Stopping Our Silence (S.O.S.)
In my immediate family, 4 out of 5 women have been raped. 3 out of the 5 have been domestically abused. 2 out of 5 have been molested. None of the offenders were strangers. Out of all of my friends and acquaintances, every one of their families has been affected by rape, domestic violence and/or molestation. Yet, by and large, these subjects still remain taboo. They are rarely talked about even though breaking the silence is the first step to healingMy name is Kehinde and I am a survivor of rape and domestic abuse. My healing process was a 10 year journey riddled with pitfalls of depression, low self-esteem, anger, rage, suicide attempts and countless physical illnesses brought on by stress. But the process did not have to take a decade.
Stopping Our Silence (S.O.S.) is an initiative, sponsored by Osun 07 Fashions, LLC and Lyric Dance and Vocal Ensemble, to encourage Survivors to take back their lives and take the first step to healing by sharing their stories and breaking their silence.
Stopping Our Silence will begin with a two day conference that will culminate with an emotionally charged, multi-disciplinary transformative and inspirational performance experience. Through spoken word, music and dance, Survivors will tell their stories of abuse, betrayal, depression, anger and ultimately of healing and redemption.
However, the S.O.S. conference and performance is just the beginning of a larger ongoing effort to affect healing amongst Survivors of abuse. The work started in group process workshops during the conference will continue in group therapy sessions. Additionally, Survivors will be given an opportunity to share their stories through speaking engagements and smaller performances throughout the year.
Held during National Rape Awareness Month in April 2011, S.O.S. conference workshop topics will include, but are not limited to:
· Starting faith based ministries for Survivors
· How to start and/or facilitate a support group
· Recognizing the warning signs of abuse and ways to help (for family and friends of Survivors)
· Survivors' Mentor Network (pairing survivors who have been through the healing process with those who are just beginning)
· Support system/safety net training (for friends and family of survivors)
· Supportive listening
· Self-love 101
· Freedom through forgiveness
S.O.S. is the first step in a national movement to galvanize mass healing for individuals and families throughout the country, and the world. I dream big. Will you dream big with me? Even the smallest of donations, when added to the rest, can make a large impact.
Here are some ways you can help:
· Donate money to sponsor therapy for Survivors
· Donate conference workshop space
· Donate money to sustain support groups
· Donate space for support groups to meet in
· If you are a therapist, volunteer to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions
· Volunteer to facilitate S.O.S. conference workshops
· Donate food and drinks for S.O.S. conference and/or weekly support groups
· Donate money for S.O.S. conference costs
· Volunteer your time to do sound and lights during the S.O.S. performance
· Set up an information table at the S.O.S. conference for services and assistance for Survivors
· Volunteer to be a Survivor's Mentor
· Invite S.O.S. committee members to give a presentation to your school, church, business, organization, and/or community group
· Solicit donations from churches, businesses, and/or organizations
If you have the desire and/or the ability to contribute in any way, please contact S.O.S. at stoppingoursilence@gmail.com or 510-350-6309. All donations are tax deductible through our generous fiscal sponsor the East Oakland Youth Development Center (Tax ID# 23-7334590). Let's work together to empower ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. Speak up, speak out and be heard.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kehinde Kujichagulia-Seitu
Donor Appreciation
$50 or 5 volunteer hours Subscription to quarterly S.O.S. Newsletter, and special thanks in the program, 1 free program ticket
$100 or 10 volunteer hours Newsletter subscription, special thanks in the program, 2 free program tickets
$250 or 20 volunteer hours Newsletter subscription, special thanks in the program, ad space in program, a speaker will come give a presentation to your organization, 4 free program tickets
$500 Newsletter subscription, special thanks in the program, S.O.S. cast will perform program excerpts for your group/organization, 8 free program tickets
$1,000 Newsletter subscription, special thanks in program, attend S.O.S. pre-show screening, 10 free program tickets
$5,000 Newsletter subscription, special thanks in program, attend S.O.S. pre-show screening, attend a private reception with S.O.S. cast, 10 free program tickets
$10,000 or more Newsletter subscription, special thanks in program, attend S.O.S. pre-show screening, attend private reception with S.O.S. cast, personal showing at a location of your choice, 10 free program tickets