Marie’s Saving site updates for V-day

 

Enter Marie’s Saving Site’s Frugal Romance Contest

Submit your frugal Valentine’s Day celebration plans using the link below and win a custom-made gift basket from Marie’s Gifts & Books. Deadline for entry is February 7, 2010. Winner will be announced February 8, 2010.

Frugal Romance Entry Form

Marie’s Saving Site Coupon Trains

There are 25 coupon trains circulating now. Sign up for one today and receive free coupons in the mail.

Celebrate the Savings with Marie’s Saving Site!

Marie’s Saving Site wishes you:

Many Voices Press “22 year Anniversary”

Click to view this email in a browser

IT’S MV’s 22nd ANNIVERSARY!

Yep, twenty-two years ago – in February, 1989 – we sent out the first issue of MANY VOICES. And here we are in 2010…still doing our best to support recovery and public understanding for people recovering from trauma or abuse. It’s been an interesting journey, to say the least. Lots of ups, and a few downs, but overall– it’s been extremely satisfying to receive notes like this:

"Your newsletter has been a candle in the darkness, in moments when I’ve felt so alone with my dissociative disorder…

Artwork by Charles M.

…I’ve used therapists, massage, yoga, and movement therapy. But many times, reading about the courage others have had to fight this disorder has helped me most. …Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your work."–Pat B.
If you would like to thank MV as Pat did, with an extra donation to put us on track for the next 22 years…
Here’s a link!

Charles is a prison inmate who reads MANY VOICES, thanks to our subsidized subscription program.

Read more below about MV’s plans to get more and better information about effective trauma treatment into jails
and prisons. 

Please help us pay our printing and mailing bills and provide some subscriptions for needy survivors!
DONATE NOW VIA PAYPAL

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM MV, TOO!

PLEASE send feedback to me directly. We hope you’ll want to view our future editions, but if not, just unsubscribe at the bottom of this message, and we will follow your request.  

JOIN MV FANS ON FACEBOOK HERE

Follow MV on TWITTER!

The February issue went into the mail this week!

To all current subscribers–and a few others, too!  Sometimes we select  random addresses from past subscriber and promotion lists, hoping to entice you to renew or order! To find out if you’re getting a promo issue this time,
write to me. 

If you’re not on the promo list, but want to see our Anniversary Issue (main topic: Parenting…but lots of other content too!) ask. We are glad to send a free sample to anyone with a serious interest in receiving MANY VOICES.

More About MV’s Plans for Prison Outreach

It is easy to disregard the plight of prisoners. After all, they’re the BAD people, right? And we, on the outside, are the GOOD people! Out of sight, out of mind… I’ve been guilty of thinking that way, myself. But when you realize that according to Bureau of Justice statistics, state and federal prison authorities had jurisdiction over 1,610,446 prisoners at midyear 2008…and that doesn’t count the people in local jails, or those on parole, who are trying to figure out how to make their way on the "outside" (where the rest of us don’t have it too easy, either…) Well, maybe–for everyone’s benefit–we should be paying attention to what happens to folks while they "serve their debt to society."A 2006 study noted that more than half of state and federal inmates had mental health problems, and of those, one quarter reported past physical or sexual abuse. The ratios for female inmates are higher. Most mental health "treatment" in jails and prisons consists of medication only. MV wants to help change this.

MV wants funding to subsidize subscriptions for prison counselors.In addition to offering discussion topics and outlets for inmate art and writing, MV will also give therapists resources on trauma treatment, the ISST-D, and more. Each counselor with a subscription may make photocopies available to all his/her clients…a very cost-effective way to spread hope and recovery to a community that is desperately underserved. We need your help!

Charles says
"I draw geometric stuff like this for hours, to get out of self. Relaxing!"

If you are a Therapist who works with inmates in the Criminal Justice System at any level, please contact me. I am especially interested in finding professional organizations that emphasize rehabilitation efforts. If you are the family member of someone who is currently incarcerated or was in the past, please let me know. We are trying to find the right channels to begin the process of reaching the people who need us most. THANKS!

ASK FOR A FREE SAMPLE ISSUE OF MV– FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE!

RESEARCH PROJECT

RESEARCH REQUEST for Survivors and Therapists, to Share Experiential Information

I need your help in gathering personal stories describing:

(1) the differing medical/physical aspects of your “alters/parts/selves”(or those of clients) and

(2) your experience of what happens when a shift takes place from an alter with

a particular affliction to an alter without that particular affliction. 

Examples may include but are not limited to Allergies, Addictions,

Eyesight, Pain, Medications, Illness etc. Confidentiality Guaranteed.

For more info or to share your experience PLEASE contact Mandy Lynch.
(now integrated 12 years) at my e-mail address lynchlotus@aol.com 
MV will also forward your reply to Mandy, if you prefer to reply to LynnW

Surface mail may be sent C/O Many Voices, PO Box 2639, Cincinnati, OH 45201-2639
We will forward mail as requested.

PLAN AHEAD! WRITE OR DRAW FOR US !

  Share your insight and creativity on these or other topics:

APRIL 2010: Online Safety. Spotting danger. Making friends. Avoiding cliques and abuse. Social Networking pros and cons. Describe Healthy Boundaries. ARTWORK: Your computer–friend or foe?

Send NOW ,  & help others heal!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CHECK OUT OUR NEW FEBRUARY QUESTION at our SHARING SECTION

Jill5by5 wants to know about finding  work to do from home. Please read through the whole list of Sharing Questions, and reply to any, no matter when the topic first appeared.
We Love Fresh Updates to PAST QUESTIONS!

At MV, we make every effort to be helpful to people
recovering from trauma and abuse, their families and friends.
We also want to assist trauma treatment professionals who guide people
in recovery toward a healthier, happier life. Please help us perform these
tasks well by sending your suggestions and input, pro or con, anytime.
Call me personally at 513-751-8020. I want to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Lynn Wasnak, aka Lynn W., Editor and Executive Director

Many Voices
PO Box 2639
Cincinnati, OH 45201-2639

Click Here To Visit Our Website Online! – Forward this message to a friend

Male Survivor Conference Update!

 

(Wo)Men Speak Out’s Blog

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Male Survivor Conference Update!

Posted: 27 Jan 2010 12:14 PM PST

The Male Survivor Conference in New York City is fast approaching and there are some new updates since we last announced our sponsorship of the event.

Mike Lew will be giving a workshop.  He’s been a great ally and supporter of our organization.  He wrote Victims No Longer, a great resource for male survivors, at a time when there weren’t many books on the market covering male survivorship.  Also Richard Gartner, the author of Beyond Betrayal, will be expected for a workshop of his own.  I can’t say enough about Betrayal.  Well written, practical, and presenting a mastery of the issue of male survivorship.

Check out the Male Survivor lineup for more details.  Better yet, save the date and go to the conference!  It’s a great opportunity to educate yourself and be inspired by these great advocates and experts in the field.  As well as expanding your community of peers to make change happen for survivors everywhere.

Male Survivor Conference 2010
March 18-21, 2010 at
John Jay College / NYC

(wo)men speak out blog

 

Say Something

Chris de Serres | January 28, 2010 at 8:25 pm | Tags: abuse, advocacy, pizza, say something, speak out, trauma | Categories: Christopher de Serres, child abuse | URL: http://wp.me/pyXty-6N

The most common question I get asked after our speaking events is "what can I do?"  Or "how can I become an advocate?"  There are many ways of answering a question like that.  But then it got me thinking while I was having lunch at the local pizza place. 

I walked up to the server, took one look at the oil drenched offerings and told him I wanted two of the pepperoni.  Now it was clear that the slices had been sitting on the counter for a while.  Normally the server takes the slices, puts them in the heater, and passes it along.  This time he didn’t.  He put the pizza on a plate and passed it to the cashier.
"Excuse me, can you heat those up for me?"

He knew he should have put them in the heater.  I knew he should have.  But he didn’t.  So I had to put my advocate hat on so that I would get what I was about to pay for.  That’s essentially what advocacy is.  It’s the difference between what is happening and what should be happening.  Depending on what the issue is it can be a monumental difference.  It could be the difference between life and death.

A survivor of abuse may have handled that scenario a little differently.  She may have taken those two slices as is.  I mean, if you don’t think that you amount to much or that you are deserving of respect, then why would that change at the pizza counter?  We don’t always get the slices we deserve.

You are the person behind her saying, "hey, don’t you think you ought to heat those up for her?  You want hot slices right ma’am?"

When it comes down to the fundamentals our job is the same, from the counter to the streets to the courtrooms and on.

When I first began speaking about my abuse I did it for a number of reasons.  I only realized after a man once told m that when I spoke he felt like I was speaking for him.  I was speaking the words that he had been meaning to say.  I felt grateful to hear that my story had this effect on him.  You never truly know until people tell you.

It made me think of the second part of the pizza story.

"Thanks, I really wanted them hot, but I didn’t think to say anything."
Advocacy?  It’s a snap.  All you got to do is say something.

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a great piece from the Spiritual Zen

 

Spiritual Zen

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Today Could Be Your Last Chance; Make it Count!

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 04:45 PM PST

Have you told the people in your life how much they mean to you recently? We all know this is important, but do we really take the time to connect with them on an emotional level and tell them how much they mean to us? Some family members may be uncomfortable with heartfelt discussions, but when they’re gone, baby they’re gone.

Shortly after I was born, my father built us a home with his own hands just outside the city where he worked construction. However, deep inside he’d always dreamed of owning and running a farm. I think he liked the idea of working for himself and the freedom it brings. Of his generation, the greatest compliment was “he’s a hard worker,” and that was/is my dad; a hard worker. I think he realized if he worked as hard for himself as he did for “the man,” he was sure to succeed.

Shortly after my fifth birthday, we packed up everything and moved to a farm house ten miles outside a small town in East Central Kansas; the four of us and 80 acres. What I remember most about the house; bitter cold. Winter would often find my older sister and me sleeping in the dining room around the wood burning stove. My mother would heat bricks on the stove, wrap them in towels, and put them in the bottom of our sleeping bags. She was so thrifty; still is.

I have memories of my fathers rear-end in the air with his head submerged under the floor thawing pipes with a blow torch. To this day the smell of a blow torch on copper takes me back to those times… more of the cold house than of my father’s ass. Vice-Grips made nice handles for the bathtub faucet. And when the pipes were frozen, steaming water was brought from the stove-top for our bath. My father fixed the house as much as he could, but time was limited as he continued working a full-time construction job 60 miles away (at minimum) and farmed nights and weekends. Our farm had cattle, chickens, a few pigs, and always a sea of swaying wheat or soybeans just outside our kitchen window.

I realize now what it must have felt like for my father; looking out the kitchen window every day to see his dream right there in front of him. Honestly, I doubt he took the time to enjoy it. I hope he did. We might not have had everything we wanted, but we always had everything we needed. I can’t really remember wanting much. I think there was a correlation between the big dreams of my father and my imagination of all things possible growing up on a farm. One day I was John Wayne riding my sorrel gelding Dollar (Shetland pony) across the range; the next day I was Larry Bird making the winning shot against Magic Johnson (my sister) in Boston Gardens (hay loft). There is never a shortage of things to do growing up on a farm.

Our Farm Auction 1984

Farming was difficult during those times, it was the era of small farmers loosing everything; you either had to go big or go home. After years of blood and sweat, the day came when my father decided it was best to sell the farm and move into town when I was 14. It was odd watching all our stuff going to the lowest bidder. My father said once that selling our new house and moving to that farm was the biggest mistake he ever made. I disagree; and I had a chance to tell him that a few years ago. I’m glad I did, and I think I’ll remind him next time I see him.

It’s a testament to my parents’ love towards my sister and I that made us feel safe and warm; always. Oddly, not until a few years ago when my sister and I were talking about our childhood, did we realize how cold and run down that old farm house was. We laugh now about the cold winters and vice-grip handles. Home really is where the heart is.

When I was around 12 years old I wanted to get a job, my father’s advice; “son, you’re going to be working for the rest of your life, enjoy not having to work as long as you can.” He was right; he recently retired.

Dad if you’re reading this, I hope you take the time to look around and realize anything is possible; that you followed a dream and worked hard and provided well. Today is a gift dad and I love you. Now take a break, you deserve it.

Dad and me running on the beach, Florida 1980

We may not always have the opportunity to tell the ones we love how much they mean to us; it’s important to let them know as often as you can. I’ve had the privilege over the years of learning my fathers love language, and for that I am grateful.

As you share your feelings with those you love, try and be specific. I think this is important. It’s not the definition of a word that gives it meaning, but the heart. Be sincere, specific, and make it count! You never know, it could be the last time you see them.

The Present
Music and Lyrics By: Jared Akers 11/2007

I heard a song the other day
And thoughts of you drift my way
Of times we shared and things you said
And all the things that we never did

We could always pass the time
Talking about the way things used to be
Sometimes we just sat and cried
And let the tragic past float by on the breeze

[CHORUS]
Life Happens when you’re waiting for a change
Sittin’ in the past, searching for blame
Life happens when you don’t know what to say
Did you catch that game, so do you think it’ll rain?
So be careful how you spend it
Today is a Gift, thank God for the present

We talked about mistakes we made
Ones betrayed and dreams that fade
You told me of the one’s you missed
And how we got to a place like this

We could always pass the time
Talking about the way things used to be
Sometimes we just sat and cried
And let the tragic past float by on the breeze

[CHORUS]

I’m not sure how hard I tried
To be with you in the end
So I wrote this song to say goodbye
I won’t make that mistake again

[CHORUS]

photo credit: h.koppdelaney

Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to SpiritualZen via RSS or by Email. It’s Free, it’s Easy, and I will never share your email address with anyone.

Other Articles That May Interest You

• Racism and Spiritual Growth
• Learning my fathers love language
• What Is Love to You?
• Be on time, or the message you are sending is clear
• She Said Yes

well-being expo in chicago

Well-Being Expo

DATE: Saturday, Jan 30

TIME: 10am-5pm

LOCATION: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph, Chicago

This full-day event aims to provide you with the tools to increase happiness, success and overall wellness for the mind, body and soul. Just in time to start the new year right, the expo will include nationally celebrated speakers:

Stacy Nadeau from Dove’s "Real Women" ad campaign (as seen on Oprah, Today Show, CNN, Ellen, Dr. Phil, Tyra)

Bevin Lynch (Life and Business Coach)

Duong Sheahan (Live Healthier and Happier)

Angela Rose, founder of PAVE (as profiled by CNN, The Today Show, TIME Magazine, The Montel Williams Show, The John Walsh Show, CosmoGirl, Girl’s Life Magazine)

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit PAVE (Promoting Awareness and Victim Empowerment).

Ticket price includes full day of speakers, lunch provided by Basil Leaf, a fantastic goodie bag worth hundreds and entry to the after-event cocktail hour.

http://thewellbeingexpo.eventbrite.com/

USE DISCOUNT CODE "PAVE" FOR $15 DOLLARS OFF!!

For more info, click here: http://www.TheWellBeingExpo.com

**Look for the Well-Being Expo in NYC, Washington DC, and LA!

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more from our Spiritual Zen….

 

simple wisdom for simple living..LadyJ

 

Spiritual Zen

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Pain or Pleasure, What’s Your Payoff?

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 05:18 PM PST

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
–Albert Einstein

Is there a payoff in everything we do? Whether we experience pain or pleasure, must we always get something in return? The payoff. As people react to our behaviors, we often find ourselves in a position to be hurt. Conversely, we also have the ability to place ourselves in situations that bring great joy.

This is not to say bad or good things do not just happen, but when the results seem to be tied to our behavior, maybe we need to stop and review what our payoff is.

If you find yourself in constant conflict with the world or those around you, stop to see what your payoff is; is it emotional pain or fear? Maybe the payoff (fear or pain) is validation for the feelings of insufficiency you have for yourself. I was stuck in this cycle for years in regards to intimate relationships. No matter how much I liked someone, the relationship would ultimately end; and I would once again be alone. The payoff was validation that I was incapable of being loved unconditionally for who I was. Once I learned to love myself unconditionally, things changed.

It has been my experience that seeking pleasure as the payoff in and of itself, is misguided. At most the pleasure is short lived and thus we spend the majority of our time and effort chasing pleasure.

The less we expect a payoff, the more free we become to experience pleasure in everything we do.

photo credit: lolika pop

Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to SpiritualZen via RSS or by Email. It’s Free, it’s Easy, and I will never share your email address with anyone.

Other Articles That May Interest You

• The Greatest Gift
• If it’s uncomfortable, I should probably be doing it
• Where I’m supposed to be
• Where I’m suppose to be

New Year Resolutions for Many Voices Press

P;ease help us spread the words and forward these on to everyone you know who will listen, LadyJ

Click to view this email in a browser

New Resolutions from MANY VOICES!

We have about a zillion plans for 2010…in fact we’re practically bursting with good intentions!  At the top of the list are three goals:

* Apply for grants (first time ever!)

* Open our new public education website (Sometime this spring? We hope so!)

* Increase subscriptions and donations so the wolf at the door takes a nap.

We’re excited about this year and, with your help, we’ll make it happen. Here’s what YOU can do!

1) If you are aware of family foundations in your area that care about child abuse, mental health, women’s issues or prisoner rehabilitation — please send me info or contacts. And if you have grant-writing experiences you’d be willing to share–please do! I’m a newbie in this specialized writing field.

2) If you’d like to help us fill our new Public Education site with worthwhile information–contact me & I’ll send you the categories we’re researching. If you think you’d like to be a moderator or administrator in a trauma area we’re covering, tell me. We want to let people post their questions and responses–but we want these posts screened to prevent abuse and/or misinformation on our site. That means–we need help!

3) If you don’t know when your subscription expires, ask via email or phone: 513-751-8020. I’ll be glad to look it up. Also, I’d love to know of conferences or clinics that might be interested in free issues or info sheets.
We want to spread the word that MV is an excellent tool for healing! 

Lenten Roses (helleborus)

These lovely blooms endure despite cold & snow…like MV Readers!

We feel fortunate to be able to share in your recovery and pass the word that healing from abuse and trauma is really possible. If you are having a difficult time, write to us.
We really do care!

Please help us pay our printing and mailing bills and provide some subscriptions for needy survivors!
DONATE NOW VIA PAYPAL

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM MV, TOO!

PLEASE send feedback to me directly. We hope you’ll want to view our future editions, but if not, just unsubscribe at the bottom of this message, and we will follow your request.  

JOIN MV FANS ON FACEBOOK HERE

Follow MV on TWITTER!

Meet A Wonderful MV Volunteer!

My name is Sue Scoby and I became a Many Voices volunteer in 2009.
My background is in Education; specifically in technology and marketing. I have been able to share my talents and apply them towards a number of projects with the organization.

Working with Lynn has been a wonderful experience. I have assisted her with new technology and marketing initiatives this past year. Being a volunteer with Many Voices has also helped me envision on a new path for my career. In 2010, I will be applying my background and volunteer experience into a new Technology and Marketing business aimed at assisting small businesses and non- profits.

It is an honor to play a role as a volunteer with such a vital organization. With Lynn’s strong leadership and a group of dedicated volunteers, the best is yet
to come. 

Sue Scoby
Hire This Fabulous Woman!

(Contact Lynn W. to make the connection.)

SUE SCOBY has been a terrific asset to MV ever since she first appeared as a long-distance volunteer. During our conversations a couple times a month, she shares ideas and resources that have made a HUGE difference for MV–including Vertical Response, this newsletter service! THANKS SUE!

ASK FOR A FREE SAMPLE ISSUE– FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE!

UPCOMING CONFERENCES & RETREATS!

FOR INCEST SURVIVORS ONLY:

FEBRUARY 5-7, 2010
Delaware Shore
For Survivors Only – The 17th Annual SIA Midatlantic Intergroup’s Winter Retreat. “Simply Serenity.” Registration $65. Preregistration required. Send check/money order to Midatlantic Retreat, PO Box 1205, Willow Grove PA 19090. Info via SIA’s helpline at 215-925-4002 or visit the website.

MALE SURVIVOR Conference:

MARCH 19-21, 2010
New York, NY
12th International Conference sponsored by MaleSurvivor. Dedicated to the needs and interests of both clinicians and survivors.  John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  Email for info

Conference information is here

PLAN AHEAD! WRITE OR DRAW FOR US !

  Share your insight and creativity on these or other topics:

APRIL 2010: Online Safety. Spotting danger. Making friends. Avoiding cliques and abuse. Social Networking pros and cons. Describe Healthy Boundaries. ARTWORK: Your computer–friend or foe?

Send NOW ,  & help others heal!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CHECK OUT OUR
SHARING SECTION

We’re always open to new
questions for Sharing.
Please read through the whole list, and reply to any, no matter when
the topic first appeared.
There’s always something new!

At MV, we make every effort to be helpful to people
recovering from trauma and abuse, their families and friends.
We also want to assist trauma treatment professionals who guide people
in recovery toward a healthier, happier life. Please help us perform these
tasks well by sending your suggestions and input, pro or con, anytime.
Call me personally at 513-751-8020. I want to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Lynn Wasnak, aka Lynn W., Editor and Executive Director

Many Voices
PO Box 2639
Cincinnati, OH 45201-2639

Click Here To Visit Our Website Online! – Forward this message to a friend

Change.org Launches the Changemakers Network

 

 

January 11 – January 17

Change.org Launches the Changemakers Network

Hey Jacki M,

What do U.S. Senator John Kerry, Actress and Activist Mia Farrow, Hip Hop Entrepreneur Russell Simmons and Attorney and Environmental Activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have in common?
They’re all members of Change.org’s Changemakers network, an exciting new initiative bringing together prominent activists, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, academics, and artists with a demonstrated ability to create change in the most important issues we face.

More than 100,000 Change.org members voted to help select our first round of Changemakers. Now that they’ve been chosen, these Changemakers will be writing periodically on Change.org about their work, helping to advance public dialogue on major issues and mobilizing the Change.org community to get involved and take action.

A number of Changemakers have already started engaging the Change.org community. Changemaker Ruth Messinger, the President of American Jewish World Service, writes this week about her organization’s work in Haiti. Unprecedented efforts are taking shape around the globe to aid survivors of Tuesday’s catastrophic earthquake, and you can view a list of leading aid organizations to support here.

This week we also had Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee Fran Drescher writing on how we all must work together to prevent cancer, and U.S. Congressman George Miller writing about how we must tear down a politics of cynicism, and build a politics that strengthens the middle class.

There’s plenty more, too. From Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman, to U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis, to Author and Chef Alice Waters, to National Council of La Raza President Janet Murguía, – this powerful group of leaders will be reporting on the work they are doing to advance lasting change and enlisting the Change.org community’s support to help make a difference.

You can view our full list of Changemakers here.
To get things rolling, we recently interviewed more than a dozen Changemakers, asking what drives them and what they hope to accomplish while working with the Change.org community. Check out a sampling of their responses below.

Jim Wallis, Theologian, Bestselling Author and President and CEO of Sojourners
Jim Wallis says his goal is to encourage individuals to put their faith into action for social justice. All of our faith traditions evaluate the integrity of a society by how we treat the most vulnerable, and if all of us put our deepest beliefs into everyday operation, our world would change. (Read more)

Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund
Every week, firearms kill more than 60 children and teenagers, and firearms kill more preschoolers annually than the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Marian Wright Edelman says these statistics should be a wake up call that for America’s kids, there is no hiding place from the brutality of gun violence. (Read more)

Doug Ulman, President and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
In 2010, twelve million people will be diagnosed with cancer, which is expected to become the leading cause of death worldwide. But Doug Ulman says there’s reason for hope. More people are quitting smoking and eating well-balanced diets than ever before, and more advocates are fighting to make cancer a global priority. (Read more)

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Randi Weingarten believes that the American Dream is a false promise absent a solid education system for America’s students and a living wage for America’s workers. How do we achieve these? By creating an environment in both our schools and our work force that is a race to the top. (Read more)

Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, PFLAG
When families don’t accept their LGBT children or loved ones, the pain can be immeasurable. For this reason, Jody Huckaby writes that family acceptance is the key to LGBT equality. By changing hearts and minds in our own families first, we transform the world around us, giving equality a chance to take root and grow. (Read more)

Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America
Nancy Keenan won’t stop until reproductive health care is equally available to all women. But that won’t happen without a fight. Keenan sees young Americans, and the talents and passion they bring to organizing, as key to making sure women’s freedom and privacy are protected far into the future. (Read more)

George Miller, United States Congressman
Politics without cynicism. In the eyes of U.S. Congressman George Miller, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, politics can and should be about making a difference in people’s lives. That happens first and foremost by rebuilding and strengthening America’s middle class, and ensuring that the interests of students, workers, families and retirees are at the heart of our nation’s priorities. (Read more)

Harris Wofford, Former U.S. Senator and CEO of the Corporation for National Service
Harris Wofford has spent a lifetime serving the common good. So what are his biggest priorities right now? One is advancing a dramatic expansion of international volunteering and service among Americans, which he argues can make a vital and peaceful contribution to world security. A first step would be doubling the size of the Peace Corps, but that’s just the beginning. (Read more)

Fran Drescher, Cancer survivor and two-time Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee
Fran Drescher says we all have the power to fight cancer. The first step? Arming every person with the information they need to prevent the disease and detect it early, when it’s most curable. With the knowledge and screening tools available to us, we should be diagnosing many types of cancer much earlier than we currently are. (Read more)

Ethan Nadelmann, Founder and Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance
The U.S. has less than 5 percent of the world’s population, but almost 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Why? As Ethan Nadelmann describes, it’s because of a senseless war on drugs that values incarceration over compassion and punishment over sound science. (Read more)

Kate Kendell, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights
Kate Kendell has a task for you: go find three friends or family members, and tell them why full justice and equality for LGBT people is important to you. That might seem like a small step, but conversations like these are the key to eliminating bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and achieving full LGBT equality in all of our lifetimes. (Read more)

To view all of our current Changemakers, click here. And to support the relief efforts in Haiti, don’t forget to check out our list of leading aid organizations working on the relief effort. Every bit counts.
– The Change.org Team

To unsubscribe from your weekly update, click the link below.
http://www.change.org/my_change/email_opt_out?email_id=UXTTVOZVSUVYBSCELCBE

health Place newsletter

Hello,

Here’s what’s happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:
http://www.healthyplace.com

Switching Antidepressants

Even today, the general public has little understanding of what’s entailed in taking an antidepressant medication. Many think their doctor will give them a "miracle pill" and their depression will be cured. Unfortunately, for many, that’s not the case.

As you may have discovered already, there’s a large group of people with major depression for whom the first, even second antidepressant doesn’t perform the way they hoped it would.

This brings us to our new special report on "Switching Antidepressants". In 5 pages, exclusively on HealthyPlace.com, find out

• why people with major depression sometimes switch antidepressant medications
• why you should never suddenly stop your antidepressant
• how to change antidepressants safely

It’s a must-read for anyone taking an antidepressant and comes along with audio comments from HealthyPlace.com members who share their personal insights into changing antidepressants and their experiences with antidepressant discontinuation syndrome; something you never want to have.

You might also want to read the "Gold Standard for Treating Depression," an in-depth, authoritative examination of the best treatments for depression, which includes depression treatment video interviews with award-winning mental health author, Julie Fast.

Satanic Ritual Abuse

Have you heard of it? Satanic Ritual Abuse (aka SRA, Sadistic Ritual Abuse) was frequently in the headlines in the late 1980s and 90s. Allegations of SRA involved reports of physical and sexual abuse of individuals in the context of occult or Satanic rituals.

In the mid-80s, it reached panic proportions when owners of the McMartin preschool, in California, were put on trial for child abuse, including charges of satanic ritual abuse. The trial went on for three years before the owners were acquitted on 52 of 65 counts, and the jury was deadlocked on the remaining 13 charges against one owner with eleven of thirteen jurors choosing not guilty. During this period, over 100 other preschools around the country were facing similar charges. What eventually came to public light was that prosecutors, social workers and therapists had engaged in misconduct, using leading and coercive interviewing techniques, and therapy techniques that are now discredited.  In addition, there was little or no credible evidence, besides the alleged victims own accounts, to indicate that satantic ritual abuse took place.

You don’t hear much about it today because most people, including a majority of law enforcement and mental health professionals, either believe SRA doesn’t exist or it’s so infrequent as to be at an undetectable level. However, our guest on Tuesday’s HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show (see below) says she’s a victim of satantic ritual abuse and is one of the few victims with corroborating proof.

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Share Your Mental Health Experiences

Share your experiences with any form of ritualistic abuse or any mental health subject, or respond to other people’s audio posts, by calling our toll-free number (1-888-883-8045).

You can listen to what other people are saying by clicking on the gray title bars inside the widgets located on the "Sharing Your Mental Health Experiences" homepage, the HealthyPlace homepage, and the HealthyPlace Support Network homepage.

If you have any questions, write us at: info AT healthyplace.com

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"Surviving Satanic Ritual Abuse" On HealthyPlace TV

Anne A Johnson Davis is a victim of ritual abuse, but unlike others who make such claims, she has proof – her parents admitted the crime to law enforcement. Her ordeal, survival story and message to other victims of child abuse on Tuesday’s HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show.

Join us Tuesday, January 12, at 5:30p PT, 7:30 CST, 8:30 EST. The show airs live on our website. Anne will be taking your questions during the live show.

• Abuse in the Name of Satan (tv show blog – includes Anne’s audio post)

Coming in January on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show

• Complementary / Natural Treatments That Improve Your Mental Health
• For Adult Women: What To Do When Earlier Attempts at Eating Disorder Recovery Have Failed

If you would like to be a guest on the show or share you personal story in writing or via video, please write us at: producer AT healthyplace.com

Previous HealthyPlace TV archived shows, click the "on-demand" button on the player.

Mental Health Chat on HealthyPlace.com

A note for those of you who missed the chatrooms on our site. We’ve updated our chat from private message only to the usual chatrooms where many can gather to discuss their mental health concerns. Once you log into the HealthyPlace Mental Health Support Network, click the "chatroom icon" located on the left side of the bottom bar on your screen.

And if you’re not yet a member, come join us. Just register on our site. It’s free.

Latest Mental Health News

These stories and more are featured on our mental health news page:

• The Americanization of Mental Illness
• The Terrorist Mind: An Update
• On Human Happiness, and Why It’s So Hard to Find
• The Uniqueness Of Married Sex
• Commited? 10 Ways to Perk Up Your Relationship
• Vet Analysis Suggests That Benefit Of Antidepressant Medications Varies With Severity Of Depression Symptoms
• Unique Motor Activity Patterns in Manic Bipolar Disorder Patients

That’s it for now. If you know of anyone who can benefit from this newsletter or the HealthyPlace.com site, I hope you’ll pass this onto them. You can also share the newsletter on any social network (like facebook or digg) you belong to by clicking the links below.  For updates throughout the week, follow HealthyPlace on Twitter or become a fan of HealthyPlace on Facebook.

Thank you,
Deborah

Community Partner Team
HealthyPlace.com – America’s Mental Health Channel
"When you’re at HealthyPlace.com, you’re never alone."
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