| February | 2011 |
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| Meet New Members of BRAVO's Board and Staff Russ Goodwin, Board President-Elect  Russ Goodwin comes to the BRAVO Board after a long career of Public and Private Service. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he attended Columbus Public Schools, graduating from Brookhaven High School in 1973 and the Ohio State University before joining the US Navy in 1977, serving with distinction for 20 years. Upon Retirement from the Navy, he returned to Columbus to begin his second career as the Lead Sales Associate for Butler Schein Animal Health Supply, the nation’s largest Veterinary Supply Company, based in Central Ohio, where he has been employed for 12 years.Russ’s service to the LGBT Community began soon after his return to Columbus in 1996. He became active in local politics with Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio and with the Franklin County Democratic Party. Over the years he has become a strong voice for Equality within Columbus and Franklin County for its LGBT Citizens. He served two terms a President of Stonewall Democrats and won the endorsement of the Franklin County Democratic Party to be their candidate for Congress, OH-12, in the 2008 Democratic Party Primary election. Russ serves on the Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial Board of Trustees and is currently starting his second 5 year term. Debé Wenig, Board Member  Debé is no stranger to BRAVO, as she has been a hotline volunteer for many years. In the past she has worked on a domestic violence hotline, was an HIV pretest counselor, and a rape crisis advocate. Debé grew up in Southern California and moved to Columbus 10 years ago. She is the Accounts Receivable Coordinator for Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, LLP, and has over 20 years experience in office management and accounting. Of course, that’s her day job. Debé is better known as a local cabaret and jazz entertainer performing all over Central Ohio. She’ll be the reception entertainment at this year’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Event, and she hopes to use the stage as a platform to promote BRAVO year round. When she’s not singing or number crunching, Debé can also be found working as a professional hand analyst (aka — palm reader) at local shops and private events. Debé believes in the vital work that BRAVO does and appreciates the opportunity to serve on the board. We hope she sees good things in BRAVO’s future. Aaron Eckhardt, MSW, Legal Advocate  Aaron, originally from Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Upper Arlington High School and Capital University before leaving for Kentucky. In Kentucky Aaron worked for the Cabinet for Families and Children as a child protection social worker. After graduating with his masters in social work from Spalding University he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He worked for six years as a program director at REST a homeless services agency serving Chicago’s north side.Also, prior to coming to BRAVO as a staff member, he served on several boards for non-profit organizations and community committees including the following: Interim Board President/Board President of the Kentucky Reproductive Health Network, Louisville, Kentucky; Coordinating Committee of the Fairness Campaign, Louisville, Kentucky; Board of Trustees for Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO), Columbus, Ohio; Board of Directors for Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition, Columbus, Ohio; and recently served on the Service Providers Commission Executive Committee of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness Board Vice-Chair of the Windy City Performing Arts, and Chairman of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Commission on Standards. We are excited to have Aaron join the BRAVO family as our new Legal Advocate. BRAVO has partnered with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network to launch a brand new set of services for our community. The Civil Legal Assistance program will provide fees for civil legal assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. Here are a few examples of the numerous legal services this program will be able to assist individuals with: housing; Civil Protection Orders; custody; child support; employment; bankruptcy; divorce; Disability — SSDI; Unemployment; HUD; injunctive relief (such as refusals to transfer survivors in public housing); consumer issues (i.e. credit report issues, debtor issues, etc.); administrative appeals of Crime Victims Compensation claim denials; pre-charge advocacy when victims are arrested. Along with linking individuals to legal services, Aaron will be directly assisting individuals with safety planning and linkage to other social services as needed. This new program marks an important step for BRAVO and our community. Often, LGBTQI victims of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking face many challenges and barriers when attempting to access mainstream programs. If you are an attorney or advocate and want more information on obtaining referrals for this program or are a survivor in need of services email Aaron or call 614 294 7867. - Top of Page - Why Politics Matters By Kelli Medaglia, BRAVO Volunteer Our visions of lawmakers as hardened, aged, Caucasian white men is quickly becoming that very thing: a vision, an illusion, an outdated stereotype. Today’s politicians comprise a variety of backgrounds and approaches by increased inclusion of women and non-whites in better reflecting the landscape of constituents throughout the country. Further, noting such ethnic and social changes informs us that varying groups may, in fact, harbor similar viewpoints once thought to be exclusive to the aforementioned “old white guy”. In other words, your social allies and adversaries may not be those initially considered per stereotypical, old-school thinking. Having a better feel for our folks in Congress — and knowing who they are — helps give insight as to where ideas originate and, more importantly, which lawmakers support any given ideas (especially those you may oppose). Though there is plenty of activity regarding sleep-inducing minutia, much is to be considered in the way of social movements, sentiments, and ultimate legislation. We each have someone representing us in Washington; and, actually knowing what they’re up to can palpably connect us and subsequently shine responsibility on our respective representatives. Lest we forget that those inhabiting the Capitol’s hallowed halls are none other than residents of our own neighborhoods. They made their trip to Washington as a result of being legitimately elected — by us. Additionally, choosing not to cast a vote essentially excludes one from the earned right of bemoaning their actions and viewpoints. If and when your particular Congressional representative espouses or supports a stance in opposition to your own, steps can eventually be taken to make your voice heard. Every two years, such an opportunity presents itself. You, personally, can choose whomever you feel best reflects your views and values by simply casting a vote. Unhappy with certain social directives and politically-charged rhetoric? Very easily, anyone can learn about their representative's actions by glancing at their voting record at the govtrack.us website. Know what these folks are doing. Find out who really votes against LGBTQ-related issues. Learn about those who seemingly don’t emphasize or favor hate crime legislation or services for victims of domestic violence. Know what they’re doing on your behalf. Additional resources: United States House of Representatives, United States Senate. - Top of Page - General and Safe Dating Tips National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs Considering the large number of people who have met online for sex and dating, the occurrence of violence is relatively low. But there are some people who cruise with intention to harm. If you are targeted by one of these people, it is important to know it is NOT YOUR FAULT. Nobody has the right to violate your boundaries or commit violence against you. The following tips may help you identify when someone you are meeting has negative intentions. Trust your gut. When meeting up with someone new, if you get a feeling that something isn’t right, trust your instinct and exit the situation. If you are afraid of offending the person, you can do so politely. But what if I am overreacting? Sometimes I feel uncomfortable but can’t actually name a reason. Trust your gut! It has gotten you this far Sometimes, we get a feeling of discomfort or fear based on cues that we can’t identify at that time. Our survival instincts sense danger faster than our logical mind. You may not be able to identify what made you nervous until later. Read more. - Top of Page - |
In This Issue:
 Of Current Interest Dare to Dream: Lifting the Veil of Secrecy for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Sunday, February 27, 2011 2:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. OSU Moritz College of Law Drinko Hall, Room 348 55 West 12th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43210 This community awareness program is free and open to the public. It should be of especial interest to survivors of sexual abuse, men and women alike, to their loved ones, as well as to community advocates, mental health and social service providers, clergy, legal professionals, and all interested students. The program is chiefly designed to illuminate the problems of male sexual victimization — victimization of both boys and men — and to give survivors a platform to speak out about the abuse they experienced. The program is also designed to share information on community resources that are available — both in the direction of healing and advocacy Read More The Vagina Monologues A benefit for BRAVO March 11th & 12th Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Show begins at 9:00 p.m. Wall Street Nightclub 114 North Wall Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 614 464 2800 The Vagina Monologues is an award-winning play based on V-Day Founder/playwright Eve Ensler's interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace the play celebrates women's sexuality and strength. Through this play and the liberation of this one word, countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives. For more than twelve years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public. For additional information, email vdaycolumbus2011@gmail.com Join Network Columbus in Celebration of Joan Crawford's Birthday A Benefit for BRAVO Wednesday, March 9, 2011 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. KDB Easton 165 Easton Town Center Columbus, Ohio 43219 Join the members of Network Columbus, central Ohio’s progressive GLBT networking group, for a special networking event and celebration of Joan Crawford’s 103rd (or maybe 106th, but probably her 107th) birthday. Not, perhaps, coincidentally, it’s also the 107th anniversary of the invention of the wire coat hanger. No joke. Admission is free. No RSVP necessary —- just come enjoy the fellowship, networking, and free appetizers! Sponsored by KDB Easton, outlook media, Rainbow Cleaners, and more... - Top of Page - An evening of fine dining, premier homes and engaging conversation: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? offers an intimate dining experience with 8 - 10 individuals in a private home. A touch of intrigue rounds out the appeal as the mystery of where and with whom guests will dine will unfold that evening at the opening reception.
 GWCD 2011 Logo Courtesy of Raffensberger Photography March 26, 2011 Visit the Guess Who's Coming To Dinner 2011 Webpage Find out how you can support BRAVO by joining the GWCD 2011 Host Committee. - Top of Page - Links:
BRAVO Is a Proud Member Of
 Support. Connect. Succeed Together. BRAVO is a founding member of National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP).  |
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PO BOX 82068 · COLUMBUS, OHIO 43202 |