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!

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. 

I am thankful for my purpose. I am equally thankful for my close, personal and extended friends I have here in my life. 

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).  

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...

I have made it #Fullcircle

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 love, encouragement, hugs, and words of affirmation.

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.

All the love care support- I've given to so many is now continuously given to me and I am thankful.

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.

Jamila

Quick Note to you & whoever reads these things anymore - CHANGE IS A COMING....WATCH & SEE's MySpace Blog |

To the Mothers and Fathers,

Take care and love yourself !

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).

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.

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.

Much Love,

Jamila

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/

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

Attitudes towards women assessment Part 1 and 2(repost)

We want to provide information, assessments, exercises and relevant news in our blogs that you can use as an individual, amongst your friends,family or even as a aid.





Attitudes towards women assessment Part 1 and 2



** This scale helps measure gender stereotyping**







COPY,THEN PASTE LINK IN A NEW BROWSER IF UNAVAILABLE FROM YOUR PAGE





Directions:

Choose the best response according to your beliefs.

In order to have an accurate score, complete Parts 1 & 2 for sum total.

A high score will indicate a high level of gender stereotyping; a low score will indicate a low level of gender stereotypes





Part 1 of 2 attitudes towards women





http://www. surveymonkey. com/s. aspx?sm=ygir6NBxZrsLcPMwYkri_2fQ_3d_3d


Part 2 of 2 attitudes towards women

http://www. surveymonkey. com/s. aspx?sm=_2bCW8yLzxZGLbFNhvjllbhg_3d_3d




Point Value as assigned: Scale 1 to 4 points



1= Strongly Disagree 2= Disagree 3= Agree 4= Strongly Agree (Except questions 3,5, 7,9 & 12 where value is reverse)



Ex. Strongly Agree would now equal 1pt. instead of 4pts.





If you have questions, call in to our show (347)215-9292 or email us about this blog at
blog@buildtoblend.org


Tune in to BlogTalkRadio Coming this May 2009

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/build2blend


As always, send your feedback, questions or suggestions to build2blendgmail.com

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

We here at BUILD to BLEND want to give you information about issues surrounding Sexual Assault from many positions for instance; we will report on things going on in the community, around the state of Minnesota, news from around the US and abroad. We will also give you B2B's standpoint and survivor(s) point of view.






I personally think it's more important that we try to give you steps or ideas on how you the individual, your community can be a support to someone affected by the abuse and or assault. Our ultimate goal is for you to be equipped and ultimately ready and willing to help prevent Sexual Violence.

We think it is important for us to discuss in this format, social networks, in person for many reasons but I will share my personal view by giving you a couple reason that are important to me and why I step out continuously .

• there are women everywhere and with that potential for greatness and for exploitation of some kind due to Socio-Economic factors, cultural influence, Religious factors, outdated stereotypes and roles affixed on to women and young girls.
  





• We are not alone Sexual Violence and Sexual Abuse at the hands of someone else does not just happen in Minnesota, the U.S. but it's a epidemic that affects us Worldwide.
  





• Men are everywhere as well with the same potential for greatness but just like women run the risk of being exploited or having to live up to outdated stereotypes and roles because of Socio-Economic factors, Cultural influences, Religious Doctrine, outdated stereotypes and roles affixed to young boys.
  
  




• Minorities are unfortunately consistent, with the help of those same factors listed above over time to be an under-served community affected by Sexual Violence.
  





• All survivors are not shaped in a little neat box. We are all different shades and sizes, we don't all forgive, fight, cry, forget, move, heal, create or e even dream at the same time. We don't identify the same or even have the same issues before we were hurt, so why would that change.
  





• As a African-American Woman who has been abused and sexually assaulted I am pinch-able, living proof that it does happen to Minorities. I am unafraid to speak because for a long time I felt I couldn't...imagine that.
  





• People personally tell me and others what we do and say is necessary, someone is helped, you can make a difference, you are changing attitudes, you do make people talk about it (even if behind closed doors) they are still talking...now I say OPEN THE DOOR- so that we can come in and you let all that hurt, speculation, negative attitudes, apprehensions and pain out.
  
  

There is more, if you like, I can elaborate on those concepts or ideals stated above.

If anything, what I would like you to take from this particular blog or any that I or BUILD to BLEND may post is that sometimes violence does happen and often, more then any of us would like, those things are or can potentially be of a sexual nature.



Thank You,



Jamila and Everyone else here who supports BUILD to BLEND