Resurrection After Rape Community Group

Discussion, question-and-answer, general social support, and journal processing for progress-oriented rape survivors. No crisis, no damaging or triggering conflicts--this is for individuals who want to contribute to collective, cooperative action toward the goal of making actual PROGRESS through rape trauma. Much of this work is based on the book "Resurrection After...

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EmpoweredOKC 04/08/2011

To those who are coming to the retreat, I wanted to ask your advice on something.

Should I invite the directors of other women's programs around the state to come as guests and attend the concert on Saturday night? It would give them a chance to see what we do (most of them have never experienced anything like the retreat), and they can see what the Oklahoma Coalition has been supporting. Since they work full-time in this field, they'll appreciate the nature of the retreat. On the other hand, you all might prefer to keep it a closed, more "intimate" environment during the concert. And who knows how many would even show up if I did invite them!

What do you think? Invite the program directors to come and see, too, or keep it "just us"?

deleted_user 04/08/2011

I think that inviting them would be a great idea. It would be a chance for them to really see how amazing the retreat is. But maybe you should ask Bill what he prefers since he is the performer and guest of honor?

EmpoweredOKC 04/08/2011

Bill's also a paid performer, so the choice is solely ours. Actually, I'd bet Bill would prefer a larger group, since he also depends on selling CD's and art to his audience.

StehtFest 04/08/2011

I think it could be a good thing, depending on how others feel. Last year there were other times that felt more personal with Bill; if he was only doing the concert, I'd miss the way he interacted with us on a deeper level, and that's something I want to keep for "just us". At the same time, the intimacy of last year's concert was wonderful...I loved the candles. Somehow I ended up with Leitha's also and I've given the two of them a special place.

So...I don't know the best answer...

EmpoweredOKC 04/08/2011

We'll still have the "personal" time with Bill. He'll still be a speaker, and hang out with just us, the rest of the time. This would only be the concert. I'm not pushing for the option of opening the concert to others because I could be fine either way. I just wanted to see how you all feel about it.

deleted_user 04/08/2011

I'm game, I think it could be a great experience for them.

finalytime 04/08/2011

I'm opting out of answering since I won't be there on Saturday night. But if you want my opinion, I think it would be cool to have them there.

deleted_user 04/08/2011

Sounds cool!
J, why are you leaving us on Sat.? :-(

finalytime 04/08/2011

My youngest daughter's First Communion is on Sunday! :D But I'm coming early, Tues to Saturday so I still get the same amount of time.

unfurling 04/09/2011

I think it is a great idea, especially if it helps them think 'outside the box' in terms of reaching out to survivors outside of the fishing room. If you need people to talk to them as well about the life changing impact the retreat has, I would be really happy to do that.

deleted_user 04/09/2011

I think...well, I think I'll answer YOUR question...when YOU answer mine, lol. Nah. I think it will be fine for them to be there. I think it would be different if they were TV Newspeopke or something like that...you know - "watchers". But, this is also 'their' work, so, if they are vested in the work they do, perhaps the invite will yield more than you expect.

butterfly9 04/09/2011

It is good idea.

jenmarie410 04/10/2011

I am okay with that! I think it's a good idea.

Heptet 04/10/2011

i think it's a good idea but... Speaking of watchers. I've heard a lot about the intimacy and ease of the concert. So much so i still find it difficult to associate concert to something that just sounds like a friend expressing themselves.

Do you think that would be lost? Should we do a mixer or something so that we can feel more comfortable with each other?

You've probably already thought of that but wanted to suggest it. Some people when they observe something distance themselves and they give off a vibe. A mixer/activity that they take part in as guests too not only helps them see, but hopefully stops that them and us feeling. Which, i think, will keep the intimate feeling for concert. I could be totally wrong of course :)

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