Category Archives: Awareness

by

Cyber-baiting a Phenomenon On The Rise

Recently, where I live, there was an incident involving a high school teacher and student. The situation occurred in the classroom when the teacher was leading a discussion. During the dialogue, an accusation that Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, was a bully during his youth arose. The student claimed that President Barack Obama was a bully too, along with other comments that unsettled the teacher. Part of the exchange between the teacher and student was recorded on a cellphone and posted on YouTube. The teacher is currently on suspension as the school district investigates the situation.

This event has sparked a sudden interest in the phenomenon of cyber-baiting. What is cyber-baiting you may ask? The technical definition of the term is when a student irritates or baits a teacher until they get so frustrated that they yell and/or have a breakdown. The student films the incident on a cell phone and posts the footage online. A report from Norton, an internet security program, found that one fifth of teachers have been the victim of or knew of a colleague who had experienced cyber-baiting. http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/home_homeoffice/html/cybercrimereport/.

As my community moves forward in resolving this incident, I hope that those leading our school district will be fair and objective. As the phenomenon of cyber-baiting continues to rise, policies, procedures, and training needs to be put into place and enforced in order to avoid similar situations. For more information on cyber-baiting at high school and collegiate level check out this article at http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/11/30/cyber-baiting-classroom/.

Cierra Cross
West Rowan High School Senior

The Vine Event Planning
http://www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning
http://www.twitter.com/TheVineEvents

by

June: Men’s Health Month

Traditionally in the month of June, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday. Father’s Day is intended to be a day set aside to recognize, honor, and appreciate the father figure in our life. Did you know that June is also Men’s Health Month? Men’s Health Month is designed to bring awareness to health issues that impact both men and boys. We all know that proper diet and exercise are imperative for good health, but knowledge of family medical history and wellness checkups are equally important. The men in our life need medical screenings that will detect those “silent” ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Screenings will also reveal health issues like colon cancer and heart disease which are treatable when diagnosed early. For more information about men’s health, visit Men’s Health Network website at http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/.

Normally on Father’s Day, we give our father figures gifts that include ties, clothes, sporting goods and tools. This month we encourage you to also initiate dialogue with him about his health. Encourage him to get a physical and request early detection screenings from his medical provider. Also, check out http://www.menshealthmonth.org/thingstodo.html to discover additional things you can do to heighten awareness about men’s health.

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”- Former Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994)

The Vine Event Planning
www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning
www.twitter.com/TheVineEvents

by

Huey Newton’s Take on Gay Rights

Everyone is talking about President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality. We ran across this blog that gives an interesting perspective on gay rights from Huey Newton co-founder of the Black Panther Party that we would like to share with our followers. The words he spoke over 40 years ago is a prophecy of where we are now…

Davey D's avatarDavey D's Hip Hop Corner

This was a speech given August 15 1970 by Huey Newton co-founder of the Black Panther Party..here he addresses the issue of Gay Rights… Its serious food for thought coming in the aftermath of President Obama endorsing Same-sex Message…

During the past few years strong movements have developed among women and among homosexuals seeking their liberation. There has been some
uncertainty about how to relate to these movements.

Whatever your personal opinions and your insecurities about
homosexuality and the various liberation movements among homosexuals
and women (and I speak of the homosexuals and women as oppressed
groups), we should try to unite with them in a revolutionary fashion.
I say ” whatever your insecurities are” because as we very well know,
sometimes our first instinct is to want to hit a homosexual in the
mouth, and want a woman to be quiet. We want to hit a homosexual in

View original post 862 more words

by

RealTalk – Amendment One Backyard Chat

We Are Campaign Discussion Facilitators

Amendment One (as it will appear on the North Carolina’s ballot): “Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.”

North Carolina’s Amendment One will affect aspects other than marriage, said campaign leaders on Sunday, April 29, 2012, during The Vine Event Planning’s  “RealTalk – Amendment One Backyard Chat.”

“Amendment One will have a broader affect that encompasses domestic law,” said Robert Eldredge, who started the “We Are” campaign in North Carolina.

Eldredge and Lindsay Welch—Welch helped Eldredge start the campaign– spoke to a group of more than 20 people in the backyard of Tonya Cross, the owner of The Vine Event Planning.

Not only will Amendment One narrow the definition of marriage to a union between a man and woman, but it will also affect domestic violence laws and protections, domestic partner benefits, and child custody cases.

After Eldredge and Welch gave an overview of Amendment One and its effects, attendants at the event were divided into three groups lead by four facilitators: Kristen Thompson, Esq., Eldredge, Welch, and Evelyn Medina.

Thompson, talked to her group about the legal aspects of Amendment One. Thompson claimed that the broad language used in the amendment has been the cause of some controversy surrounding the amendment. She said the definition of a “domestic legal union” is not clearly defined and is thus left up to interpretation of those implementing the law.

The definition of a “domestic legal union” was the main topic discussed by the group Eldredge and Welch led. They said the assumed definition of marriage between a man and a woman laid out in Amendment One is an ideology of family that is being forced upon the residents of North Carolina.

Medina’s group shared their personal views on the amendment. Larry Clifton, an attendant at the event, said he was going to vote for the amendment because of religious reasons until he realized that it did not just affect the gay community.

“I have a problem with the fact that this amendment will affect children and their access to their parent’s health insurance,” Clifton said.

Henry Giles, who was also part of Medina’s group, said same-sex marriage is just one aspect of Amendment One.

“They [legislators] are using people’s fears and prejudices against gay people to encourage people to vote for the amendment,” Giles said.

Educate yourself on Amendment One before you cast your vote. The last day to vote on the amendment is May 8th, 2012.  To find out more about Amendment One and the “We Are” campaign, visit www.wearenc.org.

Desere’ Cross, UNC-CH Journalism Major

Visit www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning  to learn about other awareness campaigns being promoted by The Vine Event Planning.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

by

May: Mental Health Month – Spread the Word

Research shows that 1in4 adult Americans live with a diagnosable mental health condition. Up to 50% of those people living with a mental health condition never seek or receive help due to stigma, lack of information and/or cost or lack of health insurance coverage. Many people may be reluctant to ask for help or don’t know where to find it. There are many prevalent mental health issues that plague our communities and we have to begin to “fight” against the stigma, ignorance and resistance to become mentally healthy.

Depression robs people of the enjoyment found in daily life and can even lead to suicide. According to a Surgeon General report, African-Americans are over-represented in populations that are particularly at risk for mental illness. A common myth about depression is that it is “normal” for certain people to feel depressed—older people, teenagers, new mothers, menopausal women, or those with a chronic illness. The truth is that depression is not a normal part of life for any African-American, regardless of age or life situation. Unfortunately, depression has often been misdiagnosed in the African-American community. The myths and stigma that surround depression create needless pain and confusion, and can keep people from getting proper treatment. This is just an example of one of the mental health conditions that affect many people of many cultures and religious backgrounds.

Trauma is another highly critical mental health concern in our communities. Trauma can be extremely toxic to our bodies and our brains leaving us with the inability to cope with situations. Unresolved trauma can manifest in many ways, including anxiety disorders, panic attacks, intrusive memories (flashbacks), obsessive compulsive behaviors, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, addictions, self-injury and a variety of physical symptoms. Trauma increases health-risk behaviors such as overeating, smoking, drinking and risky sex.  Trauma survivors can become perpetrators themselves if not treated. A movement for trauma-informed care has emerged to ensure that trauma is recognized and treated and that survivors are not re-victimized when they seek care. Complementing these changes are programs to promote healthy development of children and healthy behaviors in families, schools and communities that reduce the likelihood of trauma.

While mental health and substance abuse conditions are common, they are extremely treatable and individuals go on to recover and lead full and productive lives.
A strong positive mental health foundation can lead to greater resilience, our process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences. Emotional pain and sadness are common in people who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives. In fact, the road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress. Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Relationships that create love and trust provide role models, and offer encouragement and reassurance help bolster a person’s resilience. These relationships may be hard to accomplish in family systems without supportive mental health education and/or resources in our communities.

Mental Health America (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/) is the nation’s largest and oldest community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our more than 300 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions–Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, (http://www.nami.org/) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need. From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

These are two of the many other mental health organizations in your area that offer resource and support. It’s important that more people are knowledgeable about treatment and services. We all have a chance to lead a healthier physical and mental life.

Nicole Daniels, LCMFT

Sources:
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — “Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds”
Mental Health America – http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/mental-health-info/depression/depression-and-african-americans/depression-and-african-americans
American Psychological Association – http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx

by

RealTalk – Discussion of Trayvon Martin Case

Trayvon Martin Discussion Facilitators

On Sunday, April 15th, The Vine Event Planning hosted a RealTalk discussion of Trayvon Martin Case at Southern City Community Development Center in Salisbury, NC. Discussion facilitators included Brian Steel, Kristen Thompson Esq., Minister Kay Boyd and Mercedes Harrington.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Guest were divided up into four groups. Steele’s group discussed racial profiling. The people in his group shared their personal stories of racial profiling and what they could do in their community to prevent it.

“With this case, you have to act past the verdict,” said Michael Cross, an attendant at the event, who was referring to Martin’s case. He said you have to direct your attention to the police force and law if you want true change to occur.

Kristen Thompson Esq. led a group discussion on the legal aspects of Martin’s case. She discussed the Stand Your Ground law in Florida as it relates to the case. Thompson also talked about her concerns with the charges George Zimmerman was charged with.

“Second degree murder is going to be really hard to prove in court,” said Thompson. She said she thinks it would be easier to prove Zimmerman guilty of manslaughter because of the amount of evidence that is required to convict someone of second degree murder.

Minister Kay Boyd talked about the faith community’s role in civil rights and how it has changed over the years. To explain this change, Boyd’s group came up with several reasons. One reason was that the church’s value system and culture has changed; it has been diluted and flushed out by modernization and the media.

Mercedes Harrington led the group discussion on international/national support that has been rallied around Martin’s case. Harrington shared with her group how people in other countries view this situation as one of the many racial cases in America. She also talked to her group about the importance of not reacting violently to the injustices that Martin’s family is experiencing.

Willette Johnson, said she really enjoys attending events hosted by The Vine Event Planning because they allow her to “dialogue about things happening in the community”.

The Vine Event Planning’s next RealTalk event, Amendment One Backyard Chat, will be Sunday, April 29th at 6pm. At this event they will discuss the facts about the North Carolina amendment that will be on most ballots across the state on May 8th. Their goal is to ensure that voters will be able to make an educated vote when they go to the polls.

Desere’ Cross, UNC-CH Journalism Major

The Vine Event Planning
http://www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning
http://www.twitter.com/TheVineEvents

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

by

Earth Day 2012 – April 22nd

Happy Earth Day – Be aware and make a difference.

The Vine Event Planning
http://www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning
http://www.twitter.com/TheVineEvents

by

RealTalk – Xenophobia Discussion

RealTalk – Xenophobia – Take Away Points

Thanks to everyone who participated in our first RealTalk discussion! We hope that this event was an enriching experience and a portal for positive change. Below are some take away points from the discussion that we would like to share.

 

  • Definition of Xenophobia- Xenophobia [zen-uh-foh-bee-uh] is an unreasonable fear, distrust, or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as foreign or different. – http://www.dictionary.com
  • We can find xenophobia within cultures; it’s not only an outside force. This can cause intra-discrimination which in turn causes division among a culture.
  • We have to see beyond an individual’s ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation and evaluate them based on their character. Are they honest, dependable, or exhibit integrity?
  • True change begins within. We need to confront and overcome any unreasonable fears we have against anything/anyone foreign or different. Also, we need to challenge others to do the same when they exhibit xenophobic behavior.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

by

April: Earth Month

This month go green and save green! April 22nd is Earth Day, but many communities extend it into a week or month long celebration. Earth Day was first recognized in 1970 and was initially intended to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet Earth. Many activities during Earth Month encourage awareness about increasingly vital environmental issues such as global warming and nuclear hazards. These events also urge people to fight against air, water, and soil pollution.

Conscious efforts to protect our planet should be an all year round goal. There are several ways to reach this goal and to take better care of the planet that does not require huge deviations from accustomed routines. For example, turn off lights when you aren’t using them and replace incandescent light bulbs with energy saving florescent ones. Carpool with your co-workers and friends and/or consider public transportation. Either option cuts down on gas expenses and the pollution that enters the atmosphere when you travel. You can save water by cutting down on the time you spend in the shower and not leaving water running in sink while brushing your teeth. You’ll not only save water, but see a savings on your water bill. Also, be sure to recycle when opportunities are presented, reusable water bottles are always more eco-friendly and less expensive than purchasing traditional plastic water bottles.

For more information about Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org. To learn more about environmental issues and how you can help reverse these issues, check out www.usagain.com.

This Earth Month, be sure you enjoy nature and become more conscious about how your actions are affecting the planet. Think about what you can do to protect our planet and reverse damages that have already been done to it. Happy Earth Month!

The Vine Event Planning
www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning
www.twitter.com/TheVineEvents