PWCL Blog

The PWCL Blog has Moved!

2009-11-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

We are happy to announce that the PWCL Blog has moved to its permanent home on the PWCL Website! Begin subscribing and following our posts at http://pwcl.org/blog/pwcl-blog/.

Rihanna Speaks Out

2009-11-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

In an interview with Diane Sawyer today on Good Morning America, Rihanna speaks about the domestic violence she experienced in her relationship with Chris Brown. Watch clips from that interview now over at Jezebel.com.

This is Rihanna's first interview discussing the abuse since the incident in which Chris Brown beat her severely after the Grammy's. It's a powerful video as she, a 19-year old woman, speaks very clearly and eloquently about the dynamics of abuse. Sadly, though, she also seems to feel a lot of guilt and responsibility for being a public role model who was in an abusive relationship and worries about the effect it might have had on her fans. If only Chris Brown would also take this kind of accountability instead.

My favorite part is at the beginning of the video clip when Diane Sawyer leads in with "how could this happen to someone so strong?" and Rihanna replies with "I AM strong. This happened to me. It could happen to anyone."

Mexican city launches pink, women-only taxis

2009-10-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mexican city launches pink, women-only taxis

The city of Puebla, Mexico has launched a new business consisting of pink taxis driven by women in an effort to "prevent sexual harassment" that many women face when using taxis driven by men. That's great and all, but can I add that they also carry a supply of beauty products? Oh, geez.

This is a great conversation starter about how we define "prevention". Is it really providing Pepto pink cabs driven by women to avoid the harassment, or is it holding offenders accountable for their behaviors and changing how we socialize children in our society to value female identified folks? Feministing.com writer Jessica agrees:

The onus should be on men to stop harassing women, not on women to escape them.

Vianeth Rojas, of the Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Puebla, seems to agree: "We are in the 21st century, and they are saying women have continued worrying about beauty and nothing more...They are absolutely not helping eradicate violence against women."

Share your thoughts with us in the comments. What do you think of these pink, women-driven cabs that supply beauty products? Are they making a difference in the effort to end violence against women?

Hooray for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!!

2009-10-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
October 1, 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, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence. 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 Hotline 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 State s, 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 Americathe two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

The Cost of a Call

2009-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here at PWCL, we answer an average of 26,000 calls each year. We wanted to know the cost of each of these calls to put our expenses in perspective so, we took the expense of our Crisis Line program and divided it by 26,000. It turns out each call costs PWCL approximately $7.

I plan to go see Zombieland this weekend, and I can guarantee my movie ticket alone will be more than the cost of a Crisis Line call. So when I think about a call costing $7 for 24/7 access to skill Crisis Line Specialists who have the knowledge about community resources, emergency housing and immediate safety planning, I think its a pretty good deal.

I'm not just telling you this to educate you on what a good deal it is for survivors and our community who access our free services. I'm telling you because, honestly, we need your help. We need 700 people to help us support the cost of 700 calls a month by the end of December.

For me, $7 is an easy number. Cheaper than a movie ticket, cheaper than two lattes from the coffee shop, and about the same price as one of the cocktails I'll drink when I'm out this weekend.

Can you spare $7 for survivors? Sign up on our website now.

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips Guaranteed to Work!

2009-09-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

This information was passed on to us by one of our advocates and was written by the Feminist Law Professors. We need to readjust the message that is out there which attempts to educate people on "how to avoid getting raped." There is no guarantee way you can avoid sexual assault and the focus of prevention needs to be on educating youth about healthy sexuality, respect and consent. These tips mimic the typical "risk reduction" techniques that tell women how to act which really only end up promoting victim blaming and excusing sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips Guaranteed to Work!
1. Don’t put drugs in people’s drinks in order to control their behavior.
2. When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone!
3. If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to assault them!
4. NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited.
5. If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON’T ASSAULT THEM!
6. Remember, people go to laundry to do their laundry, do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room.
7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public.
8. Always be honest with people! Don’t pretend to be a caring friend in order to gain the trust of someone you want to assault. Consider telling them you plan to assault them. If you don’t communicate your intentions, the other person may take that as a sign that you do not plan to rape them.
9. Don’t forget: you can’t have sex with someone unless they are awake!
10. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you might assault someone “on accident” you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.

No place to go

2009-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week, the Portland Mercury ran a story on the shelter reality for hundreds of domestic violence survivors each month -- there is often no where to go when a survivor makes the choice to leave an abusive home.

Many people assume that PWCL's call volume must be sky rocketing with the current economic climate. The truth is, we're getting the same number of calls -- about 2000 every month -- but there are less tools available to the advocates who are answering them. When physical violence is escalating at home, the survivor has no income, and there are no shelter beds, there is very little to offer in resources. When that's the case, the advocate has to get creative with safety planning while also working to provide hope and options to a caller... Not an easy job, by any means, and a job that's gotten harder as we've had to reduce the number of staff on the crisis line because of budget cuts.

PWCL has just launched its first annual campaign -- 700 at $7. We're asking our supporters to donate $7 each month; the cost of one call to the crisis line. We want 700 people to join the campaign and hope YOU will be one of them. And once you've signed up, consider asking five of your friends to do the same. Please call our business office, 503-232-9751 to learn more.

Thank you!

Safety In Numbers, y'all!

2009-08-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you're friends with PWCL on Facebook, you know all about Safety In Numbers, PWCL's 7th Annual Gala & Auction to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, happening this Friday, August 28th, at 6p at the Gerding Theater. We've been working our tails off to give you the best silent auction and program in town, and I think we've done it!

Safety In Numbers is PWCL’s opportunity to get our supporters in the same room and celebrate the work of the organization and the community as a whole. It’s an event that we’re all really proud of at PWCL, and it would be great to have you there. One of the reasons I enjoy the evening so much is that we truly celebrate the work of not just PWCL, but of the whole community that’s working together to end domestic and sexual violence. Even though our work is so hard, it feels great to get to have some fun with people who really support all of our efforts.

Special guests this year include Representative Chip Shields, local actress Katie O'Grady, the Caravan Dance Collective, independent filmmaker James Westby, and local policy makers like City Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz. Not to mention hundreds of really cool folks who care about survivors and want to make the world a better place.

Buy your tickets today! We're hoping to get 350 people into the Gerding Theater, and we really need you there!

Femicide in El Salvador

2009-07-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

Last week on the way home from work, I was listening to world news on KBOO and heard a really shocking story about the rise of homicides against women in El Salvador. Apparently, there have been 40 murders of women in last six weeks alone. On average, there are about 300 murders of women each year in El Salvador, but there have already been 200 since the beginning of 2009.

During the story, a mother of a 26-year-old woman who was killed by her ex-partner spoke about her daughter and demanded that the government do something about this disturbing problem. A man was interviewed and stated that the murder of women wasn't something he'd thought much about until his sister was killed. Everyone interviewed felt that the deaths of women where at epidemic proportions and something must be done.

It made me wonder... at what point will our global governments make the same demands? When will governments around the world decide that the murders and abuse of women are worthy of the same action and dollars as issues such as smoking, cancer, or gang violence? These types of violence are often seen as a public safety issue; when will they be a livability issue?

Unfortunately, it's not just governments who are ignoring the importance of violence against women. Once upon a time, a woman that I knew told me that she didn't worry about domestic and sexual violence because it wasn't something that effected a "majority of women" - one in four wasn't enough of a ratio for her to feel like it was something that she personally had to worry about (unless of course, it eventually happened to her). I asked her how many women -- specifically, how many women she cared about -- had personally experienced some form of domestic or sexual violence. Of course, she could think of plenty... and partially conceded that perhaps violence against women was, in fact, something that she should care about.

I believe we need to stop believing that violence against women is only an important issue when it happens to us personally or someone we care about. All of us need to care about violence against women, and all of us need to do something that limits and prevents acts of violence and oppression. Until we are all willing to do that, both individuals and entire governments, women in San Salvador and Portland, OR will continue to live in a world where we aren't safe and are undervalued.

I <3 Community Support

2009-07-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today I was on the phone with a new bank I'm thinking about switching to, and the customer service representative asked where I worked. When I told her I work for PWCL, she said, "I'm so grateful for people who do that work that you do. I hope you and everyone you work with know how important it is."

I love how much support we have in our community. Awesome way to start a holiday weekend, if I do say so myself.

Have a great and, more importantly, safe holiday weekend you lovely people out there.

Welcome to 2009

2009-06-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

House Votes Unanimously for Justice for Rape Victims

HB 2343 affirms that rape is never the victim’s fault

The Oregon House unanimously passed a bill to improve protection for rape victims by removing consideration of a victim’s behavior leading up to a sexual assault from charging decisions. HB 2343, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis), clarifies that nonconsensual sex can be charged as rape, regardless of whether a victim became mentally incapacitated due to voluntary or involuntary actions.

“Oregon is one of only a handful of states whose sexual assault statute contains an explicit reference to a victim’s behavior prior to a sexual assault,” said Gelser. “Rape is never the victim’s fault. Our law should reflect that.”

House Democratic Majority Mary Nolan, commenting on passage of HB 2343, said clearly, “It is time.”

The current definition of “mental incapacitation” covers only a narrow set of circumstances. For example, if someone slips a drug into a victim’s drink and then the victim is sexually assaulted that can be charged as rape. However, if the victim was in the same state of incapacitation due to voluntarily consuming alcohol or another substance, it would be charged as a lesser offense.

“Any woman in Oregon should be able to enjoy a drink or a party without being raped,” said Rep. Jeff Barker (D-Aloha) who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. “This bill makes it clear that a rapist cannot escape responsibility for a crime by blaming the victim.”

If HB 2343 becomes law, the prosecution will still bear the burden of proving that rape occurred. This means that the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew that consent had not been given. A defendant could still argue that his own level of intoxication prevented the recognition of a victims’ incapacity to consent, or the defendant could argue that the victim gave consent. To obtain a conviction, the state must still prove that rape occurred beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Rape remains under reported and extremely difficult to prosecute due to the nature of the crime and cultural attitudes towards it,” said Gelser. “However, I am pleased my colleagues were willing to tackle this issue and unanimously voted to ensure our laws reflect that no one ever deserves to be raped.”

The bill was introduced at the request of former Attorney General Hardy Myers and the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force.

HB 2343 now moves to the Senate for final consideration.

New Report Shows High Incidence of Prison Rape

2009-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today, the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission (NPREC) released a report that stated that about 60,000 inmates are raped or sexually assaulted each year. The US Attorney General, Eric Holder, now has a year to make recommendations to states, and then they have a year to make sure they're meeting these recommendations.

The topic of prison rape is incredibly complex... When you stop to think about it, how many times have you heard jokes in movies and television like "don't drop the soap" or someone "being your bitch?" Or how many times have prison scenes been sexualized (I'm thinking "L Word" right about now) when the under text was definitely sexual violence? When I really started paying attention to how often these things happen, I was shocked to realize that society thinks that it's okay to treat people in prison as less than human. Shocked, but not surprised.

Check out the story that MSN is running about the NPREC's report. It states that prisoners are more likely to be assaulted by staff than by another inmate and suggests "better staff training" as one way to reduce these acts of violence. Excuse me? Are we supposed to expect that staff don't know that it's not okay to rape inmates and some simple training will clue them in? Instead, let's take the time to create an entire paradigm shift in the criminal justice system that demands that are people are treated with dignity and respect. Something tells me that would go a lot farther to end sexual violence in and outside of our prison systems.

I was also concerned at the suggestion that another strategy should be "improved screening to identify prisoners vulnerable to abuse." Guess who these folks are? People who are short, young, gay, or female -- I guess things aren't too different inside the walls of a prison... To me, this puts all of the focus and blame on the survivors of prison rape (again, shocked but not surprised) rather than the people who are committing the crime. As though rounding up all the young, short, gay and female inmates and separating them from their peers would make all the difference. But wait! It wouldn't because somehow they need to be separated from prison staff who are more likely to assault them! Well, now I'm really stumped...

I'm grateful that today's report from the NPREC will shed some light on what's really going on in prisons, as well as sexual violence in general. However, I feel pessimistic that any immediate action will truly focus on the elimination of prison rape -- again, that paradigm shift -- instead of some written policies that will be considered all of the action necessary.

What do you think?

Racism and Rape, at the workplace!

2009-05-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

In US social movements, and especially with white folks, we have a tendency to compartmentalize issues as separate and distinct. Below, you'll find two links to different resources and stories on the connected between white supremacy and gender based violence.

The Southern Poverty Law Center published this article: "Latina Women Endure Sexual Violence, Discrimination. Key Finding: 77% of Latina Women Say Sexual Harassment is a Major Problem on the Job".

"The SPLC's research reveals two major themes: When these women arrive in the United States, many have already suffered severe trauma and are victims of serious crimes, often as a result of violence that occurred during migration to the United States. And the criminal justice system too often fails to protect them when they are victimized in the United States."

This isn't surprising to me. Most women of color, especially women who are undocumented, tell of experiences of being re-victimized by the state social service or crime control apparatus when they seek assistance in relation to their domestic or sexual violence experience.

It has been noted in a variety of places that immigrant women are already seen as criminal because of their documentation status. With this perception of them as criminals, when they experience interpersonal violence from an intimate partner or family member, they are more likely to not report or even disclose the violence. It has been common for the police state to deport undocumented survivors of domestic and sexual assault after they report.

Opposing Bigotry Blog recently posted about the white supremacist group Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR), who recently protested outside a Wendy's fast food chain store, in Milwaulkie, Oregon. "In response to media reports of the rape of one worker at the hands of another at the restaurant, OFIR seized on the immigration status of the accused rapist as the defining factor, protesting the alleged failure of the restaurant to investigate the immigration status of their employees. Do OFIR's calls actually have anything to do with an interest in women's rights, worker safety, or justice?"

Opposing Bigotry goes on to tell us that one of OFIR's leading and most vocal organizers has been convicted of sexual assault. Interesting...

So, its no wonder that women don't want to talk about their sexual assault because they might have a crowd of riled up white supremacists demanding their deportation on the grounds that immigrant women deserve the rape they get or because "their" people are the "problem"!

We must work for racial justice in order to end violence!

Team Celebration needs your excitement!

2009-05-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

PWCL seeks folks of all kinds to support and create PWCL’s annual gala and auction and lead Team Celebration! Last year, PWCL raised over $40,000 through community giving to support the programs that serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence and promote community dialogue on the dynamics of interpersonal violence and its relationship to other forms of violence in our society. Team members are encouraged to attend portions of PWCL’s Basic Advocacy Training to learn more about the organization.

We have a dynamite team leading this year’s endeavor. Please get in touch with Barbara Wynne, Community Organizer, for ways to plug in: Barbara@pwcl.org or 503.232.4176

Team Auction
This team is responsible for all things auction and works directly with Auction Coordinator, Meghan Milinski & PWCL Development Assistant, Kelsey Pine. This position is ideal for people who enjoy interacting with vendors in the community, who have reliable means of transportation, think creatively about pairing items together, and are available during business hours (week or weekend) to check in with vendors, and feel good talking about PWCL and the auction.

Team Outreach & Marketing

This team is responsible for promoting the event. This position is ideal for someone with connections to media of all kinds and who feels comfortable speaking about PWCL and the event. Public speaking skills, strong writing skills and professional experience with media relations are a plus, as well as an ability to work with deadlines.

Team Design

This team is responsible for the design aspect of the event, including printed material (the program and bidder sheets), the event décor and layout. Ideal for self-motivated artistic folks.

Team Logistics

This position is ideal for someone who can think on their feet, troubleshoot in the moment, take direction, and stay calm under pressure. This team is responsible for working directly with the event consultant on the day of the event. Volunteers are required to be available all day on Friday, August 28^th, 2009.

Team Sponsorship
This team is responsible for soliciting sponsorship from individuals and companies. Strong written and verbal skills are preferred. Ideally, this team has connections to companies with philanthropy committees and philanthropists who are known for contributing to social justice causes. This team will closely work with and be supported by PWCL Development staff.

www.pwcl.org

www.pwclblog.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com\pwcl

www.twitter.com\pwcl

Occupation Mentality

2009-05-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

I saw this cartoon and felt the need to re-post it. This is a depiction of the reality of the illegal Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Land and culture, economy, ecology, and all parts of society. The Israeli government has been controlling occupying Palestine since the empire of the western states -- England, France, and the United States, carved up the middle east and made decisions on which white country would dominate which brown people. (yes, that is a very simplified version, but you can find out more at the blog Al-Falasteenyia or the Electronic Intifada.)

My point here is to create the analogy between the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel and the dynamics of an abusive person controlling the life of another person in an intimate relationship. Abusers (or the Israeli government) determine the conditions under which their partner (the Palestinians) will live or die. The role of an abuser is both controlled and methodical in punishment and yet erratic and inconsistent in the exercise in which rules to enforce .

For example, the system of bypass roads and military checkpoints in Palestine is a very detailed and complex matrix of points at which the Israeli military restricts the movement of Palestinians, though the individual soldiers at the checkpoints often have the power to determine which citizens can move through the gates, often arbitrarily forcing closures for hours or days or granting access to those who would quack like a duck or endure strip searches or wait for days. This has the effect of stranding or humiliating the Palestinians who are forced to negotiate this system of inhumanity. Many, many Palestinians have died or given birth at checkpoints because the military guards refused access.

An abuser may use a tactic of movement restriction against his partner by usurping the financial resources or keeping the car keys in his possession, only handing them over when she must take the children to school or go to work or to the grocery store. If she takes too long -- an arbitrary time he sets -- he may use emotional manipulation saying, "You're cheating on me! I know you are!" This leaves her in a predicament where her next moves, no matter the strategy, will most likely result in increased punishment.

She (the Palestinians) may go to any room in the house while he watches, but to pass through the gate he (the Israelis) keeps, she must jump through the hoops he sets.

The analogy could be expanded to look at the feminization of the Palestinian population through the lens of a masculinized foreign policy. More on that later

2009-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

OREGON FAMILY LEAVE

(will benefit survivors of domestic and sexual violence...)

Oregon Family Leave Insurance will give employees 6 weeks of paid leave for a new child or ill family member. This insurance builds on existing family leave laws that provide 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. The insurance benefit is funded through a 2 cent per hour payroll deduction from employee salaries (about $42 per year). This modest contribution enables workers to be eligible for $300 per week, up to $1,800 per year.

Families need time to care. With an increasing number of Oregonians "sandwiched" between caring for their children and their aging parents, employees are increasingly called upon to balance their need for time-off against their need to earn a paycheck.

It is time to care for Oregon families. Tell your Legislators to keep Family Leave Insurance moving today!

Why would Family Leave Insurance help Oregon's families? Right now, families are struggling when a loved one needs care. Paid Family Leave helps families bridge the income gap caused by folks being unable to go to work because they need to care for a new baby or a sick family member. We need Paid Family Leave to help Oregon families stay out of poverty--especially in this time when so many families are already vulnerable.

Send a message to your Legislators Today!

Get ready for Sexual Assault Awareness Month!

2009-03-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

We have been working hard at PWCL to organize events and trainings during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, that will knock you socks off, open your eyes and offer the community a way to help out. Check out what we've got going on and join us in raising awareness and creating change.

April 2^nd Portland Proclaims April SAAM: Join the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in supporting and acknowledging SAAM. > 9:30 AM SE Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd 1^st Floor Boardroom

Presented by the Multnomah County Sexual Assault Response Team

April 14^th Advocating for Survivors with Cognitive Disabilities: A training by Mary Oschwald for advocates and other social service providers addressing sexual violence against people with cognitive disabilities and how providers can advocate on their behalf. Mary is a Research Assistant Professor at the Regional Research Institute, School of Social Work at Portland State University. Her research work focuses on interpersonal violence against people with disabilities, Deaf individuals, and elders. Lunch will be provided. >11 AM -1 PM SE Health Center, 3653 SE 34^th Ave

Sponsored by the Law Office of Randall Vogt, PC

April 16^th “Drunk Sex” an Interactive Performance: Act for Action – Theater for All presents an interactive workshop and performance focusing on sexual assault, alcohol and acquaintance rape, bystander intervention and victim blaming in a college setting. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. >4-6 PM Portland State University’s “Browsing Lounge”, SMSU room 238

Presented by the Tri-County Sexual Assault Task Force and PSU’s WRC

April 23^rd Bike Back the Night Ride: Join PWCL for this annual community bike ride in collaboration with PSU’s Take Back the Night rally to increase awareness of sexual violence. Light snacks will be provided. > Rider check in begins at 4:30 PM. Ride begins at 6 PM sharp at Colonel Summer’s Park, 20^th & SE Belmont Street. The ride ends at PSU.

Sponsored by the Law Office of Randall Vogt, PC

April 24^th SHARE Community Forum and Fundraiser:

An event by SHARE (Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource Education) benefiting the Portland Women’s Crisis Line to increase accessibility to survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing. The forum will focus on shifting the victim blaming practice to a dialogue of strength and compassion There will also be food, entertainment, and a silent auction. Visit share.myevent.com for more information.> 7 PM Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy

April 9^th, 16^th and 30^th Green House Collective Workshops: Join the members of the Green House Collective as they host Thursday night workshops in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month. April 9th: Rape Culture. April 16th: Consent Workshop April 23rd: Join members of the Green House at Bike Back the Night! April 30th: Speak-Out open mic, and Self-Care workshop. Visit http://thegreenhousecollective.blogspot.com/ for more information. > Community potluck begins at 6 PM. Workshops start promptly at 7PM.

April Hygiene Item Drive: PWCL will be hosting a month long hygiene drive to collect items which will be distributed to survivors throughout the year. You can help by creating a collection site at your school, business, faith community or other community gathering place during the month of April. We will also be collecting donated items at all SAAM events. We will be collecting new underwear, socks, hygiene and self care items. Contact ally@pwcl.org to help out.

For more information visit www.pwcl.org or call our business office at 503-232-9751.

Sheriff Beats 15 yr old girl in county jail

2009-03-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

Surfing the internet, I found this article and link and video of a King County (Washington State) Sheriff pummeling a young woman in the county jail.

Seattle Sheriff Deputy Beat 15-Year-Old Girl (from DemocracyNow.org)

In Seattle, a sheriff’s deputy has pleaded not guilty to fourth-degree assault after he was caught on videotape assaulting a fifteen-year-old girl in a jail cell. Video of the beating was released by prosecutors on Friday. In the video, a deputy kicks the girl, pushing her back toward the wall. The deputy then strongly backs the girl against the wall and slams her to the floor by grabbing her hair. A second deputy enters the holding cell, while the first deputy holds the girl face down to the floor. The first deputy appears to hit the girl with his hands. The girl is then lifted up and led out of the cell while the first deputy holds her hair. The King County sheriff’s deputy Paul Schene was investigated previously for shooting two people—killing one—in the line of duty.

See the video here.

watch the video and then send an email or fax or phone call to the Sheriff of King County letting her know your outrage. sheriff@kingcounty.gov

Connect the issue of police brutality to domestic violence:

There is a clear differential in power. The person who holds the most power is usually the abuser. In both DV and Police violence situations, the victim, generally, has no recourse to the violence, they are not allowed to fight back. If they do, the violence / repression will quickly escalate, and can even lead to fatality for the victim.
In both instances, the victim is seen as vulnerable, accessible, and lacking credibility. In typical police brutality cases, the officer or the force will dehumanize the victim, paint a picture of the victim and the events that will, essentially, say they deserved it. This process for Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault can be done fairly quickly or can be utilized throughout the survivor's life.
With Police Brutality and Domestic and Sexual Violence, our society is built on the belief that the police officer, as "authority", or the abuser, as a "good husband" or "provider" or "loving father", would never abuse someone in his care. In this paradigm (and in our corporate-controlled media), the victim us constantly blamed for her actions, and we (society) is led to believe that somehow the victim of incredibly inhumane brutality deserved it or "brought it on herself."

Tell us if you think there are more connections...

.

Who are you calling a victim???

2009-01-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

According to Dov Charney, owner of American Apparel, "women initiate most domestic violence, yet out of a thousand cases of domestic violence, maybe one is involving a man. And this has made a victim of culture out of women."

What in the world is this guy talking about? Those of us who are survivors, know survivors or simply care about survivors know that this is utter nonsense. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the misogynist hate speak that categorizes women as victims and the anti-violence against women movement as overblown and unnecessary.

Check out these other blogs to read what other activists are saying about this: Rage Against the Manchine or Womanist Musings will show you the actual ad American Apparel is using with this quote. (If you read down to the bottom of the Womanist post, you'll see that the ad may or may not be a real one, but the quote is legit.)

Apparently, there's a lot of work to do... You can start by writing American Apparel a letter to let them know you're not interested in giving their boss any of your money.

American Apparel Inc.
747 Warehouse Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021

Tel. (213) 488-0226
Fax. (213) 488-0334

A Feminist President

2009-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

So, all of you anti-violence against women activists out there, what would you like to see Obama do to help our cause?
Check out the latest edition of Ms. Magazine: What a great cover.

King Day of Service

2009-01-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Gross.

2009-01-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Check out this post on the "Yes Means Yes" blog about a recent ad in a men's magazine - another example of things that just aren't funny.

Intersections of Racism and Homophobia

2008-12-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

On December 25th, I listened with great intensity to KBOO's coverage of the New Jersey 7 and the analysis of the intersections of racism and homophobia in the media and in the courts.

The New Jersey 7 is a group of young African American queer women who were attacked in a traditionally queer friendly neighborhood in New York City. After the attack--where they defended themselves against a man yelling homophobic and sexually harassing slurs, who threw a lit cigarette at one woman and pulled the hair extension out of another woman's hair--the 7 women were portrayed in the media as a "lesbian gang" and each now has a relationship with the criminal justice system, through plea bargain or sentences ranging from 3 1/2 to 11 years.

Follow this link to the Free Speech Radio News report of the New Jersey 7. The show is about an hour, and so well worth the listen.

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Palestinian Solidarity Protest in Portland

2008-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Because when others are oppressed, no one is free.

Portland, come out in numbers and show your solidarity with the people of Palestine! As Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza, cities worldwide are demonstrating their outrage of Israeli war crimes against the besieged Palestinian people. Over the past few days, over 360 Palestinian people have been murdered by the Israeli Occupation Army.

Tuesday December 30, 2008 Gather at 4:30, Rally 5:00 pm
Where: Federal Building, Downtown Pdx, SW 3rd & Madison
Organized by: Americans United for Palestinian Human Rights, Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, and others.

Check out the link to this rally on Portland Indymedia.

For an ongoing report from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, please check out the International Middle East Media Center.

The US state-sanctioned occupation of the Palestinian people and land is virtually no different than the ongoing abuse a survivor of domestic violence faces in her home. Both these forms of oppression are based on the same values: domination and control. And they both happen by the hands of a more powerful entity -- whether a person or a nation-state.

If we hold the value that people deserve a life free from domestic and sexual violence, then it is a natural extension for us to work toward a global society where all people can live free of war and occupation.

Read this article of the Israeli bombing of a civilian population. "The Longest Night of My Life" could be story we hear on the Crisis Line...
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In Other Words on Bread and Roses 12/26

2008-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Join us on Bread and Roses Friday December 26, for a conversation with local activists about their grassroots fundraising efforts in our community. We will be joined by Althea Lazero from In Other Words feminist bookstore about efforts to save the store. In Other Words has come under strain in recent months because of the financial crisis, and they've put out a call to the community to help save the store.
Find out more information on helping save the last non-profit feminist bookstore in the nation at www. inotherwords. org

We'll also welcome Pastor Mary Overstreet Smith, to talk with her about her grassroots fundraising efforts in our community. Among her many accolades, Pastor Mary organized a group of people to help after Hurricane Katrina, and she is also a founder of North by Northeast Community Health Clinic -- bringing free health care to the Northeast Portland community.

We'll also be taking calls at the end of the show -- asking you to share your ideas about unique and effective methods of grassroots fundraising.

Join us! Friday December 26, 6:00 pm on 90.
7 FM or streamed worldwide at www. kboo. fm

Support Your Local Feminist!

2008-12-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I received this email yesterday about the future of In Other Words Bookstore -- please read on and consider supporting this vital community resource!

Dear Friend of In Other Words,
We hope this finds you and yours happy and well. We are writing to update you about In Other Words and to urgently ask for your support this year. As we settle in to our Northeast Portland neighborhood, In Other Words has become even more of a hub for many, many different people, groups and organizations. At our space they find their voice, their power and their political home. More than 1,000 folks every month pass through the doors to engage in an astonishing array of events: author readings, lectures and workshops, music nights, open mic evenings, art shows, and much more. Community groups from around the city gather for activities and meetings. Our "That Time of the Month" discussions are creating new and deeper ties among activists who come together to talk about organizing strategies, visions of feminism, and hopes for the future.

When people feel a part of something larger or their life experiences are affirmed in a transformative way, they arm themselves--with books, pens, paintbrushes, silk-screens, guitars, and strategic plans of action! They are challenged and inspired to dream, create, grow, and make a difference. For groups and individuals alike, In Other Words is the place to find your feminest.

We are rich in volunteers--more than fifty people whose dedication, intelligence, and care keep this project going. We are sustained by young activists who look to In Other Words for connection, for dialogue, for education. We are enlivened by the creativity of the women writers--poets, essayists, novelists and zine makers--whose work is available at In Other Words.

But we are struggling financially. We need to raise $11,000 before the end of December. Otherwise we are going to have to close. And we can reach this goal, if everyone who cares about In Other Words makes a contribution, large or small. You are already part of the wonderful community of In Other Words supporters. As you contemplate how much you can give this year, please remember the exciting and important work that goes on every day at In Other Words and imagine Portland without this place that is unique to our city.

Please dig deep. And consider becoming a monthly sustainer. When you contribute monthly from your checking account or credit card, we have regular income we can count on. AND as a monthly sustainer you receive a 10% discount on all book purchases.

Thank you again for your generous support. Best wishes,

the Board, Staff, and Volunteers of In Other Words

New PWCL Website!

2008-12-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Check out www.pwcl.org - PWCL has a beautiful new website!

P.S. we have a whole month to continue giving in the Willamette Week's Give!Guide - PWCL is in the Social Action category. Make your year-end gift today!

Understanding the Wall Street Bailout

2008-11-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

I just read the Amy Goodman interview with Naomi Klein, and I'm shocked and sick, and frankly, not surprised by the content of this expose! Take a good look at the way the US Treasury has been looted and partially privatized by the few, very wealthy folk (mostly male-run companies) that want to dominate the global financial markets.

Why is this important? Because this bailout has only furthered the instability of communities in need and in crisis and marginalizes the communities that need support in infrastructure, education, transportation, shelters, crisis lines, good jobs and energy independence. With this bailout and the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars of tax revenue, it is unclear how it will affect the next cycle of funding for organizations like PWCL.

Please consider a gift of any amount through the Willamette Week's Give Guide to PWCL to ensure our continued success. Scroll down for more info.

2008-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

PWCL has been selected by Willamette Week for inclusion in the 2008 Give!Guide. The fifth annual Give!Guide is a holiday season fundraiser that serves as a unique vehicle for generating donations for a collection of Portland area non-profit organizations.

The goals of the Give!Guide are threefold:

* to provide publicity and exposure to a variety of local non-profits;
* to attract new donors and/or volunteers to these causes; and
* to encourage people age 18-35 to get involved in philanthropy.

Here's what you can do: Make sure everyone you know - friends, relatives, children, business acquaintances - hears about this great opportunity to support our cause and earn valuable and fun incentives in the process. Donations as small as $25 will get TriMet bus tickets, bags of tea, coupons for Dave's Killer Bread, and so forth. Donations as small as $100 will get a coupon for free dry cleaning, three yoga classes, TriMet bus tickets, etc. Larger gifts will result in home delivery of fancy bags of goodies, including beer, wine, coffee, tea and dog/cat products. Gifts over $1,000 bring with them personal visits from one of Willamette Week's two owners - publisher Richard Meeker and editor Mark Zusman.

There are even special incentives for us. If we attract the largest number of donors under the age of 36, Willamette Week will give us an additional $1,000. The same holds if we achieve the largest total (though we're only entitled to one of these incentives).

So please help us get the word out - and make sure everyone you know is looking for Willamette Week's Give!Guide when it publishes on Wednesday, November 12, and goes live on the web the same day at www.wweek.com/giveguide.

Thank you for supporting PWCL. Your support makes a difference every hour of the day, every day of the year.

Yes We Can

2008-11-05T12:45:00.001-08:00

Today's the day!

2008-11-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Election Day, y'all!!! I hope you got to honk at volunteers on the sides of the road with signs from your favorite campaigns on the way to work!!

Election 08 makes me feel like this

2008-11-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

But it also reminds me of a past PWCL employee that I know is out there doing good work and who I miss alot!

I'm excited for tomorrow. Please VOTE. VOLUNTEER. GOTV. 8pm tomorrow night is your deadline, Oregon. Find your county ballot drop off here

Ballots Must be Postmarked by TODAY for Oregonians

2008-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder that if you're mailing in your ballot in Oregon today is the last day for post marking your envelope. After today ballots MUST be taken to a county drop-site to make sure your vote counts. Don't know where one is? The Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division Website has it all mapped out for you by county.

VOTE.

Kick Off November at Super Queer: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza!

2008-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Come out this Saturday to have lots of fun while supporting PWCL at a benefit event that is sure to be a night to remember. What's Super Queer: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza, you may be asking?

Super Queer = All LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), All the Time!

Lusty = Erotic, sexy, bawdy, sex-positive. Think cleavage, think lace, think romance novel covers, but gayer!

Fun = All of the above with a light touch, a bit of humor - Silly sexy

Xtravaganza = Drag Kings & Queens, Burlesque Queens,
Singers, Variety Acts, Vendors of Sexy Fun, and more!

SuperQueer: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza
A Benefit for Portland Women's Crisis Line!

Saturday, November 1st
Berbati's Pan
231 SW Ankeny St, Portland, OR
503.248. 4579
Doors at 8, Show at 9
tix $10 in advance, $15 at the door

Check out the coverage in Curve Magazine HERE. See you Saturday!

Comic Fans: Mark Your Calendars!

2008-10-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month every year, Excalibur Comics in Portland hosts Wonder Woman Day as a benefit for local domestic violence agencies.

This year's day honoring all things Wonder Woman will be held on Sunday, October 26th from 12:00 - 6:00.

The best part? It's free! Even better? You can purchase original Wonder Woman art in the silent auction, get your caricature drawn by Steve Dorris, or get a *free* print signed by famous comic artists like Adam Hughes, Allison Sohn, Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. If you're one for a photo op, real live heroines will be on-site to pose with you for a memorable photo.

Wonder Woman Day benefits Raphael House, Bradley-Angle House, and of course PWCL. I hope you'll come out with me to celebrate the wonder women in your life as well as support a few of the amazing domestic violence agencies in Portland.

Excalibur Comics is located at 2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland.

Can't make it? Join us at another benefit for PWCL - Super Queer: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza at Berbati's Pan on Nov. 1st. More info to come soon!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2008-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This is your opportunity to learn more about Domestic Violence, educate others and engage is activities to show support to your local Domestic Violence agencies. Check out the events happening in the Tri-County area.

Tuesday, the 7^th:
PWCL is hosting the NW Film Center’s showing of “Rape in the Congo”, a film from director Lisa Jackson. Showing at the Whitsell Auditorium, in the Art Museum, 7pm.

Jackson travels through the Democratic Republic of Congo in this sensitive yet unflinching look at the plight of women and girls caught in the country's intractable conflicts. Jackson, a survivor of rape herself, interviews activists, peacekeepers, physicians and even the indifferent rapists. But the most remarkable moments of the film come as survivors recount their personal experiences—remarkable stories of resilience, resistance, courage and grace. Winner of the documentary Special Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. (76 min)
After the film, we’ll hear from Nancy Glass, a former Portlander, who spent time in the DRC working with women around issues of rape, HIV/AIDS, and health care.

Wednesday, the 8^th:
Join us for a noon talk with authors and activists Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards on “Activism and Ending Violence Against Women.” Baumgardner and Richards have co-authored both Manifesta:Young Women, Feminis:the Future, and Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism.
Held at the PSU Multicultural Center, free to all

Friday, the 10^th:
SAWERA 2^nd Annual Fundraiser: South Asian Women’s Empowerment & Resource Alliance Party featuring music by DJ Anjali, 7pm – midnight at the World Forestry Center, Miller Hall, 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR. Formal Indian Dinner, Dance and Fashion Show. Tickets are $55 per person, 21 and over. No tickets will be sold at the door, please contact Sunny at 503.805.3945 to purchase tickets. Proceeds go directly to South Asian women and children.

Saturday, the 11^th:
Raphael House of Portland Benefit Concert, Wonder Ballroon, 128 NE Russell St, 9pm, featuring Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, Caleb Klauder Band and Leigh Marble. Tickets $12 at Wonder box office and Ticketmaster.

Saturday, the 18^th:
Film Screening of Sisters in Law
PSU 5^th Avenue Cinemas, 8pm, PSU students free, non-students $2.

Sunday, the 26^th:
Wonder Woman Day 2008 at Excalibur Comics, 2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 1pm – 6pm, free to all.

Bid on original Wonder Woman art by comic and graphic artists from around the world. This year over 100 comic book and animation stars are contributing to the art auction, and over 20 companies are donating prizes. Plus exclusive giveaway prints, costumed super-heroes on-site, and an activity area for kids. Email Andy Mangels at andy@andymangels.com for more info.Proceeds to local agencies.

Thank you for your support!

Last day to Register in Oregon is October 14th

2008-10-01T23:32:00.001-07:00

Moving Through Frustration into Empowerment.

2008-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Taking action in the political sphere can be hard.

What do I do? Where do I put my time? How do I communicate effectively to our representatives that are so disconnected from my life, my town, and my values? How can I be effective in my words and actions?

These are big questions that lots of people across the political spectrum -- blue, red, green, orange, brown, etc -- experience, so you aren't alone in your frustration.

Bitch Magazine, my new favorite Portland publication, has a fantastic resource on their website for folks to learn how to write an effective Protest Letter! Check it out and get to it! This info will help you state your position to elected officials at all levels of government or to administration appointees or to the editor of your local paper.

Take that rage, sadness and momentum for change and use the tools at your disposal!!!

ACTION ALERT: Your Participation is Needed to Defend the Health Rights of Women

2008-09-24T14:51:00.001-07:00

Please take action today by sending a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services opposing the recent rule submitted by Secretary Leavitt that would, essentially, allow any health care provider the right to deny "abortion" due to their personal beliefs. The rule is really ill-defined and has the possibility for manipulation allowing health care providers to deny a woman's access to birth control or other contraceptives, and not just abortion. It includes no exceptions for rape or incest survivors.

I've been following this for a while and the deadline to submit a letter sneaked up on me today, so if you're reading this please take action now.

Please send a letter at the link above, or here, and help defend the rights that so many civil rights pioneers fought for in the 1970's.

Lifeline

2008-09-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt of a post from RecoveringStraightGirl, Kathryn Martini, who attended Safety In Numbers 2008 and is a survivor of domestic violence.

Thank you for sharing your story and for giving me permission to share it here, Kathryn. Thank you so much.

Read the whole post here

I felt invisible. Like my lower extremities no longer existed and the only thing that I could feel was a deep, dark pain sinking into my chest like a big, black, weight falling into a bed of cotton balls.

We pulled into our garage–both children still asleep and I said, “If you leave now, I won’t call the police.”

He laughed and said, “Go Ahead and Call the police! You hit me first! You’re the one who they would arrest! Oh. My. God. Kathryn! What is wrong with you?”

I stayed in the car and cried. He packed his suitcase and left our home without apology or explanation.

I moved my sleeping children into their beds and called my best friend. She came over and I told her the whole story.

She then told me a story about she and her husband when they were first married. They were wrestling and playing around. They got carried away and he accidentally broke her arm. She went to the hospital and lied–saying that she fell in the bathroom. He was very remorseful and went to counseling to deal with his violent tendencies. She forgave him and that was the end of it. She told me that we could work through this.
Somehow that gave me no comfort.

She stayed with my children while I went to the doctor. I was honest with my doctor and told her about the entire ordeal. She told me that sometimes these things happen and that we could probably work through it. She gave me a prescription for Vicodin and sent me to get an X-Ray.
Somehow that gave me no comfort.

I went home and somehow got through the evening. After the girls were asleep I took a Vicodin and called the Portland Women’s Crisis Line. I cried in my bed for an hour as I talked to someone who understood me.

Alone: the PWCL PSA

2008-09-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

In case you missed it at Safety In Numbers:

My Favorite Safety in Numbers Moment

2008-09-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

For me, it was Betty Roberts. I heard her on OPB's Think Out Loud while I was driving to work last spring and was floored by all of the legislation that she had worked to pass. Restraining orders, rape shield laws, autonomy for married and divorced women, domestic violence shelters.... I found a contact to her through the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation, a funder of PWCL for many years and made it my mission to have her speak to us at Safety in Numbers, Then I read her book and learned so much about Oregon politics, about women, about living through multiple decades of change in America.
My favorite moment was when she took the stage and was given a standing ovation. She deserves it. Thank you Betty and thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, contributed and made it happen!
You can buy Betty's book here. It's a great read.

2008-09-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Follow the link and then forward it to your friends and family.

Register to VOTE!

Organizer your neighbors.

A Culture of Violence Against Women: More Than Rape Kits

Its a bit thick, but a fantastic analysis of our political climate, the candidates, and how we got to where we are.

Educate yourself!

Save Bitch!

2008-09-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

Now that Safety In Numbers has finally commenced my brain is capable of taking on other issues at hand. And the first, and one of the most urgent, is that Bitch Magazine needs to raise $40,000 before October 15th to ensure that this past issue of Bitch isn't the last.

Good lord, our economy is terrible right now.

Watch the video at this link and decide how you are able to donate. Me? I think I'll become a subscriber after payday this week. Want to join me?

Safety in Numbers 2008 rocked my face off!

2008-09-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Holy awesome batman! I love how we just keep getting better and better every year. We filled the Crystal Ballroom, for pete's sake! While I'm still recovering from all the adrenaline and running up and down stairs in high heels for 4 hours I'd love to know: What was your favorite part of Safety in Numbers 2008?

I had a hard time picking one, so here are my two favorite moments.

1. Looking around and seeing all of the amazing day-of volunteers who committed to spending their Friday night doing really important, but really hard, work.

2. The live auction and special appeal. I got goosebumps when folks kept raising their paddles! It was incredibly moving to see folks really getting how important PWCL is and deciding to support us.

Now it's your turn!

Overwhelmed with Support

2008-09-11T01:04:00.001-07:00

Safety In Numbers is shaping up so amazingly, and even though it is 1am and I am beyond tired and I KNOW I need sleep, I had to get on here to make a blog post.

Because, the truth is, I'm completely knocked off my feet by the amount of love and support that is being thrown PWCL's way for Safety In Numbers.

As someone who works on the crisis line, I have felt the pinch of the lack of resources for survivors over the past year. I have felt jaded, and often like I was not making a difference in the lives of folks calling the crisis line.

This week, I am seeing that is not the case. As Safety In Numbers rolls around the corner (literally! It's TOMORROW), people have come out of the woodwork to support us. Survivors have come forward to be a part of the event, staff has rallied to get things done no matter what the cost of time or energy, and the community is joining together to support an agency that has been around, and has struggled to stay alive, for over 36 years.

If you are planning to attend Safety In Numbers this Friday at the Crystal Ballroom, thank you for your support, and thank you for helping me break through my feeling of hopelessness. I know by having this event, we will be making a difference in the lives of the people we talk to.

If you haven't yet, please call PWCL or visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase your tickets to Safety In Numbers. It will truly be a night to remember!

You can check out event details and an auction catalog at PWCL's Tofino Auction Page.

Eek! Check it out!

2008-09-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

Get your Safety in Numbers 2008 Tickets Here! Sept. 12th, 6pm at the Crystal Ballroom. Yes, indeed, there will be dancing.

Contraception = Abortion says the Feds!

2008-09-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

So, over the last few months, Secretary Mike Leavitt of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been blogging about increasing the protections for health care professionals to deny access to procedures and information around types of care that the health care provider finds "morally wrong".

This could be a HUGE list, but lets spell out the most obvious:
abortion, contraception, HIV/AIDS treatment, family planning, artificial insemination, any kind of care for lesbian or gay folks, sex-reassignment surgery, end of life care, treatment for depression, infertility and drug addiction.

And if they won't provide the treatment, do you think they will provide education about options with a referral list of other providers in the patients' area that will provide these services? And when the insurance companies are added to this list of "providers" that are allowed to decide what is and isn't an abortion or family planning or child birth options for queers, we are all simply SCREWED!

Check out Our Bodies Our Blog for more commentary and links.

Go to the National Women's Law Center to send a message to your representative to stop this 11th hour attack on women's health care.

The Regulation is in its comment phase, ending around September 20th, so get on your gams, girls, and get to it!
That means you too guys!!!

We're Rolling!

2008-08-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today was the day! Early this morning, the production team, a crew, and a bunch of eager extras descended on a lovely field on Sauvie Island to shoot PWCL's public service announcement, "Alone."

Shooting started early - the production team and crew was there at about 5:30a and the extras arrived around 7a. By about 9a, the 20+ were standing under the hot sun, waiting for our group shot.

It was a great group of people made up of some PWCL folks like Barbara, Ally, Courtney, and Linda:

Also fabulous PWCL volunteers like this one - Tash from PSU's Allies Against Rape Culture:

And other supporters of PWCL, like local attorney Randy Vogt:

It was crazy to experience what it takes to film something in real time; we spent about 6 hours filming what's going into 30 seconds on screen.

Care to see it for yourself??? Then join us for the premiere at Safety In Numbers on September 12th!!!!

DV and SA in August

2008-08-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Although I've mentioned my role in the development department a few times on here related to our upcoming event, I sometimes also fail to mention that I also work half-time on the crisis line. I've been on our crisis line for about a year and a half as a staff person, and a little over two years from when I started as a volunteer.

Since I've been with PWCL the calls have increased dramatically - both in number and in severity. In August every year, our crisis line sees a sharp increase in calls. Today, in 6 hours, we took about 100 calls on the line. That was all before noon.

On the bright side, maybe we're getting so many calls because more people know about us. On the dark side, maybe the failing economy and lack of area resources have made it that much more urgent for survivors to reach out to us. Either way, we're taking a lot of calls, and a lot of those are really scary.

This is one of the busiest and most difficult times of year for our work, so I write this tonight to ask that you keep our hard working advocates on your mind while you play in the summer weather. I hope you'll also join all of us as we take a few hours to honor and celebrate the work we do on September 12th at Safety In Numbers 2008 at the Crystal Ballroom. Come up and say hello to our lovely staff advocates, especially those who work long hard hours answering call after call on the hotline or responding to hot calls at the hospital. They may be a little shy, but they'll appreciate it. I promise.

Should we GPS track abusers?

2008-08-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

In Illinois, they are. I found this from the news feed down right. From NPR (you can listen to the story by clicking the link):

GPS to Warn Domestic Violence Victims

Audio for this story will be available at approx. 3:00 p.m. ET

Day to Day, August 8, 2008 · This week, the governor of Illinois signed legislation that will allow the state's judges to tag domestic violent offenders with GPS tracking devices. The abusers' victims will get monitors that warn them if their attacker is in the area. Alex Chadwick talks with Michael Bischof, who spearheaded the movement to pass the bill after his sister's death.

Sounds like a pretty good idea to me, particularly considering this freaking tragedy that happened in Portland just yesterday.

Women Deserve Better

2008-08-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

While taking a break from working at home (on Safety In Numbers 08, of course)due to my daughter being sick, I came across this:

WOW. Its hearing women speak out like this that keeps me going on my tough days as a single mom like today.

If You're Wondering Why We've Been M.I.A. Lately....

2008-08-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

...It's because we're working harder than ever on this year's Safety In Numbers. If you missed out last year, first of all I'm forever sorry for your loss, and second of all you won't want to miss out this year. Safety In Numbers 2008 is the 6th annual gala and auction to end domestic and sexual violence. If you're like me, auctions aren't very appealing because of the high prices and stuffy atmosphere... but that's where PWCL's event differs from most. We have a fun crowd, great food and drinks, amazing tunes, and one of the best, most incredible (and affordable, too!) auctions in town.

This year we'll be auctioning off an electric guitar, marathon training, many vacation packages, and lots of great handmade items from local businesses and artisans. Seriously, this is the best event in town. Maybe I'm biased, but I'm willing to prove it to you on September 12th at the Crystal Ballroom.

Want tickets? GO HERE and put "Safety In Numbers 2008 Tickets" in the designation, or get them from McMenamin's Box Office or Ticketmaster.

If I'm not blogging before then, see you on September 12th at the Crystal Ballroom!

There Are No Words

2008-07-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm at the OCADSV Conference all of this week. Tonight we viewed this documentary and participated in a panel following the viewing. It was one of the most intense and sad stories of domestic violence that I've ever heard.

I really don't know what to say. The human ability to be resilient will never cease to amaze me.

Do yourself a favor -- check out the link above. The documentary will air on HBO in September 2009.

I can't read the news anymore...

2008-07-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

...without wondering why local officials don't label domestic and sexual violence an epidemic in our state.

Everyday I check www.kgw.com to get the local headlines, and everyday there is at least one headline about a recent domestic or sexual assault or murder.

Yesterday it was about the doctor who assaulted a number of patients yet is somehow avoiding jail time (wtf??) and today it's about a recent DV stabbing.

I'm sure I'm not the only person who notices this...but really - are we that jaded?

Advocates: What do you do?

2008-07-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting here with my curling iron warming up and my dress aching for me to steam some wrinkles out of it before tonight's Party With a Purpose to raise money for the upcoming PWCL PSA, and I got to thinking. If you work in the anti-violence movement like we do, how do you explain to people what you do?

I got to thinking about this because I attended a party last weekend where I struggled to explain my job in a really simple and effective way, especially without sounding jaded or like I'm speaking jibberish. Tonight I plan to talk to others about the work that we do at PWCL, so I wanted to write a blog to get some feedback from others who do this work to see how you field these questions.

What do you do with blank stares, or even worse, when people apologize or tell you that they feel bad for you because of your job?

So I guess this is much like when we asked you months ago to put "rape culture" into laymen's terms. How do we put DV/SA work into laymen's terms without sounding self righteous, jaded, or just plain confusing?

P.S. If you haven't heard about Safety In Numbers 2008 or the upcoming PSA project, please check out the PWCL website for more information and info on how to buy tickets!

Supreme Court Sides with Abusers (if they are also murderers)

2008-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

PWCL's Safety In Numbers Key Note Speaker, Betty Roberts, Oregon's first woman Supreme Court Justice, alerted me to this article this morning. Anyone in for some letter to the editor writing? An editorial about the case was in the Oregonian this weekend.

From the Washington Post
The Supreme Court yesterday threw out the conviction of a man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend because the defendant could not challenge an incriminating account she gave the police weeks before her death.

The 6 to 3 ruling drew howls from domestic violence opponents who said the decision could lead to perverse situations in which criminals would reap a legal "windfall" after killing their victims.

The case revolved around the Sixth Amendment, which affords people the bedrock right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who give testimony against them. At issue is whether defendants forfeit their confrontation rights by doing harm to people whose statements are introduced in judicial proceedings.

Typically, courts have carved out few Sixth Amendment exceptions, giving leeway only to deathbed statements and to accounts by witnesses who are kept away from the courthouse by defendants seeking to thwart the judicial process.

The facts before the court were stark. Dwayne Giles shot his ex-girlfriend Brenda Avie six times in September 2002, killing her and then fleeing the scene. At trial, Giles argued that he fired the weapon out of fear, in self-defense and with his eyes closed. Avie's wounds indicated that she was turned to her side and lying on the ground during at least part of the attack, according to the court record.

Three weeks before her death, Avie tearfully told a police officer responding to a domestic violence call that Giles had choked her and threatened to slash her with a knife. The trial court allowed the statements to be introduced at Giles's murder trial under a California law that allows juries to hear such threats when a witness is unavailable to testify in person.

The California Supreme Court later upheld Giles's conviction, reasoning that he had forfeited his Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses by killing his ex-girlfriend and rendering her unable to appear in court.

But a majority of justices at the Supreme Court yesterday wiped away the conviction and sent the case back to lower courts.

"Domestic violence is an intolerable offense that legislatures may choose to combat through many means," Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority. "But for that serious crime, as for others, abridging the constitutional rights of criminal defendants is not in the State's arsenal."

Scalia added that the lower courts were free to consider whether in shooting Avie, Giles may have intended to dissuade her from notifying authorities about the abuse, a factor that should be considered as part of the Sixth Amendment analysis.

Activists who decry more than 1,500 deaths and 2 million injuries each year stemming from domestic violence expressed disappointment in the opinion. Officials at the Family Violence Prevention Fund warned the decision could make it less likely that victims will reach out to authorities for help. In many such cases, they said, the victim is the lone witness to a crime.

Justice David H. Souter, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, agreed with Scalia's historical analysis but said prosecutors could introduce evidence that defendants had engaged in a pattern of domestic violence as a substitute for their intent, perhaps opening the door to a finding that the alleged abuser had forfeited his right to confront a missing witness.

In a toughly worded dissent, Justice Stephen G. Breyer said the majority was overanalyzing the thin historical record and overcomplicating the analysis.

"The defendant here knew that murdering his ex-girlfriend would keep her from testifying; and that knowledge is sufficient to show the intent that law ordinarily demands," Breyer wrote. He was joined by Justice John Paul Stevens and Anthony M. Kennedy.

Richard D. Friedman, a law professor at the University of Michigan who filed a court brief supporting the conviction, said yesterday's ruling was "very unfortunate." Friedman predicted that the decision would usher in a wave of litigation over the "psychology of the abuser," the extent of domestic abuse and whether the abuser attempted to isolate the victim from police, a factor that could erode the Sixth Amendment protection.

The Girl Effect

2008-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Once again Blogher has tipped me off to something interesting.

Its backed by the Nike Foundation, which makes me want to dig deeper into what they are actually doing but as a social change philosophy - i'm down with the girl effect. check out their video:

Monday Q & A: What's your favorite social justice song?

2008-07-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my very favorites.

What's yours?

Health Care Costs are making me SICK!

2008-06-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

As I was driving into work today, I was listening to my all time favorite radio station, KBOO 90.7 fm. On the Health Watch show at 10am, I listened to a pair of people talk about the largest insurance corporation in the Pacific Northwest -- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield -- has just raised its premiums for individual consumers to as much as 36% a month! Can you believe this?

Last year they raised the rates by 19%. And this year by as much as 36%!!!

What happens when our premiums go up by as much as 36%? If I'm paying a $100 per month out of my paycheck, then starting today, I'll be paying $136 per month. What does that money go to? Regence says it goes to administrative costs. But what kind? Are the secretaries, claims adjusters, janitors getting a pay raise? Am I getting a 36% pay raise to pay for this new cost to me?

When I go to Regence website, I see this image of two youngish, hip, healthy looking adults with the caption: "A company doesn't cover health care bills. A community does. That's how health insurance really works."

What Regence fails to acknowledge is that if my health care bills are skyrocketing because the insurance company sees me or my mother or my neighbor or you as too expensive to cover, then we are screwed. We stop seeing our doctors, we cut our pills in half, we stop taking trips to see our mothers and brothers and friends. We stop accessing the community that is right outside our doors because we are stuck in a corporate healthcare system that ties the hands of the doctors and denies treatment to those that need it.

True Community Health Care provides all the medications and services for all people, all the time, not just for the rich, not just some of the time.

If you haven't see SICKO, get a copy and then get active. Visit Universal Health Care Action Network.

Life and Sex Work in Portland

2008-06-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Please check out this short documentary that features PWCL's own Sex Industry Outreach Advocate - Crystal Tenty. Here's a blurb about the video:

There's the anecdote about Portland having the most strip clubs of any city in the US. Along with these strip clubs there are a lot of women doing sex work in and around the city. How do they feel about it? How do they do it? Who are they? And where do they get the support they need. This short looks at sex work and the social services agencies that have gathered together to provide services and resources for a very present, and yet hidden and dismissed, group of women working in Portland.

Color of Change: Please take action

2008-06-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Right now, Fox News is trying to paint Barack Obama as foreign, un-American, suspicious, and scary. They're trying to send Americans the message that our country's first viable Black candidate for President is not "one of us."

I've joined on to ColorOfChange.org's campaign to push back on Fox, publicly demanding they stop their race-baiting and fear mongering. If that doesn't work, then we'll go to their advertisers and the FCC. I wanted to invite you to sign on as well. It takes only a moment:

http://www.colorofchange.org/foxobama/?id=2352-187680

Here's what happened recently:

After Senator Obama won the nomination, he and his wife gave each other a "pound" in front of the cameras. Fox anchor E.D. Hill called the act of celebration a "terrorist fist jab." Then last week, a Fox News on-screen graphic referred to Michelle Obama as "Obama's baby mama"--slang used to describe the unmarried mother of a man's child. It was a clear attempt to associate the Obamas with negative cultural stereotypes about Black people, an insult not only to Michelle Obama but to women and Black people everywhere.

After each of the incidents mentioned, Fox issued some form of weak apology. But what does it mean when you slap someone in the face, apologize the next day, then slap them again on the third? It means the apology is meaningless.

These aren't one-time incidents--they're part of a pattern that continues no matter how often Fox is forced to apologize. Fox has a clear record of attacking and undermining Black institutions, Black leaders, and Black people in general.

If we don't push back now, we will see more of the same from now until November. Please join me in helping to bring an end to Fox's behavior.

http://www.colorofchange.org/foxobama/?id=2352-187680

Thanks.

Gratitudeness

2008-06-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

It's getting late and since I had a diet coke at 8pm, I don't think I'll be tired anytime soon. Oh bother.

Do you keep a journal? I have for the past year. I learned about gratitude journaling from my all-time favorite Oprah and thought it sounded a little hokey, but I tried it anyway. It has really helped to charge my optimism in times of increased stress, so I thought I would share that on here tonight. Let's face it... I've been stressed lately.

Last week I did a gratitude journal entry specifically related to work, because I often forget how much I have to be grateful for. Here goes!

1. I am grateful to work with amazingly talented, strong, intelligent and funny women.
2. I am equally grateful for the human ability to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds.
3. I am grateful for friends and coworkers who make stupid jokes with me to help ease vicarious trauma.
4. I am grateful for services, although taxed and sometimes few, that are out there for people to access in times of hardship and crisis... even if it's just another voice on a phone line at 3am.
5. I am grateful for having the opportunity to work in a field that allows me to continually find my own healing, as well as empower others to look for healing as well.
6. I am grateful for having things to look forward to, like seeing my goofy dog at the end of the day, or events that are a few months off.

I usually only do 3 gratitudes for the day, but this was last Wednesday and I felt like I needed to double that to counteract my pessimism. It helped. Are you feeling pessimistic or stressed? You should try it... seriously, I have a big cheese-o-meter and it works for me. TRY IT!

Okay I know I just sounded like a self-help book there. Try it anyway.

Big Girl (You are beautiful)

2008-06-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this video.

Happy weekend!

Purity Balls totally freak me out. You?

2008-06-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Judith Warner has a thought-provoking piece up at nytimes.com on the role patriarchy often plays in the abstinence fervor. I haven't read much about the case in France that she references in the first paragraph, so I have no idea whether it's appropriate to use in this context, but I like what she says about the possibility for boundary violation that an abstinence-only culture establishes.

Here's some background on the totally creepy abstinence ball Warner references, as well as other artifacts from the abstinence folks.

What do you all, especially those of you with children in your life, think about this?

Michelle Obama Watch

2008-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs about women and race is What About Our Daughters?

Recently they have launched Michelle Obama Watch where we can all keep tabs on and talk about the media's treatment of Michelle Obama. I think we can all probably agree that the media's treatment of Hillary was/is despicable and I have seen some things in the blogosphere with regard to Michelle that are so offensive I couldn't bring myself to post them here.

Current posts on Michelle Obama Watch include: Fox News Calls Michelle Obama, "Obama's Baby Mama" and an article about an artist who has used pictures of the Obama's daughters with the caption: Nappy Headed Hos. I don't know about you but I think this is going to get even uglier and fast.

Please check out this site and keep informed. We know that sexism was rampant in the way the mainstream media felt they could talk about HRC. I think it is up to feminists like us to keep track of how racism and sexism play into how Michelle and her daughters are treated as we head toward November.

Have you seen this?

2008-06-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

From the Women's Media Center (warning: contains a whole lot of cable news channel political "opinion" on HRC. Yuck. This made me glad I don't have cable.)

I'm an Obama supporter, obviously. I even recently purchased my "another mama for Obama" t-shirt, but I keep wondering if Hillary's failure is somehow the feminist movement's failure. Or maybe just the rape culture's success. again.

What do you think? Those quotes in the video are pretty powerful.

Domestic Violence as Public Health Emergency

2008-06-09T15:47:00.001-07:00

I was really impressed to read this tidbit from the Feminist Daily News. Hopefully, other Governors around the nation will pay attention and begin making changes too.

June 9, 2008

Massachusetts Governor Declares Domestic Violence Public Health Emergency

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick called domestic violence a public health emergency last week, citing the recent spike in domestic violence homicides. The number of domestic violence homicides more than doubled from 15 in 2005 to 42 in 2007, and there have been 19 killings so far this year, according to the Associated Press.

"Everybody can and should do something to prevent domestic violence," said Governor Patrick at a press conference, reports State House News Service. Patrick also announced a review of domestic violence data over the past three years by state health and safety officials and the strengthening of training for police officers on domestic violence and sex crimes.

Randolph, Massachusetts Chief of Police Paul Porter called policies for handling domestic violence in police departments across the state are seriously outdated, according to the Boston Globe. "We've really dropped off in developing our training over the years, and this will give us that boost," he said.

Media Resources: Boston Globe 6/5/08; Associated Press 6/5/08; State House News Service 6/6/08

Happy Birthday, Legal Birth Control!

2008-06-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today is the 43rd birthday of legalized birth control in the United States. Sing a little song and do a little dance for legal access to birth control.

Thanks to Planned Parenthood for always keeping me updated on important days like this.

Totally Unrelated... Unless You Need a Good Laugh

2008-06-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

One of my all-time favorite things to do when I'm feeling stressed and need a good laugh is watching 1) America's Funniest Home Videos or 2) Looking up obscure videos on YouTube.

One of my favorite searches on YouTube is babies and toddlers laughing. I don't know why but I find it to be the cutest thing on the planet. So, if you're needing a good laugh today like I am, enjoy the video below. This kid has the cutest baby laugh EVER.

Sorry Hillary Supporters...

2008-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

But I am overjoyed by Obama's campaign tonight. Check out his speech here.

I get emotional pretty easily. I admit it. BUT, this speech, and just thinking about what this nomination means for our country, makes me tear up. It is indeed a historical year for the country, and moreover a historical night. And as the man himself said,

"Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another... a journey that will bring a new and better day to America...because of you."

I've got Obama fever.

I'm Liking the Teaspoon Reference

2008-05-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

I have to say, I'm not an avid daily blog reader, but now and then I stumble across some blogs that I find interesting posts on now and then... you know, when I get that reading itch that only hits me ever so often. In one of those rare occurrences this week, I came across a link to a blog with a post about teaspoon jewelry that you can buy, and the proceeds benefit CARE, an organization dedicated to ending the global hunger crisis. I know what you're thinking. Teaspoon jewelry...why?!

It originates from a writer named Melissa on a fabulous blog called Shakesville. She explains the reference started in a post titled "Me and My Teaspoon" by saying:

The teaspoon reference started with my post on International Human Rights Day, when I said: "Today is the final day of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence, during which I suppose I have blogged exactly as often as always about violence against women, in America and abroad. Sometimes it feels like it's all I ever write about; sometimes it feels like I can't possibly write about it enough to do the issue justice; often, those feelings exist within me simultaneously. All I ever do is try to empty the sea with this teaspoon; all I can do is keep trying to empty the sea with this teaspoon." From that came the Shakesville Silver Teaspoon for Random Acts of Feminism, and a whole lot of subsequent references to teaspoons in these pages, when we are feeling crushed by the vastness of the work to be done.

Really. Do I need to say more? Could a reference be anymore fitting for the work we do at PWCL and similar feminist organizations? I think not. Thanks to Melissa and the awesome bloggers over at Shakesville and to Faith on That is so Queer for making such cute jewelry with great meaning and an even greater cause that will benefit from the sales.

Dating a Loser? Or an Abuser?

2008-05-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hillary brought this article to my attention today.

It's an excerpt from an article called "Warning Signs You're Dating A Loser" by Dr. Joseph Carver who advises women to look out for the following:

1) Rough treatment: such as hitting, punching kicking, and hair pulling.

2) Quick attachment: shallow emotions and connections.

3) Killing your self-confidence: correcting your mistakes, putting you down, calling you fat, etc.

It's so weird because I thought that all those things sounded an awful lot like domestic violence, and that a loser was more like a guy who tucked his striped shirt into his plaid pants and lived in the basement with his mom.

You can read the entire article here. If you want to e-mail The Oregonian and tell them you don't think it's appropriate to pass abuser off as "losers" e-mail howwelive@news.oregonian.com

Ooooo... now I'm excited!

2008-05-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of hearing former Oregon Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts read from her book, With Grit and By Grace, her memoir of life as a trailblazing woman politician. Betty was the first female Supreme Court Justice AND is our keynote speaker at this year's Safety In Numbers. Big ups to Ms. Linda for asking her to be there!

Betty is amazing. Give her a name of an Oregon politician from the last fifty years, and I bet she can tell you what years s/he served. She packed the room at Annie Bloom's, and the woman sitting next to me filled me in that a lot of the audience was made up of Betty's neighbors. And she was funny! She told a great story about being asked by a reporter during her race for the US Senate in 1974 how she found time to be a politician and get the grocery shopping done, and she replied, "I go when the dog and cat are out of food." She also stated that Hillary Clinton has to stay in the race for the women of the United States and Barack Obama has started a movement that all of us need to continue.

But my favorite story of the night was when she showed the audience a picture of the glass ceiling that sits above the Oregon Supreme Court in Salem. She said, "Now, I didn't break that ceiling, but the year after I was appointed, it started leaking."

I can't wait to hear more on September 12th at the Crystal Ballroom! This year's Safety In Numbers is going to be AMAZING.

new tattoo

2008-05-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

i got this tattoo tonight.

it's my compassion meditation - my remembrance that i am a survivor of violence and all survivors are just like me.

i want to treat myself as gently as i wish all survivors were treated.

does that make sense? i really do want to know.

PWCL GOTV

2008-05-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey PWCL Blog Readers! It's May 19th, 2008 and we've got one more day to drop off our Oregon ballots. Let's make sure our fabulous feminist voices are heard!

Take the Ask a Working Woman Survey

2008-05-15T23:23:00.001-07:00

I just took some time out of my night to fill out the Ask a Working Woman Survey created by the AFL-CIO and Working America which will be used to generate a report on the current concerns of working women in America. I thought it had some great, straight-forward questions about where you're at in your career and where you thought you would be, as well as the good and bad things about your employment. It's funny to think that we've come so far, yet we're still fighting ye old glass ceiling in terms of having equality with men when it comes to pay, pensions, and assumptions about your role as a working parent.

According to the AFL-CIO Blog over 22,000 women took the 2006 survey. This is a great way to have your voice heard as the report will be shared with lots of important folks from Congress to the presidential candidates.

So, if you have a minute (or are just plain up late, like me) take the survey and contribute to the report. It's a good project for the hot day tomorrow when most people will be hiding inside in air conditioning. 96 degrees? That's just crazy talk.

Balancing rage and compassion

2008-05-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Guys, I love the internet. Today I came across two articles that seemed totally incongruous and unrelated at first, but actually became a beautiful lesson in balancing the anger I feel when talking about rape culture with the compassion that I feel is a necessary component of creating meaningful change in our often indifferent world.

Jen's amazingly brave post about her experiences with sexual assault and rape culture at Female Impersonator attracted the ever-present shithead: Anonymous Commenter. (Trigger warning, BTW. The post is very graphic, as are the comments.) The comments are nothing unique or special: someone gets defensive about the idea that we live in a rape culture, misinterprets the OP's conclusion that all men are potential rapists as all men are rapists and the rest de-evolves into a big mess of blegh. Same old song and dance.

I get so tired sometimes, you know? Frustrated with the fact that many people (heck, probably most people) don't understand that we live in a rape culture, and that most people victim-blame until the cows come home, often compounding a survivor's stress, depression and isolation.

So today I bookmarked this WikiHow entry: How to Forgive so I can find it again next time I'm in that frustrated, depressed, raging place. I need to remind myself that compassion is just as important as supporting and empowering survivors or engaging in self-care. In fact, reading this article might just be a step in my self-care process from now on.

ETA: As I re-read this, I realized it might sound like I'm advocating for all survivors to forgive the people who abused them, which I am DEFINITELY NOT. I firmly believe that every single individual person in this world knows best how to care for themselves and heal themselves. I connected with the entry's message of compassion, but that is part of my journey so please don't read this as me telling you how to heal.

Good news+sunshine+cupcakes = AWESOME

2008-05-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'm wicked tired today (cupcake mania last night. of course.), so I'm afraid I'm not going to be eloquent about this, but I'm loving the "Voices of.." series Feministing has going on right now. I absolutely love everything I've read about justice now and it's making me want to get involved with prison activism something fierce.

In other fantastic news, survivors of sexual assault across the U.S. can now undergo anonymous emergency room rape kits that will be kept on file in case they decide to press charges at a later date. Finally! One tiny, long-awaited step in the journey toward making services survivor-focused!

Anyone else have some good news?

Food is a Feminist Issue

2008-05-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Food has been on my mind lately, and not in the usual "Mmmm, chocolate cake" kind of way. Lots of women are writing about the global food crisis that is currently most affecting those who were already struggling with access to food. Even the mainstream media is taking notice of the effect the collapse of the global food system is having on marginalized communities, though the conversation about how the crisis is manifesting in American is far from comprehensive, as Feminocracy eloquently points out. If you have the time, I really recommend reading as many of the linked posts as you can; they are all incredibly informative and invaluable

I struggled with using the word 'crisis' to describe this situation, because I feel that it is often over-used as a bludgeon by folks engaging in scare tactics, but the more I read about this the more apt it felt as a descriptor. Sharon Astyk has written an amazing post about what she calls "The Great Food Kablooey".

Has your life been impacted by the Great Food Kablooey? Are you concerned about it, or do you feel like it's a trend that will pass soon?

Self care - What have you been doing?

2008-05-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

The death of Lisa McMurtrey two weeks ago is sticking in brain, even though it has more or less faded from the 5 o'clock news and the Metro section. It's been hard to keep up hope, to stay positive, and to continue up the steep incline that PWCL is on in the anti-violence movement.

On Mother's Day, which I spent with my daughter completely unplugged from work, online discussions and my cell phone (well, except for talking to my mother, sisters and my best friend), I was reminded that there is one thing I can do to help replenish when my well of determination and inspiration seems desperately low: Self-Care.

Here's one thing I did. I picked early blooming flowers (lilacs and spanish lavender) out of my yard and added a big sprig of fennel for fun. You might not think it, but the three smells together are wonderful - like my own personal anti-stress balm.

What have you advocates done lately to fill up? PWCL wants to know! :)

I stand corrected. Mrs. Bush is alright on Burma.

2008-05-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well, she's right on the name anyway. I'm not going stick my shoe any further in my mouth with discussions of global politics.

So, despite my quick jump to assuming she was wrong (assumptions are mostly always bad, I know!) I did learn a lot from investigating after I made this post. Next time, the investigating will happen prior to posting, I promise.

So in place of Mrs. Bush's twang, here is another video for you:

Example #2394802834: We Live in a Rape Culture

2008-05-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

We received this article from a regular PWCL blogger in our e-mail today, coming via Feministing.com. A young woman was sexually assaulted on her campus, and after fighting back using so-called lifesaving self-defense skills, she was attacked again by a group of young men because she fought back in the first place.

What's interesting about this story is how it highlights a few scary things that take place in our rape culture:

When survivors fight back, it often doesn't work or backfires. Yet we are continually taught that self-defense is one of the key elements to ending sexual violence.
Mob mentality. If you've seen Dreamworlds 3, you know what I'm talking about. It highlights the idea that some men participate in the mob mentality around rape culture and sexual violence. In this case, they did not stick up for the survivor but rather participated in the violence being perpetrated against her.
The normalcy of rape in our culture, and even more on college campuses. See the "rape trail" in this story. Ugh.

What's really upsetting to me is that this story isn't on national news. Why? Because, sadly, these sorts of instances of sexual violence happen to people, and moreover women-identified people far too often. I was physically assaulted by a group of teenage boys last year, outside of a PETCO no less, and it reminded me of all the times I experienced similar violence when I was in high school and my early college years. It was normal to me back then, and only when we start talking about stories like the one featured above on feministing.com do we realize what an epidemic physical and sexual violence is against all sorts of oppressed groups, and in this case, women.

2008-05-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Posting issues! This message comes via Crystal, one of our Sexual Assault advocates who also runs our Sex Industry Outreach program. Please check out her message about her upcoming fundraiser and enjoy your very sunny Portland day! - Kelsey

Hello friends!
I wanted to invite all of you to an awesome fundraiser event this Thursday, May 8th at the Chaos Cafe and Parlor on SE 26th and Powell at 8pm. I am working with a Ph.D candidate at PSU on a creative participatory research study focusing on the needs and aspirations of female sex workers in Portland Oregon. We are using photovoice method which is a participatory action research method that involves placing cameras in the hands of community people so that they may visually represent and communicate to others their lived experience.

The Goals of Photovoice are to enable people to:

Record and reflect their personal and community’s strengths and concerns through taking photographs.
Promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important issues through discussion of their photographs.
Reach policy makers and decision makers who can influence positive social change through public forums and showing of their photographs.

Ultimately we will be showing the photographs at various venues around Portland and inviting policymakers, community leaders and advocates to come to these showings with the intent of affecting positive change in our community in regard to the rights of sex workers.

We are compensating all of our participants for their time and also paying for the film, processing and framing (we had all the cameras donated by some of you) so we are trying to raise some money to help us out. All of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to this project and the sex workers who will participate. We are asking 5-10 dollar donations at the door. For those of you who can't make it but still want to donate to the project you can make checks out to me Crystal Tenty and mail them to me at PWCL at P.O. Box 42610 Portland, OR 97215. Unfortunately these donations are not tax deductible as we are doing this project as students and do not have a 501 (c)(3) status.

This fundraiser will be a dance party featuring global beats by DJ Niko. http://www.myspace.com/gypsyfunkglobalbeats

There will be free snacks and wine and beer for purchase. You can also check out our myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sexworkartasactivism

Feel free to e-mail me or call me for more information at 503-997-4078

Hope to see you all there!!!

Crystal Tenty

Ballots are out!

2008-05-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey PWCL Blog Readers! Do you vote?

I do. I miss the polling places but I was excited this morning when my ballot (Nia called it my "red mail") showed up.

So, please vote your mind and heart! And while you're at it, check out Color of Change and take action to tell Democratic superdelegates to follow the will of the people. Here's an excerpt from the letter they are asking us to send:

It has come to my attention that elected officials and party leaders are actually considering using their status as "superdelegates" to hand the nomination to Hillary Clinton against the will of voters, an action that would disenfranchise millions.

Following this course would be a shocking attack on voting rights and democracy. It would also give your seal of approval to an "electability" strategy executed by stoking race-based fear and division among voters. We expect that from the Republicans; we fight them on it every year. But now the leadership of the Democratic Party is poised to cosign this strategy of division and disenfranchisement. This could be the worst mistake the party has ever made, yet it's being talked about as a legitimate way for this campaign to end.

A Reminder of the Importance of Services for DV Survivors

2008-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today we received a very tragic reminder of the safety needs of domestic violence survivors and victims. You can find some coverage on the story here.

Lisa McMurtrey was shot and killed as she pulled up in front of the West Linn Police Department as she tried to flee her estranged husband, Newton McMurtrey. Her SUV was sideswiped as she pulled up to the police department and she was shot and killed in her car.

After Newton McMurtrey shot his wife he then turned the gun on himself. He died later at the hospital.

This story is incredibly sad, and unfortunately, way too common. PWCL contacted the media this morning to speak out about domestic violence and the resources we offer here at the crisis line. You can find some coverage shot here at the crisis line on KPTV FOX 12 News tonight, and also an interview with Rebecca Peatow Nickels, our Executive Director, on KOIN 6 News this evening.

If you have time today, please take a minute to remember Lisa McMurtrey. I know all of us here at PWCL have her and her family on our minds.

I also want to say thank you to all of those advocates working so hard in the DV/SA field. Today is a sad reminder of why our jobs are so important.

Tiniest Advocate gets Down at Take Back the Night

2008-04-25T22:10:00.001-07:00

So very tired. So very proud. Thank you Portland!

2008-04-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Bike Back the Night was awesome!!!! Thank you to everyone who came.

And a huge thank you to BikePortland for covering the event. Check out their blog post about it and Flickr page for some great photos of the ride.

Here are a few the super star organizers:

And I just love this photo:

We are creating change! Right now!

Did You Register for Bike Back the Night YET?

2008-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well, have you?

Please do! Click below for more information on Bike Back the Night and instructions on how to RSVP. We'll see you there!

Follow the money...even during SAAM

2008-04-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to on of my very favorite bloggers: Angry Black Bitch who was so right on with her blog title for Blog for Fair Pay Day that I had to steal it. Except she didn't say that part about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

I think it's appropriate that yesterday was Fair Pay Day - the day in 2008 when the average woman's wages finally catch up with what the average man earned in 2007.

Women in the United States earn only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.

African-American women earn 63 cents and Latinas earn 52 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

As Angry Black Bitch would say: Blink.

That Fair Pay Day was yesterday is appropriate to me because I went downtown and watched the Allies Against Rape Culture screening of Dreamworlds 3. There was a good turn out and good discussion. Thanks for participating in SAAM, AARC!

I will say (in case you haven't seen it)it was pretty traumatic to have to sit in front of relentless images of objectification and worse for an hour BUT what really caught me was his analysis of "following the money" of mainstream music video production. You know, the top guys at Sony, Warner Brothers, etc. Hmmm...do I need to say what demographic these corporate leaders fall into?

Wink. Probably not, considering my audience. If you are confused, just go back to what I posted up front and follow the money......

And then, after de-constructing video after video after video into about 4 basic elements, the director, Sut Jhally made an off-hand comment in the narration about lack of creativity, the sheer lack of creativity in the (how many? 100s?) of videos he had dissected.

And then I felt a little less helpless and a little more empowered. And maybe, just a little bit evil as I thought of the fact that these white men are old and they are going to die and I hope that a person with some cultural competency takes their place. Simple as that.

Please take action and urge the Senate to pass the Fair Pay Restoration Act so that we don't have to wait until all those boring old white men kick the bucket! This act will help women faced with pay discrimination take action against their employer.

Bike Back the Night is Next Week!

2008-04-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

*Ledena is again unable to post to the blog. W-T-F Google?! I'm posting it for her and while I'm at it I just want to say: LEDENA - you've done an amazing job working on SAAM this year. I hope you know how proud and appreciative we all are of you and the work you've done. Hopefully you'll have much more time to commense the dancin' in the kitchen again. - Kelsey

Way back in April of 07 I returned to the crisis line after a day of outreach for last year’s sexual assault awareness month with my brain churning about what we could do next year. I was talking to some of my co workers about how great it would be to do a bike ride for SAAM next year, and here we are with less than a week to go before Bike Back the Night comes to fruition for the first time on Thursday April 24^th starting at 4:30 pm at Colonel Summer’s park (SE 20^th and Belmont under the covered picnic area). You can register at the PWCL Eventbrite page by clicking HERE.

This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Events have been really great for all of us here at PWCL. The staff, volunteer and community support and effort have really been uplifting for me as I learn more and more about what it takes to plan events: a lot of phone calling, list making and A LOT OF HELP AND SUPPORT FROM OTHER PEOPLE. I just want to give a huge shout out to Linda, Rebecca, Kelsey and Lyndi for all of their hard work for SAAM and Bike Back the Night (not to mention the countless other folks who have helped as well!!!).

I see SAAM as a time to re-energize in the uphill battle of fighting domestic and sexual violence everyday. It’s been tremendously inspiring the response that we have gotten from the community so far and I can’t wait until Thursday, when we rally together in such a public way, to recognize our work, recognize survivors and support this year’s Take Back the Night rally at PSU.

Hope to see you there!!

Ledena

“Live with the suffering in the center of your heart, because the struggle is the change.” Eve Ensler

Joyful

2008-04-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

When things start to get complicated, I like to go back to the basics. I don't know about you, but things are starting to feel... complicated.

PWCL is so busy right now! We have so many fabulous things happening -- Bike Back the Night; Safety in Numbers; a new website; new grants; new positions. It's amazing and inspiring, and it's a whole lot of work.

On this Friday, with my ipod and stacks of paper keeping me company in my office, I'm humming a song that has always been a reminder of why I do the work I do and have the commitments I have. It's "Joyful Girl" by Ani Difranco, and I thought you could use it as a reminder too.

I do it for the joy it brings

because I'm a joyful girl

because the world owes us nothing

we owe each other the world

I do it because it's the least I can do

I do it because I learned it from you
and I do it just because I want to

I want to

You've Come a Long Way, Baby... But Mommy's Still Not Pretty Enough

2008-04-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was a bit horrified to read this story on the Newsweek site today about a new picture book for children about why mommy gets plastic surgery... because it makes her prettier!

Ugh.

The argument for this book was made by its author, a plastic surgeon, who sees increasing numbers of clients bringing children into his office. At first thought, it seems like a great idea to explain plastic surgery to children since the prevalence of people, especially women, getting plastic surgery is increasing every year. However, this book does not talk about why mommy doesn't feel pretty (increasing demands from society and the media) or why her only option is surgery. Instead, it explains that plastic surgery makes mommy have a better tummy, a prettier nose, and (without explanation) much larger, perkier breasts.

I am not a mom, so I can't say that I wouldn't ever want to or actually get plastic surgery. I can say, though, that I think its troublesome that our society makes women feel that their post-baby bodies are unacceptable and less-pretty when compared to their pre-pregnancy counterparts. I think that if we live in a society where we skirt around explaining body image and self esteem to children and instead justify capitalistic remedies like plastic surgery that we have a lot of problems.

To sum it up: I'm really angry that our society sets out to make pretty much everyone, especially women-identified folks, feel insecure about their bodies and the natural changes that our bodies can make.

Read that article. How do you feel about it?

Why can't I find this story?

2008-04-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Last night, I heard a news story. The 11pm news, you know...

A man in Gresham was stabbed to death and the police were saying it was a case of "domestic violence".

I don't know about you, but I am hard-pressed to believe that the woman doing the stabbing was the abuser.

Did anyone else hear about this? I can't find it on local news network web-sites.

And just a self-indulgent p.s. Thanks for posting about Dreamworlds, Kelsey! Kelsey, you may know and love her as one of our awesome Crisis Line Specialists and PWCL's Administrative Assistant, is my new Development Assistant!! We send many thanks to Meyer Memorial Trust. And to Kelsey for taking on this challenge.

What's Your Dreamworld?

2008-04-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Being 23, I consider myself a child of the MTV generation. I often sat at home when I was younger watching, studying, and drooling over music videos. My favorite, which I learned to imitate and reproduce with friends, was "If" by Janet Jackson. I must have only been 10 or so, but I was recreating some of the most sexual dance moves to one of the most sexual songs of the 1990s.

There's no doubt in my mind that music videos, especially those featured on shows like Total Request Live on MTV, are incredibly influential to the young population, and some might even argue the society at whole. In high school I fawned over rap videos with gorgeous music video girls who would shake their booties in the skimpiest outfits I had ever seen. I wanted to be them, I wanted that attention, and I wanted to feel sexy. These music videos are partly why I consider my teen years to be those where I had the lowest self-esteem and worst body image. Every girl I knew watched those same videos and learned, just as I did, that we weren't good enough until we looked like, acted like, and got as much attention as the girls in these videos.

I tell this story on our humble little blog, not because I think I'm special, but because I think my experience is highly normal for people growing up in the MTV/VH1 generation. I never realized how big of an impact that these videos were on my life and my perception of the world until I saw the documentary, Dreamworlds 3.

In Dreamworlds 3, Sut Jhally continues his examination of how music videos create dreamworlds. Through careful analysis of video clips that Jhally very skillfully juxtaposes against film of real sexual violence, we are encouraged to consider the true impact of the stories being told in music videos.

If you'd like to see Dreamworlds 3, you're in luck! This Friday Allies Against Rape Culture at PSU will be holding a screening at 5th Avenue Cinemas. The film will be shown and there will be a discussion to follow. I really hope to see some of you there to discuss this very important and relevant documentary!

Dreamworlds 3
Hosted by AARC for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Friday April 18th
7:00 PM
5th Ave Cinemas
510 SW Hall St
Portland, OR 97201

Oh, hey, here's a video clip for you to check out, too. You're welcome!

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Quote of the Day

2008-04-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

As I'm preparing for my workshop on trauma, I thought it would be appropriate to re-read Judith Herman's classic book on trauma, "Trauma & Recovery".

She begins her book with a quote from Salman Rushie. This is an excerpt from the quote:

Repression is a seamless garment; a society which is authoritarian is its social and sexual codes, which crushes its women beneath the intolerable burdens of honour and properity, breeds repression of other kinds as well.

I would be super-excited if someone I was interviewing for a position responded to this quote when I asked them about the root causes of domestic and sexual violence.

PWCL's Trauma & Recovery Workshop

2008-04-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday at 12:30, I'll be facilitating a presentation on Trauma & Recovery. I initially intended this workshop to focus specifically on the effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse, but as I read more of the literature on trauma, I found that different types of trauma (domestic violence, sexual abuse & assault, and even natural disasters can have similiar effects on survivors.

Here is a brief excerpt from my presentation:

All trauma stresses the mind, body, and spirit. Traumatic events are objective. A hurricane wipes out a town, an uncle rapes his niece, a stranger mugs a man in an alley. Reactions to trauma are subjective, so how a person reacts to a traumatic situation varies on an individual basis. Individual reactions to trauma can be influenced by personal temperament (i.e. our psychological make-up), the trauma itself, and most importantly, how those around us responded to our experience of trauma. A child who tells her mother she is being molested by her grandfather resulting in the arrest of the grandfather, comfort from her parents, and counseling will fair much better in the long run than a child a who tells his parents he’s being molested by his babysitter only to have his parents scoff at him and tell him he made the whole thing up.

I'll spend some time talking about the effects of trauma, and a lot of time talking about how to recover from it. My talk will be appropriate for service providers who work with trauma survivors as well as trauma survivors themselves.

To register for the workshop, please e-mail events@pwcl.org.

Hope to see you next week!

Model Minority: How Women's Magazine's Whitewash Different Ethnicities

2008-04-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to one of my faves: Racialicious

Here's the article.

What do you think? Have you found any women's magazines that are moderately mainstream but also celebrate genuine ethnic diversity?

Here's an excerpt. I like this sassy writer's style:

My name is Alex Alvarez. And I hate women’s magazines.

Don’t get me wrong: I like fashion and I’ve worked at several magazines over the past couple of years. I can talk about Courrèges and Two Girls, One Cup in the same breath. But so many women’s magazines, both “fashion” mags like Glamour and Vogue and “sexy” mags like Cosmo and Horse & Hound do women so much more harm than good.

Women’s magazines have long been accused of creating a standard of beauty that will forever be just out of the grasp of most women - prompting them, of course, to wait until next month’s issue for more advice on how to be perfect. (Hint! Transplant your face with this other face.) Selling women this promise not only keeps magazines on newsstands and subscriptions in the mail, it also helps appease the real driving force behind all magazines — advertisers and Satan. And what women end up purchasing is cosmetic “whiteness.” You know you’ve made it, baby, when you wake up looking like you faceplanted on Plymouth Rock.

Advertisers and Satan! HA!

And don't forget to join PWCL and CARA tomorrow at Noon at PSU. Learn the real deal about Healthy Sexuality, not what the magazines tell you!

SAAM Activism

2008-04-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

A big blog thanks goes to Feministing for being so on top of everything.

I just read this article: Another military contractor rape *before you click - trigger warning*

Essentially, another woman working for a US defense contractor in Iraq has come forward as a survivor of a terrible, terrible sexual assault (too many details in the article. sigh.) perpetrated on her by her male coworkers.

The survivor was told to be quiet about it by superiors and stayed quiet for fear that more violence would be perpetrated against her.

Feministing is asking us to do a few things to support this survivor and the many, many survivors who are speaking up after working for defense contractors in Iraq, which I think is just so smart of the Feministing folk and it makes me like them all the more.

So, PWCL folks:

Take Action! Pressure the Department of State and Department of Defense to take steps to protect US contractors; urge them to respond to the concerns raised by Rep. Louise Slaughter.

Positive Sexuality

2008-04-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

“ A social change movement is a sustained subversion of oppressive forces and a construction of new ways of relating to each other based on liberation and self-determination.” Communities Against Rape and Abuse, Seattle

I am proud to say that for SAAM we are bringing to town presenters from a sister agency in Seattle for a workshop on Friday April 11^th about survivors and healthy sexuality in collaboration with the Tri-County Sexual Assault Task Force.

I am excited to be bringing them to town because I have been tremendously inspired by the way CARA goes about the work after discovering the organization when reading their essays in the book The Revolution Will Not Be Funded. CARA’s approach to anti-violence work is radical, to say the least, and I encourage all of you to check out their website at www.cara-seattle.org.

And, to continue our discussion about defining rape culture, you can read some writings by members of CARA on the topic including the essay Organizing to Challenge Rape Culture, an article by Hollis Rendleman, former Youth Program community organizer at CARA/. http://www.cara-seattle.org/w_challenge.html

Join us for this workshop April 11^th from 12pm - 1pm on the PSU campus Multicultural Center SMSU Room 223. FREE LUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Ledena