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.
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
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
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Earth Day 2012 – April 22nd
Happy Earth Day – Be aware and make a difference.
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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
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!
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March: Women’s History Month
Women’s History Week was initially created by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission (California) on the Status of Women in 1978. It was chosen during the week of March 8th so that it would coincide with International Women’s Day. In 1981, Women’s History Week received national recognition by a joint Congressional resolution. In 1987, Congress extended into a month-long celebration. Today, Women’s History Month is an international celebration.
This year’s theme for the commemorative month is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment”. The Vine Event Planning will be commemorating Women’s History Month by thinking outside the box for our monthly online event on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning. We understand that school or college is not the only place education occurs. We will highlight women who educate and empower women from various aspects of education. So, from the hair stylist to the workout instructor and from the poet to the professor; we will cover it all!
This month, we encourage you to celebrate women by researching the accomplishments of women in your area of interests and/or by simply holding a causal conversation about a woman you admire with a fellow employee or friend. To find more information about Women’s History Month go to http://www.infoplease.com/womens-history-month/.
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February: Black History Month
Dr. Carter G. Woodson is accredited for the creation of Black History Month. In 1915, Woodson’s desire to create an African American presence in United States history led him to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson continued to educate African Americans about their culture, background, and significant achievements by launching Negro History Week in 1926. The second week in February was chosen as the commemorative week because the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were already two days celebrated by the black community during this week . In 1976, Black History Week was expanded into a month long celebration.
On February 1, 2002, the McDonald’s Corporation launched an initiative that celebrates Black History all year long with their 365Black Campaign. In 2003, McDonald’s took their initiative a step further and developed the 365Black Awards, which annually recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the African American community. For more information about McDonald’s 365Black Campaign visit www.mcdonalds.com/365black.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate Black History Month. Check out our Facebook page for regular post throughout the month that will highlight Black History facts and information at www.facebook.com/TheVineEventPlanning. PBS will also have a lineup of programs that will commemorate the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Check out the video below for more details.
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To find more information about Black History Month please visit http://www.infoplease.com/black-history-month/ .
January: National Staying Healthy Month
Happy New Year! Have you decided what your New Year resolution will be? Since January is National Staying Healthy Month, how about striving for overall wellness? When we think of health, often we instantly think of physical health but, according to http://www.definitionofwellness.com there are ten (10) dimensions of wellness: social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental, financial, mental, and medical.
You are your greatest asset and your goal for 2012 should be to become a better and healthier you. We encourage you to choose one of the dimensions of wellness to start improving on today. Check out this link to the National Wellness Institute site which offers a free online wellness assessment http://www.nationalwellness.org/index.php?id_tier=91&id_c=55. After you review your assessment results, you’ll have a better idea of which wellness dimension you should target.
For steps to reach some of the dimensions of wellness, check out the video below.
This year be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to health and wellness; think preventive. Allow your thought process to be, what can I do in the dimension I choose to stay healthy, prevent illness, and prolong my life? Start the new year off on the right foot, and embrace the idea of improving your health and wellness during National Staying Healthy Month.
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