Web Conference: End Child Sexual Abuse within the Sexual Violence Prevention Movement

During 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.
The first web conference on May 3, 2012, is titled “Including Efforts to End Child Sexual Abuse within the Sexual Violence Prevention Movement.”

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



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).


Sponsor: Ms. Foundation for Women
Web Conference Facilitators: Joan Tabachnick and Cordelia Anderson
Speakers:

• Sally J. Laskey, Director Special Projects, National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Donna Dunn, Executive Director, Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Gina Scaramello, Executive Director, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

GRASSROOTS & SOCIAL NETWORKING AT WORK: UTAH's BILL GETS RETRACTED

Hello!

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 from the ground up you can do anything and when you work together,well just look what can get accomplished.

please read the email below:

Email from President, Advocates for Youth

"You Did It!
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.

And it happened because of you!

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.

This story would not have received national attention without your hard work, and I wanted to thank you personally for your help.

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.

Because of this media firestorm, Utah Governor Gary Herbert expressed reservations about some of the bill's more extreme provisions. And yesterday, the state legislature withdrew the bill!

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.

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.

In solidarity,

James Wagoner
President
Advocates for Youth

To be a part of the conversation join BUILD to BLEND on Twitter http://twitter.com/BUILDTOBLEND

For more info try these links,

Advocates for youth http://advocatesforyouth.org/
Amplify http://amplify.org/

Sexual Health Report Card - full list - Sperling's Best Places

What a Gem!

Good Afternoon,

As I continue on my search for comparing cities that I and a few of my collegues may potentially want to live in I came across this Sexual Health Report Card - full list - Sperling's Best Places
and thought not only is this a great concept but I wish I knew about this sooner.



I am anticipating the next report,not just for the details but for the ability it provides of choice making and awareness.



If we can make a conscious effort to do something better, different, helpful or proactive when we do make our moves in turn each step can help create a environment where Sexual Violence is not tolerated but more importantly Sexual Violence is talked about.


Take a look to see how you city or neighborhood ranks and upon doing so stay encouraged to get involved.

You can start today! Look locally to help move your State, City, School,Community Program move forward.

VICTORY TIME

October 18, 2009
　

Victory-noun,
a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war.
the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle or contest
a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, difficulty, etc.


Morning!

At some point you have to claim “IT” for yourself - I know you may be tired, preoccupied with life, don’t have time and the list may go on but repeat after me:

I know what I want,
I'll rewrite the rules
I know my value,
I’m(Insert:______________)’s precious Jewel”
(name of Renewal Source/Higher Power)

When I heard this song playing today, I was tempted to do the same thing I did two years ago which was to shout and say Yes, Thank You Karina, beautiful song indeed. You are more then welcome to say those words above every morning or just when necessary, I don’t mind.

Music can be a gateway to healing, I would leave this alone because that in itself is a statement but I want to explore with you further, so for Today only when you read this, at whatever time it comes across your eyes do me a favor, yes YOU take a moment by yourself, in your car, with friends then, PAUSE.

Okay, find that one song , you know the one, when you hear it compels you to move from the inside, the one that makes you want to rock, nod your head, fist pump, jump, the one thing that will make you scrunch up your face because it starts to feel good umph, it is about to catch you, permission granted..get ugly with it !

Are you ready ? Would you like to suggest or exchange ideas ? You can tell me, well while I’m waiting for you to share and get comfortable. I must admit this to you, I have several songs that fit this category, I will share my Victory Song first because we are in this together.

Are you with me ladies? Do I have your attention men?

Let’s practice with your choice… say it, hum, write it down or sing it . I love it! If you are like me you just may be belting it out WORK IT!

My song today is: “CAN’T BRING ME DOWN” by Karina P.(young lady is a powerhouse) feel free to utilize. Here are some words from the song:

“Trust me, I know they will try
But they won’t bring me down
I know what I’m made of inside
They can’t bring me down
It ain’t over until the last round
Will they bring me down? No!
If I stumble I won’t hit the ground
They can’t bring me down” - Lyrics from Can’t Bring Me Down by Karina

　

The song you pick for your moment will start to move you in the smallest of ways, feel the momentum, maybe even a slight smile on your face, ladies and gentleman at that point it should feel organic, familiar. What is that? Your core, a feeling, your inner-self ,that connection, that says YES…I am ready today.

Go ahead! You have my permission to Enjoy, Tap into it and ROCK OUT.

Remember, When you are unafraid and unashamed to LOVE yourself , you HELP to create a small opening where ___________(fill in the blank) can meet you right there as if to say Jamila,(put your name silly)

I recognize your power, I acknowledge you strength, your potential, your gifts...
I want in
I want a piece
I want you”

**Believe me, they “whoever” or “whatever” it will be, rightfully should want that newness.

Success is only truly measured from the inside, congratulations, the road to healing has never felt so good.

I appreciate, celebrate, applaud YOU because you, yes YOU all by yourself picked a great day to enrich yourself and start again.


Jamila

Proclamation by President Obama re: Domestic Violence

10/15/2009


Hello,

it is never too late to get involved and do something for yourself or someone else. As you know, Domestic Violence is highlighted nationally once a year in October so we here at BUILD to BLEND would like to extend our thank you to Individuals,Community Programs, Churches, Businesses, Service Providers, Allies and Advocates for taking time out to recognize, speak out, coordinate and take personal action against Domestic Violence. We would like to encourage you to not stop, we all can do our part everyday to aid in awareness against Sexual Violence, and Domestic Violence.

I love my president, for many reasons and this proclamation excites me, hopefully you can be moved as well by his words and deeds. You can read the entire Proclamation but what we will do is highlight(in Green) a few areas that excited us about what can still be done everyday.

Jamila and everyone here at BUILD to BLEND

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009
September 30, 2009
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION



Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.



To effectively respond to domestic violence, we must provide assistance and support that meets the immediate needs of victims. Facing social isolation, victims can find it difficult to protect themselves and their children. They require safe shelter and housing, medical care, access to justice, culturally specific services, and economic opportunity. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act supports emergency shelters, crisis intervention programs, and community education about domestic violence.


In the best of economic times, victims worry about finding a job and housing, and providing for their children; these problems only intensify during periods of financial stress. That is why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $325 million for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This funding will supplement the Federal VAWA and VOCA dollars that flow to communities every year, and enable States, local governments, tribes, and victim service providers to retain and hire personnel that can serve victims and hold offenders accountable. These funds will also bring relief to victims seeking a safe place to live for themselves and their children.

Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships. Our efforts to address domestic violence must include these young victims.

During this month, . By providing young people with education about healthy relationships, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that domestic violence can be prevented. We must build the capacity of our Nation's victim service providers to reach and serve those in need. We urge community leaders to raise awareness and bring attention to this quiet crisis. And across America, we encourage victims and their families to call the National Domestic Violence Hot line at 1-800-799-SAFE. Together, we must ensure that, in America, no victim of domestic violence ever struggles alone.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I ask all Americans to do their part to end domestic violence in this country by supporting their communities' efforts to assist victims in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.



BARACK OBAMA



BUILD to BLEND wants to help you stay involved and abreast of issues,rights,details,advocacy and services surrounding Sexual and Domestic Violence

Click the links:


http://idvaac.org/

http://womenofcolornetwork.org/

http://buildtoblend.org/

http://www.vowbwrc.org/

http://www.ncdsv.org/

http://www.domesticabuseproject.org/

http://breakthecycle.org/

CVS PETITION to UNLOCK CONDOMS in CONCENTRATED MINORITY AREAS

I received this in a personal email and think it's important to share, not only because I do know some people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS but because this has been an important issue for me from my days of having a candy dish/plate full of condoms in my room for my friends and family alike to take--no questions asked--to attending college and passing out Condoms on campus. Listen, Minorities will always be in a loosing battle if we are not equipped or willing to take care of ourselves and our families.

You can show you care by reading this blog, passing the info on to family, friends and colleagues. signing the petition, http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

CVS is one of the nation's largest pharmacy and drugstore chains. With more than 6,000 stores across the country, they are a major provider of condoms to people of all ages. However, a recent study showed that CVS stores in low-income and minority neighborhoods tend to lock up condoms. Often times these stores are in communities where the rates of HIV infection are the highest.

Advocates for Youth, in partnership with the Cure CVS Campaign, is working with college organizations to push CVS to adopt a policy that would prohibit stores from locking condoms behind glass. CVS's largest competitor, Walgreen's, already has a policy in place forbidding locked condom cases. It's time that CVS does the same!

Report taken from Amplify.org:

a report released by Change to Win highlights the fact that in many low-income and minority neighborhoods CVS stores display condoms only in locked cabinets. Those who want condoms must find a store employee and wait for them to unlock the cabinet – which might make some people turn right around and not buy the condom at all. The study looked at stores in Detroit, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, New York City and Miami between September 2007 and January 2008. In some cities, the percentage of CVS stores with locked condoms was more than three times higher in communities of color than in areas that are predominately white.The cities listed also have some of the highest numbers of AIDS cases in the country.

CVS says they lock up condoms “based on whether shoplifting is to such a degree that they’re becoming unavailable for customers to purchase.” However, competitors Rite Aid and Walgreen's both have policies against locking up condoms.

Don’t let CVS create barriers for young people who want to act responsibly and protect themselves. Join Advocates for Youth and Change to Win in demanding that CVS adopt a corporate policy against locking up condoms!

Want to help make a difference Like I just did , sign the petition:

http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

learn about Advocates for Youth, Click Here! http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/

SHE BIT HIS TONGUE OFF!-Convicted Rapist Fleds to Local Hospital

Ronald Douglas McGowan Jr.(booking photo Murrieta Police)



Convicted Rapist Loses Tongue to Victim



Quick Facts:

• Ronald McGowan, is a registered Sexual Offender and convicted Rapist (for Rape and Child Molestation)
  
• Arrested at hospital on Friday(Rancho Springs Medical Center) after seeking treatment, from having his Tongue Bitten off **Doctors unable to reattach**

• Tongue found in victim's apt. from attempted attack, hospital is across the street from where she resides and said to be about the size of a 50-cent piece.
  
• Ronald was booked Friday without bail at Southwest Detention Center on charges of suspicion of robbery, rape by force or fear, kidnap to commit robbery,committing a felony with great bodily injury
  
• McGowan arraignment is today at the Riverside Superior Court Southwest Justice Center
  
• Investigation into the rape in progress showed that victim was targeted and not a rare attack
  
• The woman, who reports to have suffered broken bones in her cheek and eye socket, she was released from Hospital.
  

For more on this story, check out the links provided below:

http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2009/06/update-wc-sex-offender-has-ton.html

http://cbs2.com/watercooler/Arraignment.Rapist.Murrietta.2.1036131.html?detectflash=false

http://www.10news.com/newsarchive/19677879/detail.html

Opportunity for survivors to be part of a Speaker's Bureau

Opportunity for survivors to be part of a Speaker's Bureau

Speakers wanted:

The Survivor Caucus of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is recruiting presenters for its new Speakers Bureau,with a planned start up date of July 1, 2009.

Thriving survivors of adult sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, or intimate partner violence are invited to use this opportunity to tell their personal stories for public education and survivor support throughout Virginia .

Experienced speakers are wanted, but all willing survivors are encouraged to apply.

The first free speaker training session will be held June 4 at the VSDVAA Richmond office.

This is the website for VSDVAA http://www.vsdvalliance.org/index.html

For a speaker application or for more information, contact Mikele Knight, sparrowk@vsdvalliance.org

Any survivor wishing to join the Survivor Caucus can do so at the Web site

http://www.survivorcaucusva.org

Save The Date 4/20 starts week long”Awareness” for Men

I received this in an email and thought it was important to share with you. I'm not just saying this because I want everyone to be aware of, and speak out against, violence, but because this is something you can do that won’t cost you thing. Nevertheless I can guarantee you that value will be long-lasting.

In the state of Virginia during the week of April 20th-27th marks the White Ribbon Online Campaign which is held in recognition of Sexual Assault Month (April)

Participants are asked to keep the White Ribbon image as their profile picture on social networking sites for at least one week. They are also are asked to explain the meaning behind white ribbon should anyone inquire about it and to encourage others to change their profile picture as well.

Visit the White Ribbon Campaign website at http://www.whiteribbon.ca/to learn more about the campaign, men’s violence against women and how they can help with prevention.

The goal of this campaign is to show your friends online that you have had enough and are taking a stand against men’s violence against women.

I am definitely joining in, Will you do your part fellow Facebook and MySpacers? You can make a bold statement against the Violence of Women. Interested? Here’s how to do what I just did, Simply clink the link http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/sexualviolence/whiteribbon.htm

By participating in this campaign you are pledging that you will never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.

Be sure to check out Our group pages:

Facebook: BUILD to BLEND
MySpace www.myspace.com/build2blend
BlogTalkRadio: www.blogtalkradio/build2blend

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2009

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2009
(coordinated evidence-based responses to end sexual violence)

The conference is aimed at promoting research on sexual violence, highlighting innovation and encouraging sharing and networking in the area of sexual violence.



This global event will bring together over 200 participants working on sexual violence as researchers, gender activists, funders, policy makers, service providers, survivors and others.




This conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from July 6th to 9th 2009 and is sponsored by Sexual Violence Research Initiative


For more info on SVRI-Sexual Violence Research Initiative check the main website: www.svri.org



Accommodations:

Avianto-Tel: 27 11 668 3000
Web: http://www.avianto.co.za/

Heia Safari-Tel: 27 11 919 5000
Web: http://www.heia-safari.co.za/

Glenburn Lodge-Tel: 27 11 668 1600
Web: www.glenburn.co.za

Kloofzight- Tel: +27 11 317 0600
Web: www.kloofzicht.co.za

Garden Lodge- Tel: +27 11 745 0400
Web: www.gardenlodge.co.za

Aloe Ridge Hotel- Tel: +27 11 957 2070
Web: www.aloeridgehotel.com

La Terrasse- Tel: +27 (0)11 561 3111