? </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>I thought it was important to repeat this passage in writing because depending on where we are in life we can at times, whether intentional or subconsciously forget. </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>What and who we are as individuals take shape at our foundation (child development, growing years) but every day with our actions, our thoughts and our words we have the unique opportunity to consistently build upon that structure. The trick then becomes not to transform so high that we forget what or who we may be running from. </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>How can we do that? </em></span></p><p><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">We can accomplish this in part by self-monitoring our gut. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">We need to self-check often on our journey forward by asking the questions: </span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>What am I casting aside by building "me" __________?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>Who am I leaving behind on my quest to be better then my former self?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>What am I willing to take with me ? </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>What Must be identified and eliminated? i.e. dead weight</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><em>Who can I reach with my history?</em></span></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Why now?</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"></p></span></em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em><strong><u>Roots Matter</u> : By Anetha Paul</strong></em></span></p><u><p><br /></u></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#006600;">They can make you - or break you.<br />Make peace with them, whatever they are,and be proud of your heritage, because it's unique. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><br />Nothing, not even the most difficult upbringing or so-called disadvantaged background, need be a barrier to all the best things in life- Friendship, Love and Happiness.<br /><br />So don't reinvent or cover up your past. Your story is as interesting as anyone else's.<br /><br />Embrace your own beginnings and you'll find you can embrace the beginnings of others.<br /><br />Whatever culture or tradition you come from, it is a part of your history and lineage. It is a part of you!<br /><br />Love everything in your past. Your future depends on it.<br /></p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-80677842176027512692010-12-01T21:28:00.054-06:002010-12-22T14:40:35.034-06:00TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP(MN)<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><u></u></span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><u>Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition Support Group
<br /></u></span>
<br /></span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p2nFaw_ubfz-vlxUffq-QaLAzD5XDvdLFMgGWBvI70cwFKuXXVSGBVq8tMbSvLhEn8BIPPYhaLB7Y5AeEt-ymwsY9vm922hGV0Nr_XeP2af2U8O_Ke3-q6SaYX4aHj4vino0uw0OLDc/s1600/transgenderredcross.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 156px; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549440410987874562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p2nFaw_ubfz-vlxUffq-QaLAzD5XDvdLFMgGWBvI70cwFKuXXVSGBVq8tMbSvLhEn8BIPPYhaLB7Y5AeEt-ymwsY9vm922hGV0Nr_XeP2af2U8O_Ke3-q6SaYX4aHj4vino0uw0OLDc/s320/transgenderredcross.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#006600;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The MN Transgender Health Coalition is offering a Bi-monthly </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">support group for all gender variant folks no matter where they are in their transition. The group will be held on </span><span style="color:#006600;">2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:00pm at 3405 Chicago Avenue, Suite 103 in Minneapolis. </span>
<br /></span></span></span><em><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Please note: </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">You do not have to be on hormones or transitioning to benefit from the support group. If you </span></span><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">need information, contact 612-823-1152 or <u><a href="mailto:mntranshealth@yahoo.com">mntranshealth@yahoo.com</a></u></span></span></span></em>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><p><em><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></span></span></em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549448164596545618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgYtfDvGoWBbQm7lzoNVPNTKotmEeuSbuO9vyR7-N5FBgdxGQF9ObPyB5m90AYrCL_zA4jxzxRGBChTA0oY2mtKr0Fff1QJlOPIGCgm8Z8gOl7gG05Kct6pmYMIe8PoDFobYAGWEec14/s320/TRANS%2528ucafimage.jpg" />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Topics to </span><span style="color:#006600;">include hormone use, safe syringe use, HIV and Hep C, safer sex, medical referrals, weekly check-in, surgery discussions and name/gender change info.</span> </span></p>
<br /><p>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition is committed to improving health care access and the quality of health care received by trans and gender non-conforming people through education, resources, and advocacy.</span><em> <span style="font-size:85%;">(taken from website)</span></em></span></span><span style="color:#006600;"><em> </em></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-78282886431103426222010-06-18T13:03:00.033-05:002010-06-18T13:50:23.699-05:00Disparities Still Exist for Women in Minnesota-Three Reasons For Gap<span style="font-size:130%;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Among women of color, the disparities are more extreme, with some<br />making 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white man</span></em> </span></blockquote><span style="color:#000099;">St. Paul, Minn.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Women's</span><span style="color:#009900;"> Foundation of Minnesota and The University of Minnesota's Center on Women and Public Policy released research today that states, Minnesota women on average are paid $11 dollars less each year than men with the same jobs.</span></span><span style="color:#009900;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">*The gap exists in every occupation, including those </span></em><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">dominated by women</span></em></span></em></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></p></span></blockquote></span></em></span></em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><span style="color:#000099;">THREE REASONS FOR GAP</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><br />Lee Roper-Batker, the president of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, said economists site three reasons for the income gap. She said women often choose careers that pay less and employers sometimes punish women who take time off to have children. "And the third thing economists say is just unexplainable," she said. "We don't know to attribute the wage gap to so we just call that good old fashioned sexism." The report said Minnesota women are clustered in low-wage jobs.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>MOST HOMELESS ARE WOMEN AND CHILDREN</strong><br /></span><br />Families headed by single women are most likely to live under the poverty line. On an average night, women and children make up two-thirds of the state's homeless population.<br /><br />That statistic is played out every day, said Liz Kuoppala, the executive director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. She works in northern Minnesota, on the Iron Range. "We talk to homeless women in rural areas who are staying up in a tent," she said. "Up in my part of the state, they climb down steep embankments to mine dumps where there's access to water."<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>DANGER OF ASSAULT</strong></span><br /><br />The research shows girls and women also live in danger of assault. It said one in every three women in Minnesota will be the victim of sexual or physical assault by middle age.<br /><br />According to the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, that adds up to 250,000 women at any given time, a population that could fill the Metrodome four times. "It has become so normalized that many of our young girls believe it is inevitable," said Suzanne Koepplinger, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center in Minneapolis.<br /><br />Indian women have the highest rate of sexual assault in the state -- 42 percent of Indian women are victims. "I heard a story about an elder giving instructions to working with young girls and she said don't tell them if they're raped this is what they should do, tell them when they're raped, this is what they should do," she said.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>POOR HEALTH</strong> </span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The study also found women and girls in Minnesota have poorer health than men and boys.<br />Girls are less likely to be physically active than boys. Forty-eight percent of 12th grade girls participate in sports, compared to fifty-nine percent of boys. A majority of the state's women are now considered obese or overweight and women in northeastern Minnesota have disproportionately high cancer rates.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Links:</span></span></span><span style="color:#009900;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><a href="http://www.miwrc.org/">http://www.miwrc.org/</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">University of Minnesota's Center of Women and Public Policy</span> </span></span><br /><a href="http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wpp/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wpp/</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Women's Foundation of Minnesota</span><br /><a href="http://www.wfmn.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.wfmn.org/</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Minnesota Coalition of the Homeless</span><br /></span><a href="http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Minnesota Public Radio</span> </span><br /><a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://minnesota.publicradio.org</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">World Pulse<br /></span><a href="http://www.worldpulse.com/node/22009"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.worldpulse.com/node/22009</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-76807999610997987972010-06-03T23:55:00.008-05:002010-06-04T00:54:52.132-05:00Help Kiana Firouz Seek Asylum from Iran<span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">The UK Home Office recently rejected the asylum appeal of lesbian filmmaker and actress Kiana Firouz—a move that could lead to her deportation to Iran, where she faces a minimum sentence of 100 lashes or even the death penalty for “unrepentant” homosexuality.<br /><br />The UK ruling has put the life of the 27-year-old in serious danger. Firouz starred in the film Cul de Sac, which is loosely based on her life. In it, she portrays the struggle of lesbians under the Iranian regime. The movie, which premiered in London on May 20, could cause serious problems for Firouz in Iran, where homosexuality is illegal.<br /><br />The UK Times Online reports that the Home Office, in defending the rejection of Firouz’s appeal, acknowledged the danger she would face as a lesbian in Iran but argued that Firouz could escape harm by being discreet about her homosexuality.<br /><br />Given the public nature of Firouz’s activism, however, there is little chance that she could fly under the radar in her home country.<br /><br />You can help Kiana Firouz fight this ruling by urging the Home Office to reverse its decision. Send a letter to the Home Secretary Theresa May in support of Firouz’s case for asylum, and help Kiana Firouz remain in the UK.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">Links about Kiana Firouz's story and petition online</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Sign the petition!</span><br /></span><a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/kianaf/petition.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.petitiononline.com/kianaf/petition.html</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7131310.ece"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7131310.ece</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Cul De Sac movie trailer<br /></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lbQiB3rkh4"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lbQiB3rkh4</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-16271158342640511692010-06-02T09:43:00.014-05:002010-06-02T11:05:03.930-05:00Black Women's Health Imperatitve Tackle Depression:Find a Therapist That’s Right for You!<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Tune In Today at 2 p.m. listen live!</span></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><a href="http://asoft362.accrisoft.com/blackwmnshlth/index.php?cid=375027&src=gendocs&ref=listenlive&category=Multimedia&curlid=9">http://asoft362.accrisoft.com/blackwmnshlth/index.php?cid=375027&src=gendocs&ref=listenlive&category=Multimedia&curlid=9</a></span></strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><strong>One out of five Black women suffers from depression.</strong></em></span>
<br /></span></blockquote>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Last month, Byllye and Ngina led a thought-provoking discussion on Black women and depression. This month, they are bringing you expert advice on how to find the right therapist.
<br />
<br />With the insight, passion and wisdom that have won them a loyal following on BlogTalkRadio, Byllye and Ngina will shed light on an issue not often discussed - Black women and depression.
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Terrie Williams will unveil the truth about the faces of depression - helplessness, dissatisfaction, illness, loss, addiction and anger - and offer strategies for tough times and exercises for recovery, as well as answer your questions.
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#000099;">Listen to Cheryl’s Advice on First Wednesday: Conversation with Byllye and Ngina Wednesday, June 2, 2 p.m. </span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Cheryl will provide unique insight into an issue rarely discussed among Black women - seeking professional help for the emotional and mental health challenges that many of us are facing.Cheryl will take your questions live on the radio or via e-mail. Call 646-381-4662 with your questions beginning at 2 p.m. EST or submit them prior to the show at </span></p><p><a href="http://asktheexpert@blackwomenshealth.org"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://asktheexpert@blackwomenshealth.org</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Stay in touch with Black Women's Health Imperative</span> <span style="color:#006600;">at</span> </span><a href="http://blackwomenshealth.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://blackwomenshealth.org</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Cheryl Chisholm, is a licensed therapist and director of the Imperative-produced documentary, "On Becoming a Woman: Mothers and Daughters Talking Together a few links to flim provided below:</span></p><p><a href="http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c124.shtml"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c124.shtml</span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.movierevie.ws/movies/1030675/On-Becoming-a-Woman-Mothers-and-Daughters-Talking-Together.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.movierevie.ws/movies/1030675/On-Becoming-a-Woman-Mothers-and-Daughters-Talking-Together.html</span></a></p>
<br /></span><span style="color:#006600;"></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-11112646989485739602010-06-01T17:29:00.003-05:002010-06-01T19:51:48.875-05:00Art Work for Change:Women and Violence<span style="font-size:130%;">This is an ongoing exhibit coming to a city or country near you. if you are in any of the areas listed below take some time and go see it!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art An International Contemporary Art Exhibition</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Thirty-two contemporary artists from 25 countries address violence against women and girls globally and their basic human rights to a safe and secure life. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">The beauty of this project is that it combines the highest integrity of art with important social messaging and storytelling to help create awareness, inspiration, and address systems for positive social change and action.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Exhibition curated by Randy Jayne Rosenberg</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FiPpNDrSgsJPlIok-fxeD8YhdGIti-8KNnrqDOMz23wzKIQjb9E08VO0tCCXW6eprjb9rE59MN6JI3ckV8xiZPBBS0E4adSNwXU12zXwwHUsz_wpyup1N4LVMELAJSbT6kXjSttLwA/s1600/OTBP8.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="WIDTH: 363px; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477953503617150114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FiPpNDrSgsJPlIok-fxeD8YhdGIti-8KNnrqDOMz23wzKIQjb9E08VO0tCCXW6eprjb9rE59MN6JI3ckV8xiZPBBS0E4adSNwXU12zXwwHUsz_wpyup1N4LVMELAJSbT6kXjSttLwA/s320/OTBP8.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Remaining Dates:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Museo Universitario del Chopo, Mexico </span><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">September 8 – November 7, 2010</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Chicago Cultural Center, USA </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">January 22 – April 10, 2011</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Global Health Odyssey Museum,Ctr. for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">January 25 – May 23, 2012 </span></p><p><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Program Partners:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Amnesty International, Art for Amnesty, CounterQuo.org, Emergent Media Center at Champlain College,</span> <span style="color:#006600;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Family Violence Prevention Fund, Global Fund for Women, </span><span style="color:#006600;">International Rescue Committee, </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Population Media Center, UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),The Voices and Faces Project</span> </span></p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-34671338696222855422010-05-03T21:53:00.012-05:002010-05-03T23:09:24.097-05:00You Can't Tell An Accident to Stop or Pause<span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">You Can't Tell An Accident to Stop or Pause<br /></span></span><span style="color:#000099;">By: Direct Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Alone yet free<br />only way to truly be<br />at least, that's what she was taught<br />re-calling lessons of :<br />don't be afraid to smile<br />keep your true joy inside<br />don't share your intentions, dreams, secrets<br />and even your laughter<br />learn how to hide<br />be seen, not heard, kill more bees w/honey, always keep your own money<br />don't start none won't be none but if you do, you know what to do<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">if you... if you... if you want to survive<br />if you... if you... if you want to survive<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Silent yet deadly<br />gaze equaled personality<br />at least, that's what he thought<br />re-calling stories of:<br />everything but the kitchen sink, beaten into and out of sleep<br />building strength from childhood scars<br />living less, classic broken home, fridge resembles neighborhood bar<br />head of household yet only twelve stealing cookies, cakes, soda<br />afraid of momma but not of jail<br />learned to lie for safety and convenience<br />remembered the golden rule don't tell<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">if you... if you... if you want to survive<br />if you... if you... if you want to survive<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">They say opposites attract<br />polarization happens everyday<br />the magnetic pull of your destiny lies in wait<br />so there they are attached to tragedy succumb to false reality attracted to malady </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">but you can't tell a accident to just stop or pause<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">She programed to expect less but yearn for more<br />gratification of self never was covered, besides she learned they will love you when you let them lay inside.<br />so a pool of yeses, head nods are a birthright and a occasional whisper of at least he better then the last one<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">He has nothing begins to believe in and subscribe to it,just living for right now<br />self-love was not only foreign,unattainable but not tolerated besides he rather make it daily so clinic visits, buckets of I'm sorry and when I get out this time, become second nature of the tongue.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">They say:<br />I saw it coming<br />why didn't she...why would he...<br />damn he should have...I bet she tried ….<br />you know y'all quick to do that..heard a unanimous you ain't never lied<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">everyone calms down starts to agree<br />recalling there own mishaps, close encounters<br />shaking their heads in disbelief<br />feeling lucky nonetheless<br />and who would've guess it turn this way<br />you heard them say: man just the other day<br />they cool then at it again<br />one stood quiet thinking<br />were was his so-called ...what happened to her so-called friends<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">then everyone forgets<br />shoulda woulda coulda's ain't never saved a life<br />today would be no different<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">They say opposites attract<br />polarization happens everyday<br />the magnetic pull of your destiny lies in wait<br />so there they are attached to tragedy succumb to false reality attracted to malady </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">but you can't tell a accident to just stop or pause<br />learned to lie for safety and convenience<br />keep your true joy inside<br />remembered the golden rule don't tell<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">if you... if you... if you want to survive<br />if you... if you... if you want to survive</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>* This poem touches on themes of gender, stereotypes, traditions, roles, domestic violence, self-esteem, men, women, childhood, abandonment, self-hatred, friendship, gossip, destiny, karma, hardships, containment, anger, survival, secrets, tolerance, history, relationships, silence, values, memory, displacement,unwarranted compromise and belief systems.</em></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-48311060152201541522010-03-16T03:40:00.010-05:002010-06-01T20:01:30.398-05:00Women Living With HIV Launch Human Rights Survey<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Call for Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Services With HIV Services to Address Epidemic Among Women</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Please</span> </span><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWNHRSurvey1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">take the survey and spread the word</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010 comes just weeks after the United Nations announced that HIV is the leading cause of death among women globally.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">In the U.S., a woman tests positive for HIV every 35 minutes, and nearly one-third of all domestic HIV infections are among women -- up from 8% in 1987. AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death among African-American women ages 25 to 34. Yet the general perception is that women are not vulnerable to contracting HIV -- and women are dying as a result.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Multiple members of the U.S. Positive Women's Network (PWN), a national membership body of women living with HIV in the United States, have personal experience with this issue. "Everyone is at risk for HIV," says Demetra Tennison, Peer Educator at Women Rising Project in Austin, TX. "But many providers don't perceive women as being at risk or are uncomfortable talking about it. I told my doctor that my husband was positive, and he didn't offer me a test. I was diagnosed late and got into care late, because of a missed opportunity on my physician's part."<br /><br />Advocates specifically call for integration of sexual and reproductive health services with HIV services. "Early HIV diagnosis means less transmission and better health outcomes. Yet we see missed opportunities for HIV prevention and diagnosis throughout the medical system," says Dr. Monica Gandhi, director of HIV Consult Services at San Francisco General Hospital. "Women show up for sexual and reproductive health services multiple times a year. Every one of those appointments -- for pap smears, contraception care, and routine check-ups -- is an opportunity for HIV education, screening for HIV risk factors like domestic violence, and testing."<br /><br />The PWN also notes that over half of all people living with HIV are not in regular medical care, and that co-location of sexual and reproductive health services with HIV services has enormous potential to transform women's ability to access care. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">HIV-positive women across the United States have organized to urge the Obama Administration to finish health care reform, demand a gender-sensitive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, declare HIV an urgent crisis facing women and demand, the immediate appointment of an openly HIV-positive Black woman to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). Events will occur in locations as diverse as Philadelphia, PA; Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; Washington, NC; Washington, DC; and Boulder, CO.<br /><br />Advocates also stress that an effective response to the domestic HIV epidemic must address social factors that put some communities at disproportionate risk. "We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic. What we need is political will to address structural issues including homophobia, gender inequity, and the deep racial and economic disparities that drive the rising rates of HIV among our most marginalized communities," says Waheedah Shabazz-El, a Muslim and Philadelphia-based trainer with the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project, who was diagnosed in 2003.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">In honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the PWN has launched a</span> </span><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWNHRSurvey1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">survey to track the extent to which HIV-positive women's human rights are being realized in the United States</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">This survey is the first in a series, and focuses on testing and disclosure, reproductive justice for women with HIV, and the criminalization of HIV.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Please </span><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWNHRSurvey1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">take the survey and spread the word</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">!</span> </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pwn-usa.org/" target="blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Learn more about the PWN -- and join the PWN's mailing list.</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">This article was provided by Positive Women's Network USA.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-42005842756087257372010-03-11T19:55:00.002-06:002010-03-12T05:40:22.865-06:00Quick Note to you & whoever reads these things anymore - CHANGE IS A COMING....WATCH & SEE's MySpace Blog |<span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em>To the Mothers and Fathers,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em></em></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ff0000;"><em>Take care and love yourself !</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em></em></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em>Hats off to you, if you have a child or children w/ special needs. Look, being a mother of a child with complex special needs is a constant thrill ride with many up but some devastating lows (trust me). </em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em></em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em>You have a tough job ahead but if you are a parent or a mom-to be then you already know,how precious life really is and the reward man, the rewards are so much higher. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ff0000;"><em><strong>I want to tell you today that you are a amazing parent and I not only applaud you but I love you for doing what so many other can't or unwilling to even try.</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em>Much Love,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"><em>Jamila </em></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-33317110468066097502010-03-06T18:28:00.022-06:002010-03-06T18:55:32.887-06:00GRASSROOTS & SOCIAL NETWORKING AT WORK: UTAH's BILL GETS RETRACTED<span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Hello!</span>
<br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em>
<br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thank to everyone that chose to post on Facebook and Twitter or via personal messages asking the question, how to help. As you can see, we all had a hand in making this change and if you didn't believe before please know that f</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">rom the ground up you can do anything and when you work together,well just look what can get accomplished.</span></em>
<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em></em></span>
<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>please read the email below:</em></span>
<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>
<br /></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Email from President, Advocates for Youth </span>
<br />
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"You Did It!</span>
<br />I wanted to let you know that the Utah state legislature withdrew H.B. 12, the bill that would prosecute women for illegal abortions and some miscarriages.
<br />
<br />And it happened because of you! </span>
<br /></span><span style="color:#006600;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Last week, through Amplify, we asked for your help in calling national attention to this dangerous piece of legislation. Your efforts focused public pressure on this bill and forced Utah politicians to back down under national scrutiny.
<br />
<br />This story would not have received national attention without your hard work, and I wanted to thank you personally for your help.
<br />
<br />Over the past 10 days, you proved the true power of grassroots activism and online organizing. Thousands of Amplify readers and their friends posted this story to Facebook, starting conversations all across the country. Thousands more sent it out over Twitter. The details of Utah's attack on women's rights started to build momentum on some of the most influential blogs, from DailyKos to the Huffington Post, leading to coverage in the New York Times and by ABC news.
<br />
<br />Because of this media firestorm, <span style="color:#000099;">Utah Governor Gary Herbert expressed reservations about some of the bill's more extreme provisions.</span> And </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">yesterday, the state legislature withdrew the bill!
<br /></span>
<br />We know that legislative attacks on reproductive health and women's rights will continue, in Utah and elsewhere in the United States. But, this week you forced politicians to answer for some of the most potentially dangerous provisions in H.B. 12 - and you won.
<br />
<br />Together, we will continue to work to ensure that all people - everywhere - have have access to the information and services they need to protect their health an lives.
<br />
<br />In solidarity,
<br />
<br />James Wagoner
<br />President
<br />Advocates for Youth</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /><span style="color:#006600;">To be a part of the conversation join BUILD to BLEND on Twitter</span> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/BUILDTOBLEND"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://twitter.com/BUILDTOBLEND</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span>
<br /><span style="color:#006600;">For more info try these links,</span>
<br />
<br /></em></span><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Advocates for youth</span> </span> </span><a href="http://advocatesforyouth.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://advocatesforyouth.org/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /><span style="color:#006600;">Amplify</span> </span><a href="http://amplify.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://amplify.org/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-6418375046556087072010-03-03T07:19:00.000-06:002010-03-04T07:35:47.744-06:00Disclosure Etiquette, Part 1: Do I Have to Kiss and Tell?<div><div><blockquote><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span> </p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span> </p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Deciding to share your serostatus is one of the most<br />difficult things a person living with HIV has to do.<br /></em></strong></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WAkq5ZQBIXXu9t0T7YWHwdJ5ljrnTb2GLgIkyLjDHC3UbUGa8z6sqUspRm_sKd_I1tuza-mT6mZPl1MJjlpZ-L4-IpBClPZE4yPyvMM1sLIIKxrZTd7zWFBDQqbAXXtRpRO4BPisSLc/s1600-h/womanman.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770025248483010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WAkq5ZQBIXXu9t0T7YWHwdJ5ljrnTb2GLgIkyLjDHC3UbUGa8z6sqUspRm_sKd_I1tuza-mT6mZPl1MJjlpZ-L4-IpBClPZE4yPyvMM1sLIIKxrZTd7zWFBDQqbAXXtRpRO4BPisSLc/s320/womanman.jpg" /></a><br /></p></blockquote></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">First Published: 2/11/2010 from our friends @ <a href="http://blackaids.org/">http://blackaids.org/</a> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><br />This is the first in a series of articles from Black Aids Institute exploring the etiquette associated with telling other people that you have HIV/AIDS. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Over the past 20 years, I have watched people living with HIV/AIDS suffer and struggle with disclosing their status. The fear of rejection keeps many of us quiet but causes others to reveal intimate information at inappropriate times and places--such as on a first date in a cozy restaurant, with the people at the next table dipping into the conversation, as an HIV-negative friend once experienced when her dinner companion told her he was HIV-positive.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Deciding to share your serostatus is one of the most difficult things a person living with HIV has to do. Unlike on television, where reality-show participants sometimes disclose their HIV status in such a way that allows editors to script the conclusions, real-life disclosures occur in real time; the outcomes are uncertain. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">We wonder: What will this person think of me? Will they reject me? Try to hurt me? Wonder what "horrible" thing I did to deserve my fate? And after sharing my most intimate business, will I lose the relationship? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">When and whether we decide to tell often depends on how we believe the person will react. </span>If we think the person will be cool about our status, we're more likely to tell, or to tell sooner. If we think we'll be rejected or get some other negative reaction, we may either consider not telling or actually not tell at all. Our approach also hinges on how vulnerable we are willing to feel and how much we are willing to risk in the relationship. That said, I do not believe that it is ever acceptable to trick or harm anyone. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Recently a colleague shared findings from a small research study suggesting that people who tell others about their HIV status may not always experience as much stigma from their loved ones as they feel within themselves. This makes me wonder whether part of what we dread is having someone reinforce feelings we've already internalized about living with HIV/AIDS. I know that after two decades of absorbing messages that I am "not good enough" and/or just not "normal," I have internalized feelings of shame, guilt and helplessness. Is this part of what makes disclosure so difficult--that I dread learning that other people will think the same negative things about me that I sometimes secretly think about myself? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">I came of age as a person with HIV/AIDS in an era where I was indoctrinated that it was my responsibility to disclose early and often, whether or not it was my intention ever to have sex with the person I was telling. Intellectually I understand this approach, but emotionally it puts me in a straitjacket. What if I don't want to disclose to you? What if I want to become friends first? And if I'm not interested in sleeping with you, why do I have to tell you my personal business? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">I had--and still have--nothing to lose and everything to gain by disclosing my HIV status; I am willing to risk much to regain my personhood and shed my lingering sense of internalized oppression. But I have to admit that had I gotten infected today, I might have approached my life much differently. An HIV diagnosis is no longer the end of the world. Many people now know that if you are diagnosed early and do what the doctor tells you, you can live a pretty normal life--and life span. You do have to learn how to protect yourself and your partners, but maybe you don't have to tell everything to everybody. </span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><span style="color:#000099;">Given this new reality, I am reconsidering my options. I want the choice of<br />telling my friends and colleagues--or not; maybe it's none of your business. And<br />for once, it would be nice if my prospective partners took responsibility for<br />their own health and asked me if I had HIV so that I wouldn't have to carry the<br />burden of telling them first.</span></em> </span></span></blockquote><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Unlike what we see on reality television, life cannot be edited or played back to change the result or make us into someone we are not. People living with HIV/AIDS should have the option of deciding when and where we will reveal our HIV status. We should never do it because we're following some rigid rule from a bygone era. But when and under what circumstances should it happen? The answer isn't always clear. Check back on the fourth Tuesday of each month as I share my thoughts about the etiquette of when and why we should tell. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Vanessa Johnson, J.D., </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2tIoDMqv_dxlHc_MOwoAjJU-Cq8mh3ELWdacjjQwg2uOPjKAlAYiyW53bXJY3KIPxfh_isB9k3vMSa1r61_yhoYQaRrddkhKg_SruWd2yFonlfIyFQSJO53ioTC1H-sQDJ0XNaQQJcs/s1600-h/vanessa+johnson.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770690038801938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2tIoDMqv_dxlHc_MOwoAjJU-Cq8mh3ELWdacjjQwg2uOPjKAlAYiyW53bXJY3KIPxfh_isB9k3vMSa1r61_yhoYQaRrddkhKg_SruWd2yFonlfIyFQSJO53ioTC1H-sQDJ0XNaQQJcs/s320/vanessa+johnson.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">who has volunteered and worked in the HIV/AIDS field for approximately 14 years, is executive vice president of the </span><a href="http://napwa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">National Association of People With AIDS</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"> (NAPWA).<br /></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590502585989720830.post-23958961304575524812010-03-02T10:55:00.014-06:002010-03-08T07:45:56.576-06:00Sexual Assault,Domestic Violence & Stalking Conference This April<span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">End Violence Against Women International(EVAW) is having a conference April 19-21, 2010 in Buckhead,Georgia.<br /><br />Join fellow Men and Women in the various field of Sexual Assault from law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victim advocates, judges, parole and probation officers, rape crisis workers, medical personnel, faith community members, educators and others</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">(taken from site</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">)</span> </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">**scholarships and continuing education credits are available**</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(depending on your state and discipline)<br /></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">There will be many featured speakers including four from Minnesota<br /></span><br /></span><a onclick="return LaunchSpeakerWindow('92',' Laura Williams')" href="http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8#"><span style="font-size:130%;">Laura Williams</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">,</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">National Technical Assistance Project Director, Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI), Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, St. Paul, MN<br /></span><br /></span><a onclick="return LaunchSpeakerWindow('96',' Ann Turner')" href="http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8#"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ann Turner</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">,</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Aging & Disability Specialist, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life project (NCALL), North Branch, MN<br /></span><br /></span><a onclick="return LaunchSpeakerWindow('114',' Sara G. Thome')" href="http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8#"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sara G. Thome</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Project Attorney, Sexual Violence Justice Institute, Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, St. Paul, MN<br /></span><br /></span><a onclick="return LaunchSpeakerWindow('104','Sgt. Paul Schnell')" href="http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8#"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sgt. Paul Schnell</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">,</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Saint Paul Police Department, St. Paul, MN<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">If you would like to attend or need more information about the conference please go to</span> </span><a href="http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15862547279928841314noreply@blogger.com0