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| A Survivor's Spirit Can't Be Broken |
June.
In June, lots of people celebrate Father's Day. We're not real big on that holiday in my house, Ma's was an abusive drunk, The Amazon didn't know hers and mine.. well.. we've already beaten that dead horse to a fine pulp. June also brings Dear Old Dad's birthday, along with sweltering southern heat, slithering legless yard invaders and under boob sweat.
I'm not real big on summers in the holler.. in case you couldn't tell.
In an effort to find some balance in my life, return to a more spiritual way of being and generally just stop being such a long winded whine bag, I've been looking for a way to get something positive out of the month of June. Make lemonade, see the silver lining, be all I can be, give my inner child a popsicle... or something.
I've decided that throughout the month of June, I'm going to raise money to benefit RAINN: The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. The funds we raise will help to maintain The National Sexual Assault Hotline and the following services outlined on their website:
All RAINN Affiliates operate 24/7 crisis telephone hotlines that serve victims of sexual violence. Volunteers and staff at these organizations are trained on issues surrounding sexual violence and can provide support and information about individual or group counseling, medical attention, reporting a crime to law enforcement as well as many other services.
When I was 13, I was pretty messed up. I thought what had been happening to me, off and on my whole life, never happened to anyone else. It was at that age that I really started to realize that it wasn't normal, that I shouldn't have to take it and that it needed to stop. When I turned to family, I was called a liar. Some of them still refuse to admit it was true. I think it's just easier for some people to accept that a child would make up things they shouldn't even understand than it is to admit that the abuse occurred.
Whatever...
If I'd had an organization like RAINN to turn to, maybe things would have turned out differently. Maybe having someone to reach out to, without shame, would have helped me to grow up a little more well adjusted. In creating this small fundraising project, I'd like to think that in some small way, I'm giving another little girl that chance.
If you'd like to donate, you can visit my project site: Mahala's RAINN Project I'd like to raise $500 before the month is out. More would be great.
I know money is tight. Believe me. Sometimes even a couple of bucks can break the bank. If you'd like to help, but you just don't have the $$$, a link to this post on your blog, Twitter or Facebook will help spread the word. If you'd like, you can also become a team member and use your super shmoozing skizzles to raise funds for the cause.
Look, I know it's a subject that gets some people kinda skeeved out. I understand. Maybe you'd rather not link to "uncomforable" subject matter or spend your last $10 on an organization you're just not feeling. That's cool too. Start your own project. Find a cause. I'll probably kick myself for saying this, but it's true.. If I don't raise A DIME but inspire 10 people to begin their own project, I will consider it a success. Let's start a wave of good things. And? If you DO decide to champion your own cause, let me know in comments and I'll give you a little linky love.
A word about Crowdrise, the site hosting my project: I've donated through them a few times, the money goes directly to RAINN, you don't have to worry about me going out partying or getting a new set of pornstar French manicured nails with the money. They will ask for a tip when you donate, but it's entirely optional. I usually add a buck, but you don't have to.
I hope ya'll bear with me through June if I get a little annoying.. it's for a good cause.
Ya'll take care, we'll talk again soon.
Later Taters!
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2 comments:
Well damn, better than most things I've been spending my money on lately!
Posted 'bout it. :)
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