Please join us at the Take Back the Night Rally & March this Friday Evening. Look for the Friends of Transition Houses Logo OR a giant green ribbon to walk with others from our network.
The Friends of Transition Houses Network will be at the Take Back the Night March on Friday, October 2, 2009 in Halifax.
Please join us in raising our voices regarding the lack of stable and secure funding for Transition Houses.
Please spread the word among your own networks and in your own community.
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT rally and march for women and children
When: Friday October 2nd starting at 7pm
Where: Victoria Square Park, Halifax
MC: National Spoken Word champion, El Jones Speakers, song, performers
What: Take Back the Night is a rally and march by, for, and about,women and children to reclaim the night from the threat of sexual violence.
Synopsis of what to expect: This year, women and their supporters will meet at Victoria Park(corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street) for 7 p.m. where a rally will be held. Our MC El Jones and speakers, performers, and song will pump up the crowd. After the scheduled program, women and children will march through the streets of downtown Halifax, passing the Citadel Hill, downtown bars, the Palace and the HRM Police Station. This march assertively reclaims the right for women to walk independently, and free from violence, rape, shouting obscenities, oppression and fear.
After the march, there will be a reception at theMicmac Native Friendship Centre with a healing ritual and a vegetarian serving.
Allies March: a gender inclusive space to resist sexual violence
We are encouraging people of all genders to take part in the allies march that will follow behind the women's march. The allies march is intended as a means for allies to meet, foster, and encourage additional feminist activism. The allies will show solidarity to women marching by carrying signs and banners expressing the right for women to walk the streets at anytime, day or night. Small tea lights will be made available (while supplies last), but feel free to bring your own light for the march. Bring family,friends --all welcome!
Why We March:
To stand together as women, refusing to be silent about sexual violence.
To state our refusal to take responsibility for sexual harassment, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest and battering, and recognizing that only the perpetrator of these crimes is to blame.
To celebrate the steps we are taking to support each other and to create change To experience the freedom of what it is like to walk at night and not be dependant on the protection of men.
To remind each other that as individuals we have strength and together we are even stronger.
To remember our sisters who have survived, and those who have been taken from us, as a result of sexual violence.
To shout out our desire to live freely without the threat and fear of violence.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SISTERS IN SPIRIT VIGIL: Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women
Location: Black Rock Beach, Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia
When: Sunday, October 4th, 11:30am
What: To honour and remember the over 500 missing and/or murdered women in Canada, join us for a vigil, a talking circle, and community building with speakers and song. Refreshments to follow at the Micmac native FriendshipCentre.
Background: According to the Native Women's Association of Canada, there are 511 documented cases (and counting) of missing or murdered aboriginal women in the last 20years. On September 15th 2008, A group of walkers from British Columbia arrived in Ottawa to present to Stephen Harper over 3000 names of undocumented missing or murdered aboriginal women. In our own community, we have lost too many of our aboriginal sisters to violence.
Last Spring, near Mother's day, we lost Tanya Brooks: mother to five children, sister, daughter. Right now, our brothers and sisters in Burnt Church reserve are desperately trying to find their beloved daughter, 16 year old Hilary Bonnel. She went missing on the 5th of September and is presumed to beabducted.Violence against aboriginal women is too big of a problem to ignore.
Our communities need to be aware, and the violence needs to end. Halifax's 2nd Annual Sisters In Spirit Vigil is being held in solidarity with 31 other cities across Turtle Island that are organizing simultaneous Vigils on Sunday October 4th. Please attend this important vigil for all ages. There will be a ceremony and speakers from local support groups and community members. The event is being organized by the Dalhousie Women's Centre, Alana Lee, with support from Sisters are the Medicine and the Micmac Native Friendship Centre.
For more information, please contact:
Alanna Lee, Dalhousie Native Student Association. 293-1330 dylkenz@hotmail.com
David Parker, CKDU 88.1 FM campus and community radio. 494-2585. david@ckdu.ca
Elizabeth McCormack, Coordinator, Dalhousie Women's Centre 494-2432 dwc@dal.ca
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
What's New
The launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign yesterday was a great mesh with the announcement in yesterday Throne Speech. The green ribbon signifying renewal and abundance “A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the ways that government and communities interact”, this really echoes my excitement and sense of hope I felt when the NDP won to form the majority government in Nova Scotia, finally posibility of changes.
The funding that was moved up to 2010 is a fantastic and promising signal to those women and children who need to use Transition House services. We will continue to work on restoring the services lost for Bryony House and strive to ensure other houses will not lose those live saving services, such as the imminent cuts at Cape Breton Transition House.
The funding that was moved up to 2010 is a fantastic and promising signal to those women and children who need to use Transition House services. We will continue to work on restoring the services lost for Bryony House and strive to ensure other houses will not lose those live saving services, such as the imminent cuts at Cape Breton Transition House.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Join us today for the Green Ribbon Campaign launch
Join us today at noon in front of the Nova Scotia Provincial Legislature for the Green Ribbon Campaign launch.
We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.
A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance.
We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.
Please join us in sending a message to the government.
We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.
A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance.
We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.
Please join us in sending a message to the government.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Response Green Ribbon Launch Invitation
Greetings!
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the Green Ribbon Launch on Thursday. I am very much a supporter of the transition houses and want to thank you for keeping the legislature accountable. I will check to see if one of our other ministers or licentiates can represent the church.
We will announce it to the church family tonight at our mid -week service and will certainly lift the effort in prayer.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. B.
Rev. Rhonda Y. Britton
Senior Pastor, Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
5457 Cornwallis Street
Box 47046 - RPO Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 5Y2
ph. (902) 429-0690fax (902) 429-0886
www.cornwallisbaptist.ca
"Let Jesus shine in 2009!"
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the Green Ribbon Launch on Thursday. I am very much a supporter of the transition houses and want to thank you for keeping the legislature accountable. I will check to see if one of our other ministers or licentiates can represent the church.
We will announce it to the church family tonight at our mid -week service and will certainly lift the effort in prayer.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. B.
Rev. Rhonda Y. Britton
Senior Pastor, Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
5457 Cornwallis Street
Box 47046 - RPO Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 5Y2
ph. (902) 429-0690fax (902) 429-0886
www.cornwallisbaptist.ca
"Let Jesus shine in 2009!"
Monday, September 14, 2009
An Invitation to the Green Ribbon Campaign Launch
Friends of Transition Houses Network launches Green Ribbon Campaign
The Friends of Transition Houses Network, a group of allies joined by their common interest in ensuring the safety and security of women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are gathering at the Nova Scotia Provincial Legislature at 12 noon on Thursday, September 17, 2009. We will be at the main entrance facing Hollis Street and the event will take place regardless of the weather.
We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.
A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance. We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.
Please join us in sending a message to the government.
For more information contact:
Lori Walton, Chair of the Friends of Transition Houses
219.0349 Or loriwalton@eastlink.ca
The Friends of Transition Houses Network, a group of allies joined by their common interest in ensuring the safety and security of women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are gathering at the Nova Scotia Provincial Legislature at 12 noon on Thursday, September 17, 2009. We will be at the main entrance facing Hollis Street and the event will take place regardless of the weather.
We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.
A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance. We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.
Please join us in sending a message to the government.
For more information contact:
Lori Walton, Chair of the Friends of Transition Houses
219.0349 Or loriwalton@eastlink.ca
Friday, September 11, 2009
Green Ribbon Campaign Launch
The Friends of Transition Houses Network is proud to be a part of and bring you the Green Ribbon Campaign, in Support of Nova Scotia Transition Houses (on facebook at this link Green Ribbon Campaign Launch)
Join us on this Thursday, September 17th at the NS Provincial Legsilature on Hollis Street in Halifax for the launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign on the opening day of the Nova Scotia Legislature.
If your group/committee or organization is willing to be seen in supporting the Nova Scotia Transition Houses Ribbon Bouquets will be avaible in limited number for those who identify themselves to me by Tuesday Sept. 15th and we can discuss the options.
For everyone else who wishes to come out and show their support in a more subtle way, the more numbers that are with us on that launch the more likely the funding and services for Nova Scotia Transition Houses will be fixed and reinstated.
Speak up for those who live in fear and stay in silence!
Stand up and be seen!
Come together in solidarity to support those who provide services to ensure that the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are there when the time arises for women in need.
Kicking off the Green Ribbon Campaign in Support of Nova Scotia Transition Houses.
Time: 12:00PM (noon) Thursday, September 17th
Location: In front of the Nova Scotia Legislature
Friday, September 4, 2009
Speak Up for those who are Silent
The Friends of Transition Houses Network will be at the following events, with petitions, Green Ribbons and information cards:
o Sept 7th 10:30 a.m. - Halifax Labour Day March & BBQ at the Halifax South Commons
o Sept 17th TBA – NS Legislature for the official launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign
o Sept 18th (to be confirmed) – Take Back the Night ceremony & march
This is just a start of how we are going to raise awareness and generate the changes that are needed NOW to ensure women and children have safe havens when they need it.
So many times we hear of issues, causes, plights of those who need assistance. And so many times we think what can I do about it? I am only one person with no influence, and we walk away.
You need to stop… and know that you can make a difference. Knowing what you know now about the absolute crisis the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are in at this very moment, you cannot stay silent
We all can do something. If you are an ex-resident, a student, a working mother, a business executive, politician or activist… we can… and WILL make a difference by something as small as raising your voice to speak up about the crisis the women in our communities are facing
You can:
o Come out to rallies and events such as this
o Send letters to government officials
o Write to the newspapers
o Talk with your friends, families and coworkers
Let them KNOW that these essential services that have SAVED WOMEN'S LIVES are in peril and DEMAND action.
I assure you that if you haven’t experienced violence personally… someone you know right now is facing violence in their home and are silent
SPEAK UP to ENSURE the way out is still there for them when they need it the most
INSIST that Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are secured and strengthened immediately
I am asking you to join our voices in making some noise.
I am not willing to continue to let these LIVE SAVING services deteriorate further,
I will speak up for those who are afraid to speak;
I will make some noise to save Nova Scotia’s Transition Houses.
Won’t you add your voice for those who are silent?
o Sept 7th 10:30 a.m. - Halifax Labour Day March & BBQ at the Halifax South Commons
o Sept 17th TBA – NS Legislature for the official launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign
o Sept 18th (to be confirmed) – Take Back the Night ceremony & march
This is just a start of how we are going to raise awareness and generate the changes that are needed NOW to ensure women and children have safe havens when they need it.
So many times we hear of issues, causes, plights of those who need assistance. And so many times we think what can I do about it? I am only one person with no influence, and we walk away.
You need to stop… and know that you can make a difference. Knowing what you know now about the absolute crisis the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are in at this very moment, you cannot stay silent
We all can do something. If you are an ex-resident, a student, a working mother, a business executive, politician or activist… we can… and WILL make a difference by something as small as raising your voice to speak up about the crisis the women in our communities are facing
You can:
o Come out to rallies and events such as this
o Send letters to government officials
o Write to the newspapers
o Talk with your friends, families and coworkers
Let them KNOW that these essential services that have SAVED WOMEN'S LIVES are in peril and DEMAND action.
I assure you that if you haven’t experienced violence personally… someone you know right now is facing violence in their home and are silent
SPEAK UP to ENSURE the way out is still there for them when they need it the most
INSIST that Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are secured and strengthened immediately
I am asking you to join our voices in making some noise.
I am not willing to continue to let these LIVE SAVING services deteriorate further,
I will speak up for those who are afraid to speak;
I will make some noise to save Nova Scotia’s Transition Houses.
Won’t you add your voice for those who are silent?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Amazing Information Session
I want to that all of you who came out to the meeting tonight and for those who couldn't make it I will be posting my notes tomorrow here and as a discussion topic on the Facebook Group page.
Tonight we heard from songs and spoken word from Leona MacDougall, from myself, from a Women's Counsellor Kathleen Westhaver from Bryony House.
Then after the presentation we heard from the co-chair of THANS (Transition House Association Nova Scotia) during Q&A, from an ex-resident who happened to read about the information night in the newspaper last week. We heard from other Transition House Workers, Feminists, Unionists and I think it's safe to say we are all Activists.
There was a reporter there from the Chronicle Herald so I would say look for a story perhaps in tomorrows paper on the event.
Friends of Transition Houses will be at the Labour Day March & BBQ on Monday at the Halifax Commons (south commons), with information, petitions and Green Ribbons **
Also coming up on September 17th the Friends of Transition Houses are launching the Green Ribbon Campaign at the NS Legislature on the opening day of the Legislative Assembly. Please stay tuned for more on that and if your group, committee, association want to be involved with the tying of (Giant) ribbons to help with the launch please contact me to discuss.
Take back the night is coming up soon (date to be announced) the Friends of Transition Houses Network will be there to make some noise, stand in solidairty against violence against women, again have ribbons, petitions and information for participants, why not join us?
The Cape Breton Transition House also has service cuts immanent just like Bryony saw on August 25. Many other houses are struggling.
Let's make sure we come together to strengthen and secure these services and programs that SAVE WOMEN'S LIVES.
Tonight we heard from songs and spoken word from Leona MacDougall, from myself, from a Women's Counsellor Kathleen Westhaver from Bryony House.
Then after the presentation we heard from the co-chair of THANS (Transition House Association Nova Scotia) during Q&A, from an ex-resident who happened to read about the information night in the newspaper last week. We heard from other Transition House Workers, Feminists, Unionists and I think it's safe to say we are all Activists.
There was a reporter there from the Chronicle Herald so I would say look for a story perhaps in tomorrows paper on the event.
Friends of Transition Houses will be at the Labour Day March & BBQ on Monday at the Halifax Commons (south commons), with information, petitions and Green Ribbons **
Also coming up on September 17th the Friends of Transition Houses are launching the Green Ribbon Campaign at the NS Legislature on the opening day of the Legislative Assembly. Please stay tuned for more on that and if your group, committee, association want to be involved with the tying of (Giant) ribbons to help with the launch please contact me to discuss.
Take back the night is coming up soon (date to be announced) the Friends of Transition Houses Network will be there to make some noise, stand in solidairty against violence against women, again have ribbons, petitions and information for participants, why not join us?
The Cape Breton Transition House also has service cuts immanent just like Bryony saw on August 25. Many other houses are struggling.
Let's make sure we come together to strengthen and secure these services and programs that SAVE WOMEN'S LIVES.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Friends of Transition Houses Information Night
Friends of Transition Houses Information Meeting
Thursday, September 3, 2009
7-8:30 pm
Halifax North Memorial Library
2285 Gottingen Street
Transition Houses, serving women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are operating on budgets set in 1996 – 13 years without an increase!
Come find out more about our campaign to lobby the government to increase funding in the upcoming budget, and what you can do to make it happen.
Meet other allies as we work together to bring this issue to the forefront.
Contact Lori Walton at loriwalton@eastlink.ca or call (902) 219-0349 for more information
Thursday, September 3, 2009
7-8:30 pm
Halifax North Memorial Library
2285 Gottingen Street
Transition Houses, serving women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are operating on budgets set in 1996 – 13 years without an increase!
Come find out more about our campaign to lobby the government to increase funding in the upcoming budget, and what you can do to make it happen.
Meet other allies as we work together to bring this issue to the forefront.
Contact Lori Walton at loriwalton@eastlink.ca or call (902) 219-0349 for more information
NS Liberal News Release on Tranistion Houses
MacDonald: Cuts to Transition Houses Imminent-Government Silent
News Release
August 28, 2009(Halifax, NS) - Liberal Community Services critic Manning Macdonald says services are at risk for women and children in crisis and he is frustrated at the inaction from government.
Both the Cape Breton Transition House and the Leeside Transition Housein Port Hawkesbury say they are facing deficit budgets and will beforced to cut services, just as Halifax’s Bryony House was forced to cut its outreach worker last week.
“With three transition houses at the breaking point, it is clear that necessary funding is not being provided,” said MacDonald. “This government has to keep its commitments to these organizations so that they may continue to provide invaluable services to their communities.”
As more transition houses voice their funding concerns, the silence of the NDP on this issue is proof they are backing away from the issue.
“When in opposition, the NDP said they would support these organizations. Now in government, it’s time for the NDP to put its money where its mouth is,” said MacDonald.
-30-
For more information, contact:Glennie LangilleDirector of Communciationslangilgj@gov.ns.ca 902-483-7781
News Release
August 28, 2009(Halifax, NS) - Liberal Community Services critic Manning Macdonald says services are at risk for women and children in crisis and he is frustrated at the inaction from government.
Both the Cape Breton Transition House and the Leeside Transition Housein Port Hawkesbury say they are facing deficit budgets and will beforced to cut services, just as Halifax’s Bryony House was forced to cut its outreach worker last week.
“With three transition houses at the breaking point, it is clear that necessary funding is not being provided,” said MacDonald. “This government has to keep its commitments to these organizations so that they may continue to provide invaluable services to their communities.”
As more transition houses voice their funding concerns, the silence of the NDP on this issue is proof they are backing away from the issue.
“When in opposition, the NDP said they would support these organizations. Now in government, it’s time for the NDP to put its money where its mouth is,” said MacDonald.
-30-
For more information, contact:Glennie LangilleDirector of Communciationslangilgj@gov.ns.ca 902-483-7781
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