| September | 2010 |
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| Dear Friends of BRAVO, Welcome to the premier issue of the BRAVO Bulletin eNewsletter. The Bulletin will be produced monthly as a way to keep our supporters and the LGBT communities in touch with the day to day work of BRAVO, our goals, our programming and issues of concern to those we serve. Violence is a very real concern to our communities. It covers a broad scope ranging from obnoxious comments and verbal threats to vandalism, physical and sexual assault and murder. No one is immune. Violence has touched each and every one of us, if not directly, then indirectly through our friends and neighbors. BRAVO helps our communities to confront issues of violence through various programs. Our client services range from peer crisis counseling to court room accompaniment. We have access to an extensive network of support services that can ensure that our clients are not “re-victimized” by the systems that are designed to help them. We work extensively with law enforcement agents, prosecution personnel and various service providers, educating them about the special needs of the LGBT communities. If you would like information about our programming or services, or if you would like to volunteer, please call us at 866-86-BRAVO or email us. All of our services are free and all reports are strictly confidential. Gloria McCauley Executive Director - Top of Page - Exercise Safety When Leaving Home by Kelli Medaglia, BRAVO Volunteer Our streets, community and world are flavored with vastly differing mindsets when it comes to anything not of the so-called traditional vanilla approach and presentation of daily life. Fundamentally, as opinions are subjective, we find immense variety of what is deemed ‘acceptable’ or ‘abhorrent’ and a gaping chasm of perspectives falling between the two. This is openly evident with the arts and politics. Sadly, it applies readily to individuals as well. Further, views of negativity — especially regarding persons of LGBT fabric — are rooted firmly in unsound soil that is laced with mythical, stereotyping seeds. An unchallenged perpetuation ensues with eyes socially closed; and, this unfortunate cycle continues within the absorbing minds of children. One dimensional parents often beget the same in their offspring while many kids, fortunately, are exposed to the nuances of the world in which they live in breaking from continuously disproven inclinations of old. Many people carry such dismissive attitudes at all times, including when they're roving about town. Additionally, some have no qualms in expressing such disdain for those who are simply different from themselves. This expression is often in the form of physical assault and sometimes preceded by verbal taunting or harassment. Lest you be fooled by your own conclusions of who an attacker may present themselves to be, this driven person can reflect any combination of appearances in race, religion, gender and social status. Leaving your home with ‘safety on the brain’ means you know that unexpected happenings and unforeseen circumstances are always possible. Integration within a public setting, while invigorating and self-enlightening, is subject to unknown variables relative to the sort of people who are nearby, be it someone moving about the same block of streets, frequenting a neighboring club, or merely sitting a few bar stools away. Strangers perched or loitering in proximity of any bar that you visit or consider ‘safe’ does not constitute an ally. The entire concept of harnessing physical safety begins within your own mind. Consideration of a safe endeavor is your first step. When you are aware of what can spawn a troublesome night on the public streets, you're already ahead of the curve. Safety on the Brain, indeed. Travelling with one or more people only magnifies your level of safety and should be done so whenever remotely possible. A lone guy or gal (especially a transgendered person) is the easiest target for those looking to advance their negativity and prowess through harassment and assault. If in harm’s way, possessing an ability for attracting attention can easily draw others to assist you. Available to anyone is a convenient plastic whistle to be kept at-hand wherever you may venture — and can be acquired through contacting any BRAVO office. It is quite simple yet very effective. The notion of yelling, “Help!” rarely achieves its goal, as many are hesitant to become involved in any such incident. The sound of a whistle is both unexpected and voluminous, which provokes automatic head-turns and increases the likelihood of gaining assistance. Safety on the Brain simply means you've given some thought to your destination, its surroundings, and the perpetual importance of awareness. - Top of Page - BRAVO Recruiting Volunteers For Helpline The BRAVO helpline is a critical link between victims of crime and the services that they need. This is a specialized volunteer opportunity that requires a significant commitment of time for training in order to enable the volunteer to effectively answer telephones for BRAVO and to prepare the volunteer to give adequate referrals, take reports, and provide telephone crisis intervention to assist BRAVO clients. Much of the helpline volunteer’s time will be spent on routine calls, referrals and reports, but when a client does call in a crisis, it is essential that the volunteer be adequately trained to handle the situation. We also want to assure that every helpline volunteer feels comfortable and confident when interacting with callers. We do collaborative training with the local rape crisis program, Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO). At the completion of the SARNCO training we conclude the helpline volunteer’s training with a module that is specific to BRAVO’s mission, policies, and procedures. In all, both modules entail 40 hours of intensive training. The BRAVO helpline is currently staffed Sunday through Thursday night, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The helpline volunteer works from home and forwards the BRAVO line to their phone. It does require a commitment of time and newfound skills as a BRAVO helpline volunteer. The SARNCO training is scheduled for October 9, 10, 16, and 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The BRAVO module will take place at the BRAVO office upon completion of the SARNCO training. If this volunteer opportunity interests you, please contact Gary Heath, Domestic Violence Program Coordinator, at 614 294 7867 to schedule an interview. - Top of Page -
If the police are called and charges are not filed you may be referred to the Columbus City Prosecutor’s Office Intake Unit.
Information concerning this process and the court process itself can be found at the Columbus City Attorney website at www.columbuscityattorney.org/. |
In This Issue:
 Look For Community Shares and BRAVO In Your Company’s Workplace Giving Campaign Community Shares connects workplace campaign donors to community-based nonprofits working on long-term solutions to local needs. If you are reading this article, it’s likely you are already involved with BRAVO and know about the important work we are doing. You can easily support BRAVO by making a paycheck donation in your workplace giving campaign. In these challenging times, it takes all of us working together to strengthen our communities and support local nonprofits. Let your friends and co-workers know they can also support your cause and BRAVO. If your company does not include Community Shares and BRAVO, please consider asking that BRAVO is included. Click here to find out if Community Shares of Mid Ohio and BRAVO are a giving option in your workplace charity campaign. - Top of Page -
Also, BRAVO has a volunteer opportunity for 2 women at this event. If interested, please email Gloria. 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.
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 |
