Article: Shaniya's Shame

The murder of 5-year-old Shaniya Davis highlights a disturbing and growing trend in the U.S.: the trafficking of young girls into sexual slavery.

• By: Malika Saada Saar

Read More Here

Jobs: Just Cause Oakland is Hiring!

http://justcauseoakland.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=15&Itemid=68

Reddy Case: 10 Years On, Violence Against Women of Color Continues

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Article: City Changes Policy in Wake of CBS Report

In response to a CBS News investigation that found 20,000 untested kits nationwide, the San Antonio Police Department made a major announcement: it will now test all rape kits in stranger cases and will also go back and test all untested stranger rape kits in storage.

Read More Here

Check Out She Who Laughs Lasts on Mission Loc@l!

http://missionlocal.org/2009/11/she-who-laughs-last-benefit-for-sfwar/

Oakland: Vigil in Honor of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado

Date:	Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time:	3:30pm - 7:00pm
Location:	The intersection of MacArthur and Lakshore/Grand Ave. Meet underneath the Archway of the Lake Merritt Trail. Right across from the small park..or patch of grass, whatever you want to call it.

Description

Hello Everyone,

On November 14th 19-year old Gay Youth Jorge Lopez Mercado was found murdered in his home city of Puerto Rico. Members of the Bay Area community have organized a Vigil to take place in his memory and honor this Sunday, November 22nd. In addition to silent prayers, there will be a space for people to say a few words, share their own experiences and express frustrations. We will also be honoring other brothers and sisters who have lost their lives to violence, ignorance and hate. Sad to say, I just read a news article of a 15-year old boy by the name of Jason Mattison, also gay, who was murdered in his home only last week. On Sunday we come together to mourn as a community, let our voices be heard and express to the world that this type of violence will not be tolerated. Below are news links just in case anyone hasn't heard the news.

At the Vigil there will be updates on other steps people are taking to further connect our struggles nationwide and to contact the family and friends of in order to see how our community can aid their healing process. Please come if you can and spread the word to your loved ones, friends, neighbors, etc. Bring candles and something to keep warm.

If you do not live in Oakland, and reside somewhere that has yet to set up a vigil, make your presence known!

Much Love,
Macio


News links about Jorge Lopez Mercado:

http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/killer-of-puerto-rican-teen-says-gay-panic-made-him-murder.html

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14114/arrest-made-early-this-morning-in-puerto-rico-gay-teen-jorge-steven-lopez-mercado-murder-case

News links about Jason Mattison:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.ci.mattison18nov18,0,4221135.story

http://nosufferingfools.lefora.com/2009/11/18/jason-mattison-15-gay-teen-boy-raped-and-murdered-/page1/

Job Announcements

YCUP Needs a New Youth Member Service Representative

826 Valencia: Development Director

Mission Neighborhood Center: Avenidas Evening Case Manager

Resource Spotlight: Positive Directions Equals Change

Referral Guide Spotlights!
Have you ever wanted to know more about the resources in your referral guide? Well we're going to start shining a "spotlight" on some resources for you. Feel free to use the "Spotlight" label over there on the right to see all resources we highlight over time.

First up is Positive Directions Equals Change!

Using tools like drama therapy, African American history, anger management groups and life skills, Positive Directions Equals Change offers culturally-specific outpatient treatment services working with batterers and survivors alike.

SERVICES

Life Skills

African American History

Drama Therapy

Certified Batterer’s Intervention

Parenting Education Class

Women's Empowerment Support Group

Certified Parenting Classes

Women's Batterer's Intervention Group

Differential Response Intervention - Child Welfare Department
(this offers services that will help families avoid CPS cases)

Anger Management and Violence Prevention
o Relapse Prevention
o Drug Education
o HIV/AIDS Awareness & Education
(which includes Needle Exchange Mon. & Thurs. 1pm - 3pm and Health Seminars)

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings (Tues 1pm - 2:30 pm & Fri 10:30am-12:00 noon)

Contact Info:
4716 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
ph. (415) 401-0199
(10 am - 5 pm)
fax. (415) 401-0175
pdirections@yahoo.com
http://positive-directions.org/index.html

Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor Training: Aps Due 11/25

That's right beautiful folks! We have another training starting in January and over the years the majority of our applications come in from the amazing people who are already hear spreading the word! Please please, spread the SFWAR love!

Interviews have already begun and applications are due by November 25th! I recommend that folks get their applications in as soon as possible.

In particular please spread the word to folks who are or have been: marginally housed or homeless, formerly incarcerated, immigrants, youth (currently 20 and under), trans and queer women of color.

More info here: http://www.sfwar.org/volunteers.html
Application available here: http://www.sfwar.org/pdf/app.pdf

Thanks so much!!!
Teresa and Evelyn

Emotional First Aid: Soothing Somatic and Energy Healing Techniques

Emotional First Aid: Soothing Somatic and Energy Healing Techniques

Sunday November 22: 3:30-6:00 pm

At this workshop we will learn and practice simple techniques for soothing, calming and centering yourself or another when one of you is very triggered (anxious, panicking, angry, shutting down, etc). The focus will be on how to increase the internal sense of safety, options and spaciousness when you are triggered, so you can take care of yourself and connect better with others.

The workshop will include:

* how trauma due to violence and oppression shows up in the body
* reflection on situations that trigger us,
* practice noticing--early on--when you are getting triggered.
* verbal interventions
* breathing techniques
* energy healing
* somatic containment practices
* being an ally for another

suggested donation: $25-$45 sliding scale

space is limited
to register or ask questions, contact
Vanissar (510) 594-6812
or vanissar@cs.com

Health and Justice Now: California Women of Color Demand Health Care for All

During Saturday’s historic vote on health care reform, the House jeopardized the health and well-being of women with the passage of the Stupak amendment, which would eliminate abortion coverage from both private and public health plans participating in the insurance exchange. The continued fight for affordable and comprehensive health coverage for all must not place women’s health and lives on the negotiating table and leave us worse off. The Senate, and the White House, must now take bold action to stave off further attacks from those wishing to make the health care battle solely about access to abortion.

Low-income women of color and their families, in particular, have much at stake and an urgent need for reform. The current system has created tremendous challenges for us as mothers, sisters and daughters who are the primary coordinators of health care for our families. Consistent, persistent and historical health disparities demand that women of color be front and center on the road to reform.

Read more:

http://www.racewire.org/archives/2009/11/health_and_justice_now_california_women_of_color_demand_health_care_for_all.html

Study: Latina Hotel Workers Injured Most

A recent study found that the injury rate for Latina hotel workers is higher than that for their male counterparts and white female counterparts.

The study, titled Occupational Injury Disparities in the US Hotel Industry, found that Latina hotel workers had the highest injury rate at 10.6 percent a year while white hotel workers had a rate of 6.3 percent, Black workers had a rate of 5.5 and Asian workers had a rate of 7.3 percent.

Read more:
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2009/11/study_latina_housekeepers_injured_most.html

Philippine Dance Showcase & Family Day (free)

Nov 22: Philippine Dance Showcase & Family Day (free)
-------------------------------------------
American Center of Philippine Arts (ACPA) presents its annual
Philippine Dance Showcase & Family Day
co sponsored by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center

We welcome everyone to spend the afternoon with us for a
free presentation of Philippine cultural dances by ACPA's
youth program, food, fun and activities for the whole
family! This event is free to the public.

Sunday, November 22
2:00PM Performance
3:00PM Food, Fun & Activities

Oakland Asian Cultural Center
388 9th Street, Suite 290, Oakland, CA
Located on the 2nd Floor of the Plaza
For directions, call (510) 637-0455

Donations greatly appreciated!
For details or small business advertising opportunities,
please contact Herna Cruz-Louie, Executive Director at
herna.cruzlouie@philippinearts.org. Submitted by: Herna
Cruz-Louie (hcruz.louie@yahoo.com)

Police hunt glass jars that may hold secrets of child sex abuse in Missouri

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/11/missouri-child-sex-abuse-search

Article: Rally Coverage + Men Can Stop Rape

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/08/BA501AGSQ2.DTL

The Exploitation of Sexual Victimization for Political Agendas

Powerful statement regarding the sexual assault in Richmond that has been in the news.

http://www.sfwar.org/pdf/SexualVictimizationPoliticalAgendas.pdf

Counselor Support Meeting: Making Masks

Come join us at the 11/21 counselor support meeting to make masks as a form of healing!

FREE! - Nov 22nd - FTM Movie Night

Attend this innovative monthly series for FREE! (Optional 3 CEUs just $25.) If current events make you curious about LGBT issues, this is a great opportunity to learn more in a safe environment and talk about the issues involved. This month we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance by focusing on the life stories of.FTM's (Female to Male). (For more information about Transgender Day of Remembrance, visit http://www.transgenderdor.org). Each month you can enjoy distinctive, informative videos, especially chosen to educate you about the diversity of experiences in the queer communities. It's a fun and easy way to learn. EVERYONE in the community is welcome - including LGBT people and their family members, therapists and other helping professionals, and church members who want to create a more welcoming congregation. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions of an expert in a relaxed casual setting . The theme changes every month, and each selection of videos is unique. So come every month, and see something new every time! Please forward or post this announcement.

Queer Night at the Movies: A FREE Monthly Film and Discussion Series
4th Sundays of the month (except December and June)

6:00 - 9:00 pm, doors open at 5:30pm

3 CEUs available for MFTs and LCSWs for $25
FREE popcorn!

Scent-free site near El Cerrito Plaza BART station
Exact address and directions sent upon registration

Pre-registration required

Please register early to avoid disappointment

Save these upcoming dates!

November 22nd - FTM Stories (Female to Male)

January 24th - Lesbians

February 28th - Other Genders

Future dates and topics to be announced

What do participants say?

"You create an open trusting environment where people can express themselves. Thanks for doing this important work!"

"Informative and fun"

"A great way to raise your consciousness about gender identity and sexuality"

"Even if you think you are well informed, you'll learn about issues that haven't occurred to you before."

About the facilitator, Valerie Igl, MFT:
Working with all sexual orientations and genders, I am a passionate ally for transgender people. I ran a Transgender Support Group in my private practice for over 2 years, and about 40% of my clients are LGBT or intersex, ranging in age from 12 to 65 years old. I have over 30 years of experience, including providing trainings on queer and transgender topics. I am available for custom workshops, agency in-services, or one-on-one trainings (including CEU's), tailored to your specific needs.

The Fine Print:

Due to the intimate size of these workshops, it's important to me to know who to expect. Registration is due by the Wednesday before the workshop, including $25 payment for 3 CEUs if applicable. You can help ensure adequate enrollment by registering on time. For late registration after Wednesday, call first for availability. Pre-registration is required, even if you have attended before, so I can make appropriate preparations. No drop-ins please. If you need to cancel, even last minute, please call me ASAP. Space is limited, and seating is first come, first on the comfy couch, so arrive early to claim the best seating. For more information, contact me at VALIGL@earthlink.net or 510-527-5662 x3.

Each workshop meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEUs are provided by my colleague Jeanne Courtney, MFT, CE provider #PCE3107. We offer many seminars on different topics throughout the year. Course descriptions can be found online at http://www.FeministTherapyAssociates.com/CEUcalendar.html.

Registration Options:
- ONLINE: Go to https://www.FeministTherapyAssociates.com/QueerFilms.html

- EMAIL: Reply to VALIGL@earthlink.net with completed registration form below. For 3 CEUs, pay $25 via
www.PayPal.com to BJCourtney@earthlink.net (the CEU provider).
- POSTAL MAIL (if registering at least 10 days before workshop). Mail completed registration form to Valerie Igl at the address below. (If applicable, include $25 check for 3 CEUs payable to Jeanne Courtney.)

Valerie Igl, MFT
PO Box 453
El Cerrito CA 94530

Job Announcement: Education Director at CALCASA

http://calcasa.org/calcasa/education-manager/

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Under the general direction of the Associate Director, the Education Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, development, coordination and implementation of CALCASA’s Education Department, which provides statewide training and technical assistance services for CALCASA member programs that include California’s rape crisis centers and prevention programs. The Education Manager must be experienced in the theory and provision of sexual assault victim services and have a commitment to program innovation, particularly in the area of sexual assault victim services, multi-disciplinary collaborative approaches, training programs, culturally competent or diverse programs and non-profit business functions.

The Education Manager is responsible for designing and implementing CALCASA’s training programs and directly supervising the Advocacy Services Coordinator and Organizational Services Coordinator along with assigned project teams. This position requires statewide and national travel and the ability to stay abreast of multi-disciplinary issues and trends emerging in the sexual assault field. Full-time, exempt position, based in Sacramento, California.

Multi-Racial Mamaz against criminalization of our migrant youth

PNN-TV
Multi-Racial Mamaz against criminalization of our migrant youth
A cross cultural, cross-generational press conference and speak-out by mamaz against the recent rejection of the due process legislation for migrant youth (our children) by Mayor Newsom.

Watch the two parts of the videos on PNN-TV:
Part One
Part Two

Dia de los Muertos Photos!

Job Announcement: Mission Community Council Director

11/5/09

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

After three and a half years of leadership at MiCoCo I have made the decision to move on in pursuit of other opportunities. MiCoCo has been an important part of my life and I continue to believe strongly in the principles and mission for which the organization stands. MiCoCo is at an exciting juncture, with many opportunities for growth and a more targeted direction, and I feel it is the right time for me to transition out. I will remain in my position until March of 2010 to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership.

New Director Search
MiCoCo's Coordinating Council is launching a search for a new Director. Please see the position announcement attached. We are looking for an outstanding Mission-savvy leader with passion and experience in community building, advocacy, and collaboration. Please share the announcement widely to help us identify the right candidate. We are accepting applications immediately for interviews in December and January, with a desired start date of February 1, 2010.

Developing a Plan for 2010 and Beyond
We are grateful to many of you for your participation in our recent member assessment process. The Coordinating Council and I are taking your feedback into consideration as we work to develop a 2010 work plan for the organization that will focus activities on the most critical needs and issues you identified, and outline needed steps for further development and clarification of MiCoCo's vision and structure. We will share the thinking on 2010 and beyond with members early next year. With your continued support and participation, I am confident that the steps we are outlining will help refocus and move the organization to a more outstanding position.

Transition Process
During this process, I will, of course, continue to coordinate MiCoCo's regular program activities, and I'm fully available to address any questions you might have regarding the transition plan. Coordinating Council members and I are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership in order to support a strong future for MiCoCo. As you know, each of you is integral to our work in the neighborhood and we will continue to look to you for leadership and support in building a brighter future for the Mission.

I have no doubt that I will continue to be involved in the Mission District and with each of you even after my time at MiCoCo is over. You have all played such an important role in my development and growth as an individual and community member. For that I am eternally grateful.

In the meantime, I am still on board at MiCoCo for several months, so this isn't goodbye yet! As always, please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions or suggestions.

Sincerely,

Emily

MiCoCo Director Job Announcement

Delightful Development Department Desires Darling Dependable Dolunteer to help with Devent

We need help! (See above picture) She Who Laughs Lasts is NEXT SUNDAY- November 15th and we need help for day-off goodness. Do you like smiling at strangers? Sign up for our will call/ticket sales table! Do you like the power of having something other people want? Sign up for our Pizza/Beverage table! Do you prefer to NOT speak to other humans? Help us pick up trash before and/or after the event!

Whichever way you look at it, we have a spot for you! As a way to say gracias for your 60ish mins of work, you get to come in for FREEEEE to the event! AND you get a highfive- TWO HIGHFIVES- from Alma and Erica.

Please contact Alma Munoz almamunoz@sfwar.org or 415-861-2024 x301for available positions <3

Online sortable database of diversity, anti-oppression, and community-building activities developed by DiversityWorks

http://thesource.diversityworks.org/

SFWAR's Day of the Dead Altar in SF

Women of Color Resource Center Hosts Forum on Richmond Tragedy

Greetings folks,

This is an invitation to both attend and support an upcoming forum on Monday night of next week- 6:30-9:30 pm- at the Women of Color Resource Center in Oakland. We are hosting an open-forum to discuss, make meaning of, and strategize about solutions to address the protections of women, youth, and community members following the tragic rape of a young woman in Richmond last week. We are working to get a facilitator who will join us from a community-based non-violent communication organization which specializes in advocacy for women and girls.

The facilitator comes at a cost of $400 for the evening and we are trying to pull together the funds quickly to be able to hold space for a very important community matter.

Can you please spread the word to friends and colleagues letting them know about this forum, and our need for their urgent support to make sure that the session happens?

Please contact me for more information or if you are able to contribute something. Every little bit will help. The space will be youth friendly as well.

Anisha

Anisha Desai
Executive Director
Women of Color Resource Center
415/515/3816

History of the Rape Crisis Movement

http://calcasa.org/education/history-of-the-rape-crisis-movement/

Survivor of Rape Confronts David Vitter

Vitter Town Hall, Baton Rouge, 10/31/09
A rape victim in Baton Rouge asks David Vitter why he supported big corporations over sexual assault victims when he was one of only 30 senators who opposed a Senate amendment to make sure assault victims get their day in court.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6YZ1wP1978&feature=player_embedded

Radio Show: Living as Lesbians of Color in the East Bay

Premiere episode of Real Talk with Kiki & Miz Chris, a groundbreaking exploration of living as lesbians of color in the East Bay, with DJ Olga T and spoken word artist Ramona Webb. Monday at 1 pm on KPFA or online anytime at kpfawomensmag.blogspot.com. Produced by Kate Raphael with Kiki Poe and Christine de la Rosa.

Peace March in Richmond in Response to Rape 11/7

A Peace March will be held in Richmond this Saturday
November 7, 11:00 a.m.
Richmond High School, 1250 23rd St, Richmond, CA (get directions)
For more info malupresents@gmail.com
Read More

Performers and volunteers needed for VDay 2010!!

**Looking for both male and female performers and volunteers <3

Performers and Volunteers needed!

V-Day San Francisco is proud to announce A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT, A PRAYER ("MMRP"). This is a performance to benefit community organizations that empower women and communities impacted by violence. This year's performance will raise funds and awareness for San Francisco Women Against Rape (www.sfwar.org), The Riley Center (www.rileycenter.org), and Spark (www.sparksf.org).

The performance date and venue have yet to be determined. The goal is to perform the production in March 2010, in the Mission District of San Francisco. We are in the beginning stages of organizing this performance, so the details will be provided as they come!

About V-Day: V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwrite/Founder Eve Ensler's award-winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works.

Stage Performers Info:

• Passion is more important than experience. Audition is required. Details provided upon application.
• This show is in staged-reading format. Memorization is not required.
• Group Rehearsals will be once a month until the month of the performance, at which point rehearsals will be bi-weekly or as needed.
• Directors will be available for additional rehearsals on a one-on-one basis as needed, or as requested by performers.
• This is a volunteer performance. No stipend will be given to stage performers.
• All stage performers will be expected to fundraise.

Volunteers Info:

• No experience necessary.
• We will needs lots of help to put the perfomance on! We are seeking short-term and long-term volunteers.
• Examples of help we need: Stage crew, techical crew, ushers, materials design, fundraising, passing out flyers, etc.
• We are also organizing a screening of a V-Day film called ANY ONE OF US ("AOOU") about women in prison, and will need volunteers for that event also. The date of that event is TBD, as well as the location within San Francisco. Please be open to helping with either event.

To fill out an application to participate, please email vdaysf2010@gmail.com

Thank you!

V-day San Francisco MMRP/AOOU

Happy Birthday November Volunteers!

We want to send out lots of love to our volunteers who have November birthdays!!!
Sandra B, Talia H, Erinn T, Martha B, Nayla R, Nicole H, Marjorie V, Sangita D, Pia C... (and me, Teresa)

Come on by the office and we'll give you a little birthday treat!

big love,
T & E