Our VOICE news! Events in October...

By Monica Antonazzo
AmeriCorps VISTA
Our VOICE

Did you see what she was wearing?

She should not have been drinking!

He couldn’t control himself.

Boys will be boys.

For the past 35 years, Our VOICE has been serving the Asheville community as a rape crisis center with victim services, prevention and community education. Last year, volunteers undertook a vast community assessment that revealed that the majority of people in Buncombe County see sexual violence as a major issue, but many of us also subscribe to rape myths. Rape myths are misconceptions about sexual violence that tend to blame victims and provide justifications for perpetrators.

For those who would like to join us in addressing these rape myths and working towards our goal of creating a community free from sexual violence, there are several opportunities coming up in the next month. First, in commemoration of our 35th anniversary, there will be a benefit concert at the Grey Eagle on Oct. 4th: Voices, featuring Nikki Talley, StereoFidelics, and Skinny Legs and All.

On October 15, we will host a Community Gathering for the Prevention of Sexual Violence at the MAHEC building, 5:30pm. This is a free event including dinner and a keynote speech from Tony Porter of A Call to Men. Please add your voice to the diverse group of participants that will share their knowledge, experience, and ideas on how to work together on this issue.

Finally, we have three training opportunities for people who would like to get involved with Our VOICE.
Victim Advocate Training (Sept. 29-Oct. 17) prepares volunteers for the crisis line and hospital visits.
Gentle Brothers (Oct. 28-Dec. 16) is a group of men who examine our culture’s depiction of manhood, create an alternative story of masculinity, and serve as mentors to boys as they navigate growing up amongst these pressures.
Community Educator Training (Nov. 30-Dec. 17) prepares volunteers to use innovative approaches as they engage in education around sexual violence in a variety of settings.

Get involved! Make a difference! Be a mentor! For more info, contact Monica Antonazzo at monica.ourvoice@gmail.com.