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...
I'm making small gains toward plans for this next year. I have a HUGE opportunity for those who might want to attend; I've been in contacts with a musician's manager to possibly have a special guest spend the weekend with us.
I won't say who it is yet, but it's one of the musicians included in the "Music for Hawks" thread, and a very special mentor to me. And a Grammy winner, too.
This will cost BIG bucks, but I'm willing to pay, even out of pocket if necessary, for this chance. So please continue to give serious consideration about whether you would attend next Spring (April, maybe?), and suggest what you'd like to get from this retreat.
I won't say who it is yet, but it's one of the musicians included in the "Music for Hawks" thread, and a very special mentor to me. And a Grammy winner, too.
This will cost BIG bucks, but I'm willing to pay, even out of pocket if necessary, for this chance. So please continue to give serious consideration about whether you would attend next Spring (April, maybe?), and suggest what you'd like to get from this retreat.
So, I hope to be able to talk about things openly with other survivors.
I also want to know how to spot predators (women in my case). Looking back on the last 18 years, it is clear that I had some sort of neon sign on my head that made it easy for them to spot me, given my conditioning to accept abuse and in some cases, "want" it.
I want to be able to be with a woman and not feel submissive or dirty.
Is there any way of applying for funding for a project like this? Any charitable organisations or even big businesses looking to get rid of a tax surplus before the end of the financial year? I don't know how the system works in the States but it's just a thought!
I am working on a grant proposal to get funding for this project. I'm only asking for $5000 in grant money, which is pretty small, but I need to show that there is support for this project. I am asking for LETTERS OF SUPPORT from those of you who would like to attend.
These letters should include the following information:
*Why a retreat/conference organized by and for survivors is necessary and unique;
*What positive changes you have already seen as a result of our work as a group;
*What positive outcomes you expect to see in the community as a result of this project (how would it make a difference? Is anyone doing anything like this already?)
*Can you give your "testimony" of how this work has already benefited you, and what convinces you that a wilderness retreat/conference ("Celebration of survival") is important?
This is kind of awkward for me, because I always give 100% of all the credit, status, and glory back to all of YOU, and I NEVER ask for compliments, flattery, praise, or anything like that. in fact, I get really awkward and nervous when I get too much of it.
But this time, I kinda have to ask that you write letters that would tell a corporate foundation that Matt Atkinson, LCSW is capable of accomplishing this project, that he has already helped achieved positive change in some way, etc. I guess I'm asking you all to "vouch" for me. It's likely the only time I will EVER ask any of you to give me any credit for any of this, and the only reason is so I can request funding to offer a service right back to all of you. So even in this, my entire goal, my entire agenda, is YOU, and trying to offer something worthwhile for you. but i need letters of support from as many of you as possible, in order to do it.
PLEASE help me with this. We've all come together to write letters and send hugs and do so much for each other, and this rare time I'm asking for your help for me. If I I have any good karma here at all, please help me with this grant proposal. I'll send my work address to you at your request. I have about 1-2 weeks, so please shower me with letters!
Some talking points (you don't have to use all of them, or any of them, if you don't want to):
In 2004 I was awarded the National Award for Outstanding Advocacy and Community Work in Ending Sexual Violence, by the National Sexual Violence Resource Council;
In 2005 I organized an entire conference on faith-based responses to sexual violence, which was attended by about 200 people from throughout Oklahoma;
I worked as a community organizer from 1996-2000 to develop anti-violence projects in Oklahoma, which achieved the top results--#1!--in the nation for reduction in violence and drug use, and was awarded a certificate for budget and guideline compliance by HUD;
About 20 people have already indicated they would commit to attending this retreat when it is offered.
Please type your letters, and be careful with spelling and punctuation. Keep it limited to one page, and make a statement of support for this project in the first paragraph *before* addressing any of this other stuff. Readers should see at a glance that you are voicing support for this project, and why, without having to read forever.
(And right now my cat's trying to walk across the keyboard - think this is a hint for me to sign out lol!)