VOLUME 6, NUMBER 7 HERLAND SISTE R RESOURCES, INC. JULY,1989 **** ** 2312 N.W 39TH, OKC 73112 • (405) 521-9696
A GAY DAY IN JUNE The day began with speakers and sin stood silently watching the march, letting gers, including Peggy Johnson and Randall their signs voice their opinion. "Bigger" and "better" are the key words Powell, at Memorial Park, followed by the At the conclusion of the march, partici to describe this year's Second Annual Gay march and ending with a block party pants found hot dogs, cake, refreshments, and Lesbian Pride March. behind the bars on 39th Street. The sun music, books and raffles at the block With Oklahoma City police providing was once again hot and high in the sky, but party. security at the front and back of the march volunteers from the Gay Helpline pro The one thing everyone found was com as well as patrolling the route, participants vided water for the marchers along the radarie; sisters and brothers who expe carried signs, banners, balloons and Okla route to relieve some of the stress from rience a common oppression came to homa panels for the Names Project quilt. heat. The number of participants were gether peacefully as a community, to try to They rode on horseback, in cars, on double that of last year's march, if not educate the ignorant, calm the fears of the motorcycles, on bicycles and on floats. more. unknowing and just survive. May Okla They walked all over banners taped to the Although this year's march commemo homa City's Gay Pride Parade one day road that contained negative words such rated the anniversary of the Stonewall rival San Francisco's! • IGNORANCE and FEAR. If OKC didn't riots in New York, it went off without any know after last year's march just how violence. But there were a few visible proud participants are to be who they are opponents. A few members of the KKK and to be a part of their community, it knows this year. ------HSR, JULY, 1989 1 by Sondra Metzger Maggie E. is moving to San Diego in The head of our Volunteer Committee, August and wants to turn her mowing the community will be very proud of. Margaret C ., has turned her duties over business over to someone in the com Watch for more info in the August to Pam T. We would like to express our munity. If you're interested, call her at newsletter . . .. deepest gratitude to Margaret for all the 728-7856. We'd like td thank Maggie . time and energy she has contributed and Charleen for taking care .of the Due to my error, the cost of the Fall toward ensuring that the store and grounds at the Resource Center. Great Retreat was left out of the article and tables at events were staffed. We can job! ... the registration form. Pre-registration never repay her for the time she has prices are $17 - $20. On-site registra devoted to making phone calls and There will be a meeting Aug. 6, 4:30 tion is $25. This price does not include keeping track of who is working when, p.m. at 2805 N. McKinley for anyone the meal tickets. For example, the total sometimes filling in herself when no interested in being involved in planning for one person who wishes to purchase one else was available. Thank you, Sis concerts. Refreshments will be served. meals would be $30. Scholarships and · ter 50, and good luck, Pam. For more information, call Mary at work programs will be availab!e on a . 528-0020 .... first-come, first-served basis, If anyone Berland has a new board member, Pam can offer to contribute a scholarship, it T. The executive committee has also The newsletter is back to normal this would be of great help to those who changed, with Jill W. taking the reins as month. Let's hear if for our typesetter, cannot attend ... . Sister #1, Pat C. as Sister #2, Kathy C. Rhonda! .. .. as Sister #3 and Rhonda S. as the new I know this is a bit early, but the 1990 Sister #4. The former Sister #1, Jean K., If you're wondering about the tape Gay Games and Cultural Festival will is now our Networking Coordinator. being -made by Friendships United, no, be held in Vancouver, Canada, from Thank you, Jean, for your strong lea'd- they haven't skipped town with your August 4-11, 1990. Anyone interested ership, and welcome aboard, Pam! .... money. There really is a tape (a good in the games should contact the Metro one!), and a tape release party is being politan Vancouver Athletic and Arts planned for some time in August at Association, 1170 Bute Street, Van Gushers. Coordinator Palmira Campos couver, B.C. Canada V6E 1Z6. The said the effort to finish the tape is mov newsletter will have more information ing slower than expected because they as time draws near .... want the tape to be exceptionally well done - something the performers and r------, REGISTRATION FOR FALL RETREAT (FOR WOMEN ONLY) NAME(S) ______Number of Pets ______(Pets must be kept on leash and no ADDRESS --~~~~~-~--~~~~~~~~~~~~- pets in main building.) CITY ______STATE ___ ZIP ___ PHONE ( __) _____
0 I would like a scholarship D I would like a work exchange 0 I will provide ____ scholarships
0 I would like to lead a discussion group on ------
0 I would like to attend a group on------and a possible leader is ------
COMMENTS: ------
Cost of the retreat is (preregistration) $17 • $20 sliding scale, or $25 for on-site registration. A limited number of scholarships and work exchanges are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At this year's fall retreat we are once again offering terrific meals at a great price. You may purchase them individually for $2.50 apiece or buy all four for $10.00. In order to plan how much food to prepare, we must know which meals you'll be purchasing. Please fill in the appropriate boxes below. I WANT TO PURCHASE MEAL TICKETS FOR THE FOLLOWING MEALS: D Friday Evening D Saturday Noon D ALL FOUR MEALS D Saturday Morning D Sunday Morning L------~ 2 HSR, JULY, 1989 ------powerfu 1 esson about the need for all couples who choose not to marry, or do Around the Country not have legal access to marriage, to create durable power of attorney doc EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NEWARK WELCOMES uments for their own protection. While awaiting a vacancy at Trevilla, LESBIAN AND GAV COMMUNITY Sharon spent several weeks at the Ebe nezer Caroline Center in Minneapolis The Episcopal Diocese of Newark has chosen to coincide with the Manhattan and participated for the first time in a established an innovative new ministry, celebration of Lesbian and Gay Pride medical staffing conference about her called "The Oasis,'' designed to make Week. The Rev. Ellen Barrett, who care. She also received a pass to attend a lesbians and gay men feel more welcome made headlines in 1977 when she barbecue with Thompson and other in the church. became the first openly lesbian priest friends. It is expected that her medical "Just about every Episcopal church in ordained in the Episcopal church, was team at Trevilla will be agressive in the country has a sign out front that the guest preacher for the event. Bishop recommending further activities that says, 'The Episcopal Church Welcomes Spong presided at the liturgy, which allow her to leave the facility. You'," points out the Rev. Robert Wil included dedication of a banner which Sharon may receive cards, flowers, liams, director of The Oasis, "but in was carried in the New York Lesbian etc., at Trevilla of Robbinsdale, 3130 many places it would be more honest if and Gay Pride Parade. Its message: "The Grimes Ave. N., Robbinsdale, MN they'd add a disclaimer: 'gays and les Episcopal Church Welcomes You." • 55422. bians need not apply'. The Oasis is an For further information, contact attempt to make the welcome of the Karen Thompson at 3070 Fulton Cir Episcopal church a reality for gay men COMMITTEE cle, Clearwater, MN 55320. • and lesbians." CLOSES DOWN "The uniqueness of The Oasis,'' Wil liams says, "is that simultaneously it is The National Committee to Free LESBIAN ISSUES AND an indigenous gay ministry and an offi Sharon Kowalski has closed its doors OUTREACH PROJECT cially sanctioned organization of the effective June 30. church. This is certainly not a ministry "Everything is set in place for a The Human Rights Campaign Fund to "convert" homosexuals to hetero secure future for Sharon,'' said Tacie (HRCF) has announced the creation of a sexuality; it is rather a group of both gay Dejanikus, co-chair of the Committee. new Lesbian Issues and Outreach P.roject and nongay Christians committed to "With Sharon's move, we have sub to advance the lesbian political agenda doing ministry together as fellow mem stantially completed the agenda around within the U.S. Congress and the gay and bers of the Christian Church." Willi which we organized in 1987." lesbian community. ams, who was ordained an Episcopal On June 12, Sharon was moved to The project-one of the first of its kind deacon June 3 by Bishop Spong, is an Trevilla of Robbinsdale, an extended in the nation's capitol-will address the openly gay man, and has been active in care facility near Minneapolis, MN. The political and policy issues of the lesbian Integrity, the lesbian and gay caucus facility provides rehabilitation and tran Continu/d on next page within the Episcopal church. "I'm about sition to less structured care for brain as out of the closet as you can be,'' he injured persons. This move is the first says, "and I have been for ten years. step in the rehabilitation plan recom When I speak of the gay and lesbian mended by Kowalski's therapists at the HSR-CALENDAR community, I'm speaking of us." Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth. The scope of the ministry of The Sue Wilson, Karen Thompson's at OF EVENTS-JULY Oasis is primarily to the Episcopal Dio torney, said Sharon's father Donald has July 11 ·Peggy Johnson, Kerr Park, 11:45 cese of Newark, which includes all of asked St. Louis County District Court a.m. - 1 p.m. northern New Jersey. "But we also have Judge Robert V. Campbell to terminate a ministry to the entire Episcopal his guardianship of his daughter, "be July 14 ·Friday Night Video, 7:30 p.m., Church, and to the broader Christian cause if he can't do it his way, he "Color Purple" community,'' Williams says, "to be a doesn't want to do it." Campbell has July 15 • Peggy Johnson, Cantina del prophetic voice and to be a model for the specified that he will not appoint Paseo, 3007 Paseo Blvd., 9 p.m. formation of similar ministries." The Thompson as guardian. His selection of July 23 • Sisters of Swing, Ada, call 528- Oasis office is in All Saints' Episcopal a third party guardian is pending. 0020 for more information Church in Hoboken, just across the river Thompson praised the work of the from Manhattan's Greenwich Village with National Committee. "the Committee July 28 • Friday Night Video, 7:30 p.m, its large gay population. "I certainly hope has achieved a great deal," she said. "Hotel New Hampshire" our outreach extends to lesbians and gay "Any further areas of question in Shar Aug 6 • Open meeting for persons men in Manhattan,'' Williams says. on's future can be hammered out by my interested in planning concerts, 2805 "That's why we chose this location." lawyer in court. This nightmare is N. McKinley, 4:30 p.m., call 528-0020 The Oasis was officially commissioned almost over, and Sharon and I can be for more info. as a new ministry of the Episcopal Dio free to determine what the future holds cese of Newark in a liturgical ceremony for us." Tuesday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at All The Committee reiterates that the Saints' in Hoboken. The date was story of Sharon Kowalski represents a ---~-- HSR,JULY, 1989 3 Continued from previous page ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE community and develop strategies to advance those issues through federal legis IN U.S. WIDESPREAD IN 1988 lation, education and advocacy. Washington, D.C. - At an emotion May 13, 1988, I believed that we, as The project will be extensively involved charged press conference in a Senate lesbians, could be hurt or harassed. in political strategizing, issues develop Office Building in Washington, the With words, most likely, maybe with ment, lesbian outreach, furidraising, coali National Gay & Lesbian Task Force some force if things got out of hand. I tion building and other activities. (NOLTF) released its annual report on had accepted the potential harassment "The Lesbian Issues and Outreach Pro violence against lesbians and gay men gay people are accustomed to . . . I did ject will enable HRCF to expand and on June 7th. The report concludes that not consider brutal murder born of communicate- to Capitol Hill and our the problem of anti-gay violence con hatred and ignorance. Nobody should community- a feminist agenda for civil tinued to be alarmingly widespread in have to worry about brutal murder. I rights," said newly appointed HRCF Execu 1988. A total of 7 ,248 incidents, rang didn't. I lived my life, chose my love tive Director Tim Mcfeeley. "This in ing from harassment to homicide, were respectfully and honorably as I believe cludes equal social and economic oppor reported to NOLTF by 120 organiza all people should. Brutal murder hap tunities and a broad range of other issues, tions in 38 states and the District of pened to me. And killed Rebecca. It such as reproductive rights, guardianship Columbia. happened because we were identified as and domestic partnership concerns." The NOLTF report, entitled Anti lesbians. By a stranger, with whom we HRCF is now accepting applications for Gay Violence, Victimization and had no connection." director of the project. Responsibilities of Defamation in 1988, is the only Of the 7,248 incidents reported to the director will include: national measure of reports of harass NGLTF last year, 4,835 were verbal • Develop policy positions and legisla ment and violence against gay people. harassment (67% of the total); 885 tive proposals and integrate them Joining NGLTF Anti-Violence Pro ( 12 % ) were physical assualts; 713 into HRCF's political, lobbying, ject Director Kevin Berrill at the news ( 10%) were threats of violepce or media and constituent mobilization conference were: Claudia Brenner, vic menacing; 449 ( 6) were acts of Wfndal operations; tim of a brutal shooting attack in 1988 ism; 205 (3%) were episodes of police • Design and implement an extensive which left Brenner injured and her verbal/physical abuse; 70 ( 1 % ) were outreach program using the press, lover dead, and representatives from homicides; 54 ( 1 % ) were bomb threats; speaking engagements and other the offices of the chief Congressional and 9 were acts of arson. methods to inform the lesbian and sponsors of the federal Hate Crime Sta The 7,248 incidents reported i 1988 women's community of political tistics Act, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) slightly exceeds the total for 1987 (by 240 developments and to provide feed and Sen. Paul Simon (D-IL). incidents or 3% ), and is the largest back to HRCF on women's issues; Berrill, author of the 1988 report, said, number ever documented in a single • Build coalitions within the lesbian "This report is our annual wake-up call to year by NGLTF. However, this increase community and with progressive the American people, to public officials, is the result of outreach by NOLTF to gay women's groups; to the media, to teachers and to clergy. community-based Metropolitan Com • Create a fundraising campaign fo Each act of anti-gay harassment and vio munity Churches (MC}:) and campus cused on the lesbian and women's lence is an act of terrorism aimed at gay /lesbian organizations. If data from community. depriving all lesbian and gay people of our MCC and campus groups are excluded "Lesbian political power continues to rights to speak, assemble, associate and from 1988 figures, reports of anti-gay grow," said Hilary Rosen, HRCF board of above all, to love." harassment dropped 29%. By the same directors co-chair. "The National Lesbian Brenner's statement at the press con measure, however, the number of violent Conference in Atlanta in 1991 will affirm ference added an emotional and per crimes increased. Among non-campus, a lesbian political agenda. HRCF looks sonal dimension to the release of the non-MCC groups acts of arson doubled forward to participating in its develop report. On May 13, 1988, Brenner and from 4 to 8, reports of physical assaults ment and implementing it in the U.S. her lover, Rebecca Wight, were brutally increased 4%, reports of homicide in Congress." attacked while on a camping trip in creased 9% and reports of police abuse Individuals interested in the position Adams County, Pennsylvania. The assail increased 32%. should send resumes to the Human Rights ant, who silently stalked them for While offering comparison with inci Campaign Fund, 1012 14th St. NW, Suite hours, shot and killed Rebecca Wight, dents of violence reported in previous 607, Washington, D.C. 20005, Atten and seriously wounded Brenner during years, the 1988 NOLTF report stressed tion: Lesbian Issues and Outreach the attack. Despite sustaining five gun that such comparisons are made with Project. Salary will be commensurate with shot wounds, Brenner walked nearly great caution. "We cannot accurately experience. Deadline for applications is four miles to find help and survived. gauge whether and how much the prob July 30. The assailant, Stephen R. Carr, was lem has changed in comparison to other The Human Rights Campaign Fund is convicted on October 28, 1988, of first years. Fluctuations in the number of the nation's largest political organization degree murder and was sentenced on groups reporting to NOLTF , lack of fighting for lesbian and gay civil rights and May 17, 1989 to life in prison without systematic data collection throughout responsible federal AIDS policy. • the possibility of parole. the U.S., and underreporting by victims Brenner said in her statement, " Sta make it difficult to ascertain whether tistics about murder, death and tragedy mean different things to me now. Before Continued on next page 4 HSR, JULY, 1989 - - --- Continued from previous page serve as a safe place to store the archive your dog b-:comes lame or feverish, you and the many items we expect to add to it should take it to the vet for lab tests as the problem has grown, diminished or in future years," says Burns. soon as possible. remained constant." The museum's first independent pro You can eliminate ticks before they AIDS-related incidents increased in ject, a multi-media exhibition commemo have a chance to spread the disease by 1988 indicating that hatred and blame rating the 20th anniversary of the Stone using dips, sprays and powders. If your associated with the disease continue wall rebellion, took place in June, Lesbian pet already shows signs of the disease, it unabated. Seventeen percent ( 17%) or and Gay Pride and History Month. En can be treated successfully with antibio 1,259 of the total 7 ,248 incidents titled "Imagining Stonewall," the exhibit tics available from your vet. reported to NOLTF in 1988 were clas included audio, video, picture and docu Did you know that a dog or cat can sified by local groups as AIDS-related. mentary displays. The Center has already actually die from fleas? They can actu The 1988 report concludes that anti successfully displayed the photographs of ally lose enough blood to fleas and ticks gay organized hate group activity-most Robert Giard and Marilyn Humphries. • that they develop what's called flea or of it involving neo-Nazi "Skinheads" - tick anemia. The flea problem is going appeared to be on the rise, with organiza to be bigger than ever this year. Spray tions in 17 communities reporting anti ing your yard and your pet's bedding gay threats and/or attacks by hate groups. will help in controlling the problem to a NOLTF called ·for a concerted effort Potpourri point, but your pet should also be by government and community leaders sprayed, dipped or powdered as well. to fight anti-gay and hate-motivated Be careful with puppies and kittens. Up violence. NOLTF named the passage of SUMMER FUN IN to a certain age, their systems cannot the Hate Crime Statistics Act, which handle the potency of most flea and tick now has 126 cosponsors in the House THE SUN (MAYBE) products. Age limitations and direc and 4 7 in the Senate, a top legislative by Sondra Metzger tions are listed on the products.,There priority. are also a few products made jdst for Copies of the NOLTF report may be We have all heard about how harm them. obtained for $4.00 for single copies and ful summers can be for us: dehydration Of the many different flea and tick $2.50 each for copies of 10 or more, by causing heat stroke and one too many control products on the market, some writing NOLTF 1988 Report, 1517 U suntans and sunburns causing skin work, some don't. A year ago there was Street NW, Washington D.C. 20009.• cancer. But some of us don't stop to a fatality problem with Hartz MouQ.tain consider what all this heat does to our Blockade. The product is still on the pets. market. Hartz Mountain redesigned the NATIONAL MUSEUM If you have a pet, you are probably can so the directions are more evident, aware of the hazards summer can bring and contends that if the directions are OF LESBIAN & GAY to your four-legged friend. The main followed, no harm will come to the pet. HISTORY CREATED problem with summer heat is the possi Welfare groups are still watching and bility of heat stroke. You already know waiting to see if there p.re any more The Lesbian & Gay Community Ser about pets and closed cars, but you problems. vices Center, located at 208 West 13th might not remember about the pet tied Consult with your vet before trying Street in Manhattan, New York, an up out back. Tying dogs to trees or dog anything on your dog or cat that you nounces the founding of the first museum houses can also bring about heat stroke are not sure of. It can't hurt; it can only in the United States devoted to lesbian due to the movement of the sun as the help both you and your pet have a more and gay history. It will be called the day goes on. Fresh water is a must at all enjoyable summer. • National Museum of Lesbian and Gay times as well as adequate shade. History. And how about those summer treats? "This is a crucial step in preserving our Did you know that ice cream is a no-no for dogs? As much as they love it, the r:------, heritage,'' says Executive Director Richard O YES! I want to be a Friend of Herland. My minimum D. Burns, who convened a six-member lactose it contains is difficult for them to donation of $12 allows me use of the Herland Library and digest. Try giving your pet ice cubes a 10% discount on store purchases over the next 12 committee that is coordinating the organi months. (My $12 is enclosed.) instead. There is also a new product on zation of the museum. D YES! I want to help Herland with a donation to the The Center is acquiring a substantial the market called Frosty Paws. This is New Building Fund. portion of the contents of the Interna the dog version of ice cream and con D $15 D $20 D $25 tains ingredients that are more digesti D $50 D $100 D $ __ tional Gay History Archive, a major col D Bookstore volunteer D Building volunteer lection amassed over ten years by John ble and much better for your dog. Lyme disease can be another prob Name ------Hammond and Bruce Eves. It includes Address ______periodicals, books and memorabilia. lem. This disease is spread by very small City ______St____ZIP__ The archive will be stored in rooms in ticks that are hardly visible to the naked Telephone Number: ( the basement of the Center that are now eye. Although there is no evidence that being cleaned and repainted. It will be Lyme disease can be transmitted from Mail to: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. dogs to humans, ticks can still carry the 2312 N.W. 39th exhibited in the Center's meeting spaces Oklahoma City, OK 73112 on a rotating basis, with all of it accessible disease to both. Results of the disease to students, scholars, historians, and wri are lameness in one or more legs, swel I ters, by appointment. "The Center will ling and pain in the joints and a fever. If -----HSR,JULY, 1989 5 I /
6 HSR, JULY, 1989 ------HSR, JULY, 1989 7 Mary: Where do we learn our use of AN INTERVIEW WITH LYNN ATKINSON power? conducted by Mary P. Lynn: Through socialization. You learn it from your parents, by seeing how they Lynn Atkinson received her Masters in Social to come because they've put somebody else empower and depower people. You learn it Work from the University of Oklahoma and her down. They never really get what they want from television, schools, the culture, your PhD in Sociology from Oklahoma State Univer because they're always having to watch sity. She has worked as a sociiil worker in var peer groups; everyone you come in contact their back. With empowerment, my belief is with. ious areas of human services for fifteen years. the way you get power is by giving it away, Dr. Atkinson is currently employed as an Assist and the more you give it away the more Mary: If you use power and empower ant Professor in Sociology and Social Work at OSU and as a contract worker for various powerful a person you are. People that use ing techniques like you believe in using social service agencies in Stillwater. Dr. Atkin empowering techniques are doing some them, don't you come under a lot of son currently resides in Glencoe, Oklahoma. thing that creates good will and loyalty. criticism and aren't you running against Due to space limitations, the fo llowing is a They may not always get what they want by the norm of what power should be? condensed version of an inverview with Dr. doing this, but they create an environment Lynn: It's my hypothesis that you use Atkinson about her new book, Power and where they will be empowered in the future, Empowerment, the Power Principle, pub and it just kind of comes and goes, plus they power in every relationship and contact you lished by Falcon Press . We express our gratitude create a habit that is empowering to the make. When people help each other, feel to Mary P. for a job well done in conducting the soul. Or depowering closes the soul down . .. good about what they're doing, enjoy each interview and sharing it with us. other's company, empowerment is in all of Mary: Power can be used for good or those. I think when we start thinking of ' Mary: One of the chapters in your evil or to hurt or to help people. It's not power use as 'power use' most of us think of book is titled "You can drink, take as obvious as all that is it? depowerment, and using depowering tech drugs, have a heart attack, or go crazy. Lynn: My experience has been that most niques. It's so much easier to go :bfhind For what are we working?". What does people do use empowerment unless they are somebody's back and put them dowrilfather this have to do with your book? in a situation where they feel in pain or than to face someone directly. My response Lynn: It has to do with the idea of getting threatened. When they feel in pain or if people put me down is to talk to them more philosophical about what life is about threatened they'll come back to depower directly and empower them by saying such and what you want to accomplish in life. ment. When you look at power use or how things as, "I know you did this because Those things are peoples' way of coping people use power you have to look at their you're in pain and because you hav~ some with stressful situations and situations belief systems, at what happened to them, problems with what I'm doing. Let's talk when they have gotten into a depowering at their circumstances, and what would be about it." mode. That question actually looks at what the best in the circumstances, and you've are we here for, what do we want to live got to analyze all of this to decide which is Mary: If one is not superior to the for, how do we want our lives to be, what empowering and which is depowering. A other that's a no-win situation. How do we want our lives to be, and why are we lot depends on the situation. can that be a win-win situation for both getting caught up in the things that we the people involved? I Mary: Could you explain how personal don't want our lives to be. pain and power tie into some of the Lynn: Well I think it can be a win-win Mary: What do you mean by depower priciples in your book? situation depending on what you define as ing mode? win. If you define winning as getting your Lynn: Most people, when they are hurt Lynn: Depowering is putting other people way all the time then neither empowerment and angry at someone, the first thing they nor depowerment works. If you define down in order to put yoursulf up i11 some do is run around and talk to all of their way, or putting yourself down in order to winning as improving, then empowerment's friends and tell them what a louse this going to work better than depowerment. put others up. It is a negative action to put person is because they did it to them. That someone down rather than raising someone makes them feel better but now all this Mary: You have some opinions on up. gossip is going to get back to that person changing the system and allowing the Mary: Basically we're talking about and that person is going to feel anger and system to change. Your background is power and there are a lot of people who resentment that they wouldn't come directly extensive in standing up for human believe that you need to have power in to them. Whereas if you look at the rights. You've worked within the sys order to be successful, and it doesn't situation and try to say "What's the most tem. How do you feel that society or matter how you acquire it. Obviously empowering thing I can do?", you'd go any system could change using the you don't believe this. Why? directly to the person. When we choose to empowerment technique? be in pain and see something as a problem Lynn: Everyone has power and everyone then we want to get rid of that pain as Lynn: A system is made up of individuals, is using power in any situation they come quickly as possible, so we tend to do and a system can't change, but individuals across. To say that you're not is a lie. When depowering things that will create more can, and by changing individuals you people use their power in a depowering pain. If you look at the situation and say change the system. Empowering techniques fashion, they have to worry about all the "what can I do to bring power to myself or are grass-roots level. You reach folks in back-stabbing and the hatred that is going to equalize the opportunity" you'll respond their head and in their heart, and once you Continued on next page 8 HSR, JULY, 1989 ---- very differntly. Continued from previous page Lynn: Yeah. And it's a little more. We then runs "retreat errands" on her days get into the idea of love in terms of 'what off. reach them they can change. In terms of you can do for me' or 'how I can make the Her expertise is unmatched within changing depowerment in the system anyone whole world beautiful.' Empowerment to our organization. Laura's knowledge of who works in a system can refuse to do it. I me is the idea of love where you can make people cannot be taught. She knows have worked for organizations that have the whole thing beautiful, or the Greek who would do workshops, the type of told me that I will make statements that I word agape love which is different from women who will be coming to the have done a certain activity and that I'll eros or fillia love. It's a spiritual love. It's retreats and what to plan for them, who put it in my case records . I won't do it. It a thing where by giving, by empowering, she can ask what of and the type of depends on what you are living for. Are you you are refilled yourself. talent that would be great entertainment just living for making this money and for retreat audiences. staying in this little job or are you living as Mary: How is empowerment a possible She considers her hard work re a person with a soul? If you are living as a solution to the problems of life? warded when she sees and hears cam person with a soul you look at life pers wishing the retreat would last all differently. Lynn: It's not a solution in terms of getting rid of the hardships. It's a solution year. Mary: So you believe that using em in terms of how you look at life. And in The native Oklahoman spent part of powerment we can have an equal empowerment you're not looking at any her young life in an institution as an society. We can have everyone equal. thing different that hasn't been said by alternative to living in an abusive home. every messiah figure that has ever lived. During her stay, she watched as friends Lynn: We can have everyone, as a person, When you're talking empowerment, you're were raped and abused; some even died. equally valued. That doesn't mean we'd all talking about doing what Jesus Christ To combat what was happening in the be doing the same things, or have the same taught. Not what the churches teach today, system, Laura filed a lawsuit that skill or whatever, but I think we could have but what he taught. In terms of equalizing received national attention while she equal values. And I think it's possible that people, reaching out and seeing the pain was still in the institution. In hop~s that as a people, a group, we create our own inside of other people, and healing it, in she would wind up in prison afi\11 not reality, we create our own society. So if we fulfill the lawsuit, the institution gave trying to realize that we're all in this change our hearts and minds and try to together. I think it is a way you change her a high school diploma and sent her create something else I think it's real things, because you get everybody working on her way. She has a tenth-grade-level possible. together, with their hearts and minds education. Mary: You said "we may be able to involved, and I think you'll see changes. • "I didn't go to prison, and the lawsuit make people hurt, but can we set them was settled in 1984,'' she said. "Because free?" What does this have to do with of it, a lot of institutions were changed, empowerment? laws were changed, the children's bill of Meet the Board rights was created, child abuse was Lynn: Basically empowering is the act of outlawed in institutions, additional setting free. To me empowerment is helping adjudication for childr),n in need of create equality and it's also making people OUR CAMP treatment was created. It was a very aware that less is more. You know, the DIRECTOR corrupt system. Very vicitimized." whole crux to me gets down to the matter: Following settlement of the suit, the what kind of person do you want to be? by Sondra Metzger state asked her to work within the What is it that you're looking for out of system to help modify it. After that, life. If you're looking for material gain or After the Spring Retreat, you didn't Laura's background enabled her to gain whatever, chances are you're going to be find our camp director and this month's a counselor's position at a psychiatric depowering. If you're looking for gain but featured board member propping her facility where she has worked with realize that you're a person with a soul and feet up. Laura is already preparing for physically and sexually abused adoles that you are living a life based on wanting the Fall Retreat. cents for three years. to have a quality life or be a person that "I volunteered to do the retreats until She hopes someday to be a part of or stands for something then you're looking at someone else came along who wanted start a transitional living program for a whole different way of power use. the job,'' she said. "That was four years teens 18 and 19 years old to train them to be on their own. She feels the Mary: If you operate from empower ago. I get such a kick out of it. I get a program is needed by those who have ment then the idea is to realize that each masochistic pleasure out of wearing not learned how to survive legally and human being has their own pain . . . myself out and exhausting myself." within the social system; something that Lynn: Right. And we're going to look for If you thought planning a retreat was a college course would not teach them. the solution that's best for both of us. I'm easy, guess again. Laura averages over She would also like to develop a not going to put you down, and I'm not 400 hours of volunteer time per retreat. therapeutic pet program at the facility, going to put myself down. It begins with telephone calls to locate a and become more involved in the place to have the retreat. From that R .O.P.E.S. course, a wilderness adven- M ary: Then power and empowerment point on, she spends an hour working ture course. is actually an opportunity to love? Continued on next page on the retreat every night after work, --~-- HSR,JULY, 1989 9
')""'' .··_··.. -:- · Continued frorr ,>revious page She is also considering putting together ders if I walk in with a man go uncounted. Outside of work, Berland seems to a cookbook of potluck dishes. Even
The HSR Newsletter is offered as an open forum BOARD MEETING for community discourse. Materials printed herein July 16, 4:30 p.m. - Resource Center reflect the beliefs and opinions of the authors of the articles or letters, and not necessarily those of the Newsletter or the Herland Board. FRIDAY NIGHT VIDEO July 28, 7:30 p.m. - "Hotel New Hampshire" PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 EDITOR: Karen Lewis PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING !,) CO-EDITOR: Sondra Metzger ADVERTISI NG MGR: Sondra Metzger August 6, 4:30 p.m., 2805 N. McKinley, open TYPESETTING: Rhonda Smith meeting for anxone who would like to be CIRCULATION: 700 involved m planning concerts GENERAL INFO: (405) 794-7464 or 521-9696 VOLUNTEER INFO: 528-0604 ADVERTISING 732-2315 DEADLINE on all advertising and submissions is HERLAND CENTER IS NOW OPEN: the 15th of each month. SATURDAYS 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. SU BSCRIPTIONS to this Newsletter are free upon request. SUNDAYS 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. I ,------, WIN! REGISTRATION FOR 2 for any retreat held within 1 year of date of eligibility. Includes registration and meals -- A $60 VALUE! Drawing to be held during August Board Meeting. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. TICKETS ARE $1. If you want to buy more than one chance, we will make the appropriate number of copies and drop them in the pot. Herland Sister Resources Fill out the below information and mail to: 2312 N.W. 39th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 ff·r--r/'1 ,• f<.t"T ({ r;. p,T fl.AFF'-e
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