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...
Okay, I just got off the phone.
I can book the campground for the weekend of May 15-16-17. Who can do this?
Here is what is involved. I have to make a $250 deposit right away. I'm more than happy to do this, but money is tight due to financial upheavals in the last two weeks for my family. I need to know that this retreat will be supported, because this is a big gamble at a crucial time. But I am 100% devoted to the cause of creating this activity for all, because I believe in its goodness with all my heart. :)
The campground is about 70 miles up from Oklahoma City. Incoming participants would probably coordinate travel to save on costs (such as renting a benched van and coming as a group); I regret that this is one amenity I just can't solve for incoming members. I'm already paying thousands out-of-pocket to try this project, just praying that we break even.
If we can get 40 participants, we'll make cost! That will allow us to have our gathering, bring in a special musician/artist/speaker who is jaw-dropping BRILLIANT at this kind of work, and have our purification ceremony for those who are able to join us. The food won't be fancy, but then, that's not the point. The rooms are simple, not a "luxury lodge", but then...that's not the point. We will have forests, trails, hawks, a pond/lake, and each other.
I am asking for 40 members to register at $200 per person to attend.
I have about ten of you on the record pledging to do this, and I'm gonna hold you to it!
I can book the campground for the weekend of May 15-16-17. Who can do this?
Here is what is involved. I have to make a $250 deposit right away. I'm more than happy to do this, but money is tight due to financial upheavals in the last two weeks for my family. I need to know that this retreat will be supported, because this is a big gamble at a crucial time. But I am 100% devoted to the cause of creating this activity for all, because I believe in its goodness with all my heart. :)
The campground is about 70 miles up from Oklahoma City. Incoming participants would probably coordinate travel to save on costs (such as renting a benched van and coming as a group); I regret that this is one amenity I just can't solve for incoming members. I'm already paying thousands out-of-pocket to try this project, just praying that we break even.
If we can get 40 participants, we'll make cost! That will allow us to have our gathering, bring in a special musician/artist/speaker who is jaw-dropping BRILLIANT at this kind of work, and have our purification ceremony for those who are able to join us. The food won't be fancy, but then, that's not the point. The rooms are simple, not a "luxury lodge", but then...that's not the point. We will have forests, trails, hawks, a pond/lake, and each other.
I am asking for 40 members to register at $200 per person to attend.
I have about ten of you on the record pledging to do this, and I'm gonna hold you to it!
I'll be thinking about everyone, though. I hope (and really believe) it will be an amazing weekend for everyone!
I'll put it this way - if none of you thinks it will be a problem due to my anniversary....I'm in - count on it!
I'm not going to rush anyone for money. I'm not doing this to get cash. Jezzia, if it takes time to come up with funds, then that's no problem. A couple of members have implied in private messages that they are willing to underwrite registration for one or two other deserving members; I am thrilled by that but don't want to take advantage of anyone either. If I understood correctly, I hope those members will reaffirm their offer. Let's call it a "scholarship".
I'm working on grants, but unfortunately most foundations or companies don't even issue grants until the new fiscal year, and we hadn't even conceived this idea by then. I will beat the bushes myself and go to companies here in Oklahoma if I have to. I met with the director of our State Coalition (www.ocadvsa.org--be sure to send Marcia a thank you!!), and she is thrilled to partner with us. They may not have much money to offer, but she will let me use her company's name to seek grants. The entire event will cost $6000-8000 to hold. And remember, this is a campgrounds, not a luxury resort. :)
If anyone here is secretly wealthy and generous (ha ha!), please let me know!
And I agree with Matt that it'd be awesome to be able to support Mockingbird on her anniversary.
And the week after that is my anniversary. You know the one I wrote about where I'm going to jump out of an airplane to reclaim the day. I can't think of a better way to spend the weekend before than with all of you!
Here is what else I would like from you all: What kinds of activities would you want to be included? Do you want it to be very structured/planned, or very loose and casual so there's lots of down-time to walk trails, talk, journal, etc.?
Do you want activities that are more "fun", like games and stuff, or events that are more "meaningful" like discussions with some experts I could bring in?
Any interest in art projects? Creating a group "Survivor's Quilt"? Crafts of any type?
Other stuff?
Tell me YOUR idea of a cool event.
Matt, you rock! Seriously.
I'm all about it...
When I was a teenager my church youth group used to go up to the mountains to this little camp every year and during free time I would wander up this one trail and sit in this one little spot by a creek that ran down the mountain. I remember those moments as some of the most peaceful of my life. Out there in the trees with the crystal clear water spilling over moss covered rocks, speaking to me.. with the view of the valley below. With all the sounds of nature and none of the sounds of city. The smell of the woods and the water... It always made me feel close to the Source (or god or whatever you want to call it...) And now I can't even remember where we used to go. I have pictures from some of the trips. Me smiling with all my friends. Me being so happy.... Me before the world got to me....
I don't know what my point is... I think it's that I am craving some nature.... I'm going to look up plane tickets....