Mar
7
Cesar Chavez: A Model of Men’s Nonviolence
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Prevention, Resource | By Emiliano Diaz de Leon | Leave a Comment
This blog piece was orginally published by Joyful Heart and 1in6.org.
If you walk into my home office in Austin, Texas you will see two posters – one of Emiliano Zapata and the other of Cesar Chavez. Both of these men struggled for the rights of the poor and oppressed and organized movements that changed society; however, the tactics they used to achieve this social change differed greatly. As his birthday approaches, I would like to reflect on the example of change set forth by Cesar Chavez.
Chavez once said:
Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak…Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win.
No one lived these words better than the man himself. Cesar Chavez modeled a deeper meaning of nonviolence, not just as a way of acting but as a basic principle of life. He realized that in order to change the world, he had to be willing to start with himself; therefore, in 1962, he resigned from his post of national director of the Community Service Organization and founded the United Farm Workers of America. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the Southern Civil Rights movement, Chavez humbly led the union for more than three decades with nonviolence as the guiding tenet for all of his actions. Even in the face of violent attacks from landowners and growers, Chavez maintained his commitment to nonviolence, organizing and participating in successful strikes and boycotts, as well as fasting for nearly a month on several occasions to send a message to farm workers, who began to speak of responding in kind to the violent assaults against them. Chavez sacrificed personally, going days without eating, earning less than $6,000 a year, never owning a house, and leaving his family with no savings upon his death in April of 1993, but his sacrifice and dedication won fair wages, medical coverage, humane living conditions, and above all dignity and respect for farm workers.
It is for all these reasons and many more that a poster of Cesar Chavez hangs in my office. His image reminds me daily that with courage an ordinary man can accomplish extraordinary feats. This holds especially true in my work with 1in6. I have seen how the courage of one survivor coming forward to tell his story of childhood sexual abuse serves as the catalyst for others to come forward as well. I have also witnessed how the courage of bystanders taking a stand against social norms that perpetuate sexual violence has helped others question their own views and actions and how the courage of a loved one supporting his partner has made the long journey of healing a tad more bearable. Although it is often much easier to allow fear, doubt, and apathy to paralyze us into inaction, we must have the courage to look beyond ourselves for the greater good of others just as Cesar Chavez continually did and spoke of:
When you have people together who believe in something very strongly – whether it’s religion or politics or unions, things happen…We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.
We at 1in6 believe strongly in our mission of helping men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives and through our work, we are beginning to see things happen. Recently 1in6 partnered with The Joyful Heart Foundation and NBC on a ground breaking episode of Law & Order: SVU “Personal Fouls,” which focuses on both courage and the role of bystanders. You can watch the episode (for $1.99) on Amazon, and please consider using the Viewer Guide created by 1in6.
In this time when so much emphasis is placed on self-preservation and retaliation, may the words and legacy of Cesar Chavez inspire and challenge us all to continue working in order to become the peace we seek in our community and in the world.
By: Emiliano C. Diaz de Leon
Emiliano C. Diaz de Leon is a Cultural Capacity Specialist for 1in6, Inc.
Besides his work with 1in6, Emiliano has more than a decade of experience working for multiple Domestic/Sexual Violence centers in Texas. Since 2008, Emiliano has worked as a Primary Prevention Specialist for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) and since October 2011 providing technical assistance to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Engaging Men Program grantees around the country as a Men’s Engagement Specialist.
Feb
14
We are all Miramonte!!
Filed Under Announcement, child sexul assault, Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | 1 Comment
The following piece written by guest blogger Laura Zárate (Co-founder and Executive Director of Arte Sana)contains a position statement written collectively by members of a national Latina cyberactivist group named ALAS. The position statment has been endorsed by agencies from Texas and across the country. This effort demonstrates a unified front working on behalf of society’s most vulnerable populations.
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The membership of the Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual (ALAS) has developed the following position statement to articulate some of the critical issues that may place other communities across the nation at risk for an incident similar to the child sexual abuse tragedy at Miramonte Elementary School. We also wish to express our solidarity with all who are currently working to help the local community heal, especially the victim advocates from the East Los Angeles Women’s Center and the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles.
On this February 14, 2012 our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific case who have had their sense of trust and safety shattered. We offer the following position statement in solidarity with national and local victim assistance entities, and dedicate this page to all of the voiceless residents in countless communities across this nation who live in fear: fear of retribution, fear of authority, fear of deportation, fear of the police.
A heartfelt GRACIAS to the following agencies and coalitions that showed solidarity through their endorsement:
A CALL TO MEN
Alianza por el Bienstar del Hogar (North Carolina)
Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change
Arte Sana (art heals)
Big Voice Pictures, producer of BOYS AND MEN HEALING
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
End Violence Against Women International
Hollaback!
Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault (INCASA)
Mamas of Color Rising Collective
La Mariposa Enterprises (Oregon)
Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (MCBW)
Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition
Moving Forward Gulf Coast, Inc.
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA)
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA)
Latinas Unidas por Un Nuevo Amanecer (L.U.N.A.)
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Rape Victim Advocacy Program, Iowa City, Iowa
Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut
Sexual Violence Center (Minnesota)
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
The position statement is available to download in both English and Spanish here.
The new dedicated webpage also includes Los Corazoncitos art exhibit that includes selections of art from adult survivors of child sexual abuse, and the advocates who work with them.
The position statement development and endorsement process was an urgent attempt to give voice to the broad implications of the events that took place at a particular school. The families of Miramonte Elementary School are Read more
Feb
7
“Get Social!” – TAASA’s 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Packet
Filed Under Announcement, Motivating Moments, News, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is near! During the month of April agencies and organizations across the country will engage in a national effort to create awareness and change during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). This creates a great opportunity for Texas agencies and organizations to localize a national effort. Your agency’s SAAPM activities will represent a ripple in the national wave of sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts. There is a saying about our great state: “Everything’s bigger in Texas” so as we begin planning our Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention activities, think BIG in our reach to marginalized populations, think BIG on building and sustaining relationships with various segments of our community and institutions and think BIG on creating sustainable awareness and change for the betterment of our community and it’s response to survivors of sexual assault.
The theme of TAASA’s 2012 SAAPM packet is “Get Social”. The intention behind this theme is to emphasize the connection between community, it’s stakeholders and our agency. It also represents the importance of collaboration and building of relationships in creating awareness and change. This packet will provide tools that employ both traditional and non-traditional methods through the use of social media, social marketing and social change.
Click here to view the packet and “Get Social!!” What are your agency plans for sexual assault awareness and prevention month?
Nov
30
Legal Access Granted: Sexual Assault Survivors in Texas
Filed Under Announcement, Guest Post, Legal Servivces, Resource, sexual assault laws | By Robert A. Brothers | Leave a Comment
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
Robert is a staff attorney with VICARS (The Victim Initiative for Counseling Advocacy & Restoration of the Southwest) a project of the Texas Legal Services Center.
When we see a sexual assault crime portrayed in the media, we are always presented with the dramatic criminal trial. There, at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings the judge renders the guilty verdict and justice is served; the survivor can now begin to move on with their lives, vindicated and on the road to recovery.
Of course, the reality of a sexual assault is much different.
In fact, sexual assault cases rarely make it through to a criminal trial. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) Only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail. The emphasis that people place on the importance of the criminal trial is disingenuous and overshadows the immediate needs and safety issues a sexual assault survivor faces.
There is also an issue with reporting. According to the “Health Survey of Texans: A focus on sexual assault” In Texas, only eighteen percent of victims reported their sexual assault to the police. Often, the reporting of the crime functions as the gateway to services for survivors. What about the eighty two percent of survivors in Texas who do not report the sexual assault to the police? Simply because they didn’t report their assault to authorities doesn’t mean that they do not have those same immediate needs.
Let’s look at some of those immediate needs in the aftermath of a sexual assault in Texas. The following is not legal advice and a survivor or advocate is strongly urged to consult with an attorney on all of Read more
Nov
16
Personally Speaking…..
Filed Under child sexul assault, Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Resource, sexual harrassment | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
The topics of child sexual assault and sexual harassment have ushered onto the national spotlight. As the Presidential nomination process continues and the Penn State scandal unfolds, advocates across the country cautiously watch as sensitive matters are frivolously discussed across media outlets. Local, state and national sexual assault organizations have garnered words of encouragement and official position statements. In addition, we gathered the personal thoughts weighing heavily on the minds of TAASA staff.
A trilogy of blogs authored by TAASA staff as events unfolded.
PART I of 3
I AM WOMAN hear me ROAR!
By Rose Luna
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
Sexual harassment has been the topic of the month since the claims against a current Presidential candidate surfaced. On my drive in this morning I haphazardly listened to the radio when the following comment caught my attention: “Well women just need to distinguish between someone ‘making a pass’ at work and sexual harassment” the other (a woman I might add)said this “Well this last woman has no credibility, she didn’t file a claim like the others”. I jammed the radio button to silence the absurdity and quell my rage.
The flippancy in the discussion of sexual harassment was disheartening. And the lack of media critique on the dismissal of these claims as a “distraction” to “real issues” (in my opinion) undermines years of social change attained by the women’s movement of the past. Throughout history sexualized violence against women has been met with conspicuous suspicion. The focus remains on the victim’s behavior, dress and/or choices as opposed to the criminal acts of the offender. Sexual harassment in the workplace is also met resistance and doubt. Many of the victims primarily women, suffer in silence for fear of losing their job.
A 2008 telephone poll by Louis Harris and Associates on 782 U.S. workers revealed:
* 31% of the female workers reported they had been harassed at work
* 7% of the male workers reported they had been harassed at work
* 62% of targets took no action
* 100% of women reported the harasser was a man
* 59% of men reported the harasser was a woman
* 41% of men reported the harasser was another man
Of the women who had been harassed:
* 43% were harassed by a supervisor
* 27% were harassed by an employee senior to them
* 19% were harassed by a coworker at their level
* 8% were harassed by a junior employee
The stark parallels on the realities of sexual assault and sexual harassment paint a bleak picture for women in contemporary society. In 2011 the thought of powerful independent women is still met with skepticism. According to a 2009 sexual harassment study at the University of Minnesota,Researcher Heather McLaughlin reported “This study provides the strongest evidence to date supporting the theory that sexual harassment is less about sexual desire than about control and domination….Male co-workers, clients and supervisors seem to be using harassment as an equalizer against women in power.”
Hillary Clinton’s bid for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination may have “cracked the glass ceiling” however the indifferent characterization of sexual harassment victims this past month exposes a renovation project far from over.
PART 2 of 3
Sexual Harassment is a voting issue
Annette Burrhus Clay- TAASA Executive Director (our fearless leader!)
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
Annette has been in the movement for over 30 years and is a nationally renowned authority on sexual assault issues.
I have been absolutely flabbergasted with the general disinterest by the public in Herman Cain’s sexual harassment allegations. Some media has kept the story out in the public but it doesn’t really seem to be getting any traction. When Cain publicly and unapologetically all but dared reporters to ask any more questions about it and then bragged that his donations have actually increased since the story broke, made me very sad for our country.
Why is it in this primary season we are much more interested in Mitt Romney’s religion or Rick Perry’s debating skills than we are of the blatant disregard and disrespect of half of the electorate? This does matter! First I hear this is gossip fueled by two disgruntled women and then two more victims surface. Next is the claim that the accusations are completely baseless, not even worthy of remembering they actually occurred. And then we find out a considerable settlement was paid. That was followed by the outrage that the victims were anonymous so couldn’t be trusted. Finally, two victim identities are revealed (through both a press conference and an outing) and the victim’s character and motivations became the headline. Is it any wonder that most women never report their victimization?
I have seen sexual harassment downplayed and joked about for years, so under normal circumstances I might not be so surprised by this reaction, but this is the primaries where candidates are under a microscope and their every word and action scrutinized. So why have so many people given Herman Cain a pass? Why is the treatment of women such a low priority? I wonder if it’s not the same reason why it’s so much harder to find Congressional co-sponsors for the Violence Against Women Act this session. Are we so concerned about the economy and jobs that we’ve collectively decided women can be the sacrificial lamb? I hope that’s not the case but I can assure you, women are watching and we are voting.
PART 3 of 3
Unthinkable complacency
By Lyn Williams
Credit: Free photos from acobox.com
Lyn is TAASA’s training director. He is a father, husband and an avid LSU fan.
I will soon be 62 years of age and I have been a college football fan as long as I can remember. I follow professional sports to a degree but because it has become nothing more than a business it does not have the same luster as college sports. For many years college football was basically pure in its approach to the game. Read more
Oct
25
Politics on a Personal Level
Filed Under Public Policy, Resource | By Rose Luna | 2 Comments
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
The three subjects never to bring up in polite dinner conversation are politics, religion and salary. Some of us are so steadfast about this rule, that we never discuss these subjects, even to our own detriment. We can choose to participate in the political process or sit on the sidelines and pray (or meditate if prayer isn’t for you) for no cuts in funding and more supportive laws for survivors. And since 501(c)(3) organizations cannot endorse a candidate, each of us individually must do more. The purpose of this blog is not to focus on an agency’s role in public policy. IRS rules dictate how organizations (including 501(c)(3) non-profits) can interact with candidates, campaigns and elected officials. A guidebook created by the Alliance for Justice is available to give non-profits a better understanding of the laws that govern their participation in the policy process. Instead, the purpose of this blog is to encourage advocates as independent, civic minded citizens to consider the plight of survivors when contemplating candidates for local, state and national office.
It is essential that we completely analyze and critique each candidate as they vie for our vote during the next political season. This is even more critical as the landmark decision on January 21, 2011 by the United States Supreme Court (citizens united v federal election commission) now allows for individuals and corporations to anonymously contribute unlimited amounts of financial support in favor or against particular candidates. As an advocate, I argue it’s our obligation to vet the candidate’s position on sexual assault issues i.e. discern lip service from action.
Read more
Oct
12
Sexual Assault on College Campuses: What you Need to Know
Filed Under Guest Post, Resource | By Amy Reynolds | 1 Comment
Credit: Free images from acobox.com If you are a young woman who has just gone off to college, it can be a very thrilling time in your life. You are away from home, making all sorts of new friends, gaining new knowledge, and experiencing a variety of other things for the first time—you are on your own.
However, with all the excitement that college brings, it can be easy to get caught up and neglect some important issues. One of the most important issues is the issue of your safety. Being a new college student, you might not know how widespread sexual assault has become on campuses across the nation. Since it is such an epidemic, here are some things that you as a smart, brilliant young woman should know.
The scary truth. The following statistics were gathered by the American Association of University Women and need to be thoughtfully considered by all college students so that we can do our part in fighting against sexual assault:
• 20-25 percent of college women are raped during their time at school—equating to one in five women.
• Approximately one-third of these sexual assault cases are first year students between the ages of 17 and 19 years old.
• Less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement.
• The main factor in these attacks is alcohol—it is involved in 75% of them.
• One in 12 college men admitted to committing acts that meet the legal definition of rape.
• 80-90% of sexual assaults are committed by people known to the victim…most being fellow classmates, friends, boyfriends or exes.
• 60% of rapes occur in college residence halls.
• 52% of rapes/sexual assaults that are reported occur after midnight.
No one deserves to be raped. Unfortunately, many women tend to blame themselves if they were involved in a night of drinking, wearing revealing clothes, or maybe put themselves in a questionable situation. What needs to be understood, however, is that no situation warrants rape or sexual assault. Perpetrators are responsible for their own actions. Survivors are never to blame. Read more
Sep
19
A letter to agencies regarding the “Slut Walk” events
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, Powerful Women, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
“Slut Walk” events have have taken the world by storm. Communities across Texas have recently experienced the “Slut Walk” phenomenon. Below please read TAASA Executive Director -Annette Burrhus-Clay’s letter in regards to the “Slut Walk” events sweeping our nation.
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Since the first SlutWalks began taking place in Texas this past spring, TAASA has been fielding questions from the media, rape crisis centers, and community members concerning these marches and whether TAASA endorses these events. We have had several discussions with our staff regarding our endorsement or participation in Slutwalks. As was illustrated in our most recent newsletter, our individual perspectives differ. Factors such as age, culture, and personal experiences have colored our opinions regarding the word “slut.” For some of us, we experience a very visceral reaction to the term and there is no interest to participate in any event that embraces the word. For others, there is a strong desire to stand in solidarity with the many women who have been immobilized, blamed and marginalized by this term.
In the end what TAASA staff could agree is that mobilizing communities to respond to misogyny, violence against women, and victim-blaming is a positive action. There was an acknowledgment that in any social justice movement there are awareness strategies with which we are eager to participate and others that cross our personal boundaries of comfort. We also felt individual rape crisis centers would grapple with the same feelings and choices and would make decisions in the best interest of their agencies, their communities, and the survivors they serve. Collectively our staff decided we would support Slutwalks when it was asked for but we would also let others be the driving force behind these local endeavors.
We are aware that some Texas sexual assault centers have been key organizers of SlutWalks; others have taken a very minor role in the public aspect of the event but have coordinated with organizers to assure that survivors who disclose or are triggered will have immediate access to services. Still others have chosen to “sit this one out” either as a deliberate, well-thought out decision or because the activists planning the event did not reach out to them or had a preference not to ally itself with the local rape crisis center. There is not one best answer that fits the needs, culture, or climate of every Texas community. TAASA’s endorsement (if asked for) of a local SlutWalk is in no way intended to suggest that our member centers have or should endorse the event.
TAASA’s support is based on the premise that more Texans need to be discussing this issue openly and regularly and if activists and survivors take the initiative to bring these critical issues into the limelight we want to provide encouragement. Social change does not happen without some conflict, uncomfortable conversations, and challenges. SlutWalks are a perfect illustration of this. I hope we will all use these events as both an opportunity to examine our personal attitudes and feelings and engage in meaningful dialogue with others who may not agree with our perspective. Reasonable, passionate, and intelligent individuals may come to very different conclusions about participation in SlutWalks and TAASA respects whatever decision is reached in your community.
Sincerely,
Annette Burrhus-Clay
Jul
8
Dynamic Duo: Cultural Awareness & Volunteer Training
Filed Under Diversity, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
Featuring a blog post by Corey Seldon – Structured Education Coordinator with Hope Alliance, in Round Rock,TX.
Volunteers play a vital role in the survival and function of any non- profit agency. Training volunteers is always a challenge. The amount of information to cover, how much is too much or too little, will the information prepare for the volunteer for the challenges ahead? The list of potential content is exhausting and the decision on what to include is never easy. The issue of cultural awareness, although recognized by agencies as very important, very seldom makes the cut. Hope Alliance in Round Rock, Texas incorporated a diversity portion to their volunteer training and has experienced great feedback from the volunteer to be.
Check out Blogging for Hope featuring “Cultural Competency? Really?”
Jun
10
Texas PEACE Project Youth Summit begins today!
Filed Under Announcement, Diversity, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
It is the morning of the Texas Peace Project and I am already inspired. The Texas Peace Project is a project of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault to engage youth as agents of change through peer education. This year’s summit will take place this weekend (June 10-12) at Trinity University in San Antonio. Youth from across the state of Texas will attend. Youth leaders (titled Youth Advisory Board members) have partnered with adult facilitators in creating the workshops featured at this year’s summit. The overarching premise throughout the weekend is Racism, Adultism, Homophobia and Sexism. The aim is to address the underlying sources enabling violence inhibiting equality. If the discussions out of workshop preparations are an indicator of success, this weekend’s summit is sure to inspire peer-led social change in the state of Texas. Today is registration, welcome address and talent showcase. Workshops begin tomorrow morning. Let the learning begin!!!