The HOPE Center

Take Back the Night

On April 18, the HOPE Center, the Womens Coalition, and the Office of Social Equity presented the 4th annual Take Back the Night event. The event featured guest speaker Kemba Smith Pradia, along with many speakers from the LHU community. The main focus of Take Back the Night is to raise awareness for sexual assault and the silence that often comes with it. The goal of the internationally known program is to break the silence associated with sexual assault. The event was led by Dr. Lisette Schillig, professor of English and member of the HOPE Center advisory board. She opened the evening with a welcome address and introductions of those who helped make the event possible. Next, Interim Provost Dr. David White spoke about the importance of the Take Back the Night event in the LHU community. After Dr. White, guest speaker Kemba Smith Pradia stepped up to the microphone to share her story. The author of Poster Child: the Kemba Smith Story shared her experience of being thrown in prison in connection with her boyfriend, a suspected drug dealer and murderer. She had no criminal intent, but was charged with conspiracy and providing false information. Pradia was also a victim of domestic abuse, so the Take Back the Night event really hit home for her. Pradias incredible testimony, paired with her advice for other abuse survivors, was an inspiration to all in attendance that evening. After Pradia spoke, LHU athletic di-

Volume 1, Issue 1 Fall 2011-Spring 2012

Inside this issue:
Kemba Smith Pradia, the guest speaker at Take Back the Night (Photo courtesy of Caitlin Chciuk)

Meet the Staff and Faculty Let Her Voice Be Heard Take Back the Night continued Domestic Violence Vigil Self-Defense Workshop

rector Sharon Taylor stepped up to speak about the positive changes she has seen over the years on womens issues, and the need for women to continue to stand together. Amy GruganLong and Amanda Colocino, employees of the Clinton County Womens Center, stepped up to talk about the CCWC, its mission, and what people should expect when going to the center. (continued on page 3)

Eating Disorder Pres- 4 entation Movie Screenings Anti-Bullying Program Other Events Get Involved 5 5

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What is the HOPE Center?

(from http://www.lhup.edu/hope/)
The Haven Outreach Programs for Empowerment (HOPE) Center exists to support, empower, and enlighten all students about issues of sex, gender, sexual violence, personal safety and health, social justice and educational equity. Our programs and events are designed to foster open discussion and intellectual exchange about these and other issues, to promote an overall sense of well-being, and to create a safe campus climate for all. We hold a variety of events, from film screenings to a Take Back the Night vigil, to increase awareness of social justice for all members of the Lock Haven University community. In addition, the HOPE Center can help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence get the help that they need. We have many resources available to assist victims in going through the proper procedures after an assault. Even if you are just looking for a safe, quiet place to hang out or study, the HOPE Center is available to you. Come check us out in G204 East Campus!

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The HOPE Center

Meet the 2011-2012 Staff and Faculty

Alicia Perrelli, Masters of Liberal Arts
President of the Gay-Straight Alliance. Hobbies: Being outside, being an activist, being social! Favorite Book: The Little Prince. I believe so strongly in the HOPE Centers purpose. Its so rewarding to be a part of something that exists solely to help the students of LHU.

Dr. Elizabeth Gruber Professor of English

(Renaissance Literature). Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, running, swimming, and contemplating nature. Favorite Books: Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?, The Future of Criticism, The Submission, A Shakespeare Anthology A wonderful dimension of university life is the opportunity to be a part of a campus community. I like to believe that the HOPE Center fosters a spirit of community by uniting people interested in social justice and equity.

Caitlin Chciuk, English Writing

Secretary, Writing Center tutor, University Players member. Hobbies: Reading, writing, and helping others. Favorite Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I love working at the HOPE Center because I believe that we truly have the chance to make a difference at LHU. Helping people is one of my passions, and I really get to do that through my job.

Dr. Lisette Schillig Professor of English

(20th Century American Literature) Hobbies: Reading, being outdoors, working in the pottery studio. Favorite Book: My Life, To the Lighthouse, and Collected Poems by Elizabeth Bishop. I think every college campus needs to have a physical place like the HOPE Center the Center raises awareness and educates students, staff, and faculty throughout the year about social justice issues Its a valuable and empowering resource on campus. I feel very privileged to be a part of it.

Cody-Rose Kellander, Criminal Justice

Vice-President of Womens Coalition, volunteer at the Clinton County Womens Center, part of the Second Mile Friend Program. Hobbies: Drawing, painting, photography, dance, music, travel, and theater. Favorite Book: Of Mice and Men, Irelands Pirate Queen, the Devils Arithmetic. I just really want to help people as much as I can, and I feel the HOPE Center is another way of doing that.

Ashley Hopple, Social Work

Volunteer at the Womens Center, Anti-Bullying Campaign. Hobbies: Reading, swimming, walking, playing games, and hanging out with friends. Favorite Book: the Harry Potter series. I love working at the HOPE Center because I get to help those who really need it and make them feel safe and loved again. Working with the staff to help our school become safer and bring awareness is just an amazing experience.

Dr. Tara Mitchell Professor of Psychology

(Legal Psychology: Discrimination and Inequality in the Law.) Hobbies: Social justice activities, reading, and writing. Favorite Book: Oh! The Places Youll Go.

Cierra Guest, Social Work New Life Fellowship secretary. Hobbies: Shopping, hanging out with friends, watching Glee. Favorite Book: P.S. I Love You
I like working at the HOPE Center because I love that its a safe place for people to go to.

I like working with the HOPE Center because it encourages social justice and empowerment to all. Social justice is important to me because of my own personal philosophies on the best way to create a sustainable world.

Dr. Nicole Burkholder-Mosco Professor of English

(19th Century Gothic Literature) Hobbies: Reading, movies, travel, skiing, and walking. Favorite Book: Wuthering Heights. As a founding member of the HOPE Center, I think the presence of the center and those dedicated individuals who help run it is a corner stone of our university and the culture we nurture here at LHU Our work and presence help people.

The HOPE Center would like to extend a thank you to all of the students, faculty, and staff who have volunteered to help out and make our events possible this past year!

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Let Her Voice Be Heard

This years Let Her Voice Be Heard event took place on March 22, during Womens History Month, at the HOPE Center. The event, co-sponsored by the HOPE Center, English Club, and Womens Coalition, featured readings, award presentations, and the announcing of the nominees for the Presidents Award for Distinguished Service on Womens Issues. The purpose of Let Her Voice Be Heard is to bring attention to the words and writings of famous women, and recognize the huge contributions that women have made to literature and writing. Works by Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, June Jordan, Wendy Videlock, and May Sarton were read by students and faculty, along with a personal piece from a faculty member. The winners of the Virginia Martin essay contest received their awards on that evening as well. Caitlin Chciuk won first place, Casey Bock won second place, and Kyle Brett won third place. In addition, nominees for the Presidents Award were announced. Caitlin Chciuk, Heather Cottage, and Alicia Perrelli were the student nominees; Dr. Lynn Bruner, Dr. Gayatri Devi, Professors Maddox-Hafer and Washington (joint nomination), and Ms. Sharon Taylor were the faculty nominees; and Susan Birdsey and Cynthia Merryman were the staff nominees. The award seeks to honor women who have made contributions to furthering the advancement of womens issues. The winners were announced at separate events. Overall, the Let Her Voice Be Heard event was a great success. Though women were the main focus of the event, it drew in men as well, including Kyle Brett who passionately read June Jordans Poem About My Rights, a powerful piece about the challenges to womens rights. I am not wrong: Wrong is not my name My name is my own, my own, my own
~ A line from June Jordans Poem About my Rights
Virginia Martin Essay Contest winners: Casey Bock, Caitlin Chciuk, and Kyle Brett. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Robert Myers)

The Let Her Voice Be Heard event has also been a success in years past as well. In 2010, the event was standing room only, and while the 2012 event was not as big, it did draw quite an enthusiastic crowd. The HOPE Center staff and affiliates hope for another great event next spring.
I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. ~ A line from Maya Angelous Phenomenal Woman

Some of the nominees for the Presidents Award for Distinguished Service on Womens Issues: L-R: (Faculty) Professor Marjorie MaddoxHafer, Professor Dana Washington, (Students) Alicia Perrelli, and Caitlin Chciuk. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Robert Myers)

Take Back the Night (continued)

Zakiyya Muhammad, director of the LHU Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP), took the microphone next. She discussed the importance of reporting sexual assault and domestic abuse, and explained how CVPP and the HOPE Center can assist with reporting and getting help. After Muhammad spoke, the open microphone portion of the program began. Dr. Elizabeth Gruber, professor of English and member of the HOPE Center advisory board, read from Alice Sebolds Lucky. The book is a memoir about Sebolds experience with rape. Next, Kyle Brett, LHU student and English major, reprised his passionate reading of June Jordans Poem About My Rights, which he had also read at the Let Her Voice Be Heard event a month earlier. After Brett read, LHU student and member of Lyrically Speaking Dereck Rodriguez read a personal poem that he had written entitled The Owl Speaks, influenced by the overwhelming silence surrounding sexual assault. LHU student and HOPE Center volunteer Ashley Hopple shared a personal testimony about her own experiences with sexual assault. Her testimony inspired a few other LHU students (who preferred to remain anonymous) to get up and share their stories. The evening ended with Renee Goranson, LHU student and president of Womens Coalition, sharing her story of sexual assault, which shes shared at events in the past. All in all, the Take Back the Night event was extremely inspiring and moving for all who attended.

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The HOPE Center

Domestic Violence Vigil

As a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LHUs annual Domestic Violence Vigil took place on October 19. The event was co-sponsored by the HOPE Center and Womens Coalition. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness for domestic violence and promote healing for victims. Speakers for the Domestic Violence Vigil included Mallory Weamer from the Williamsport YMCA, Cindy Love from the Clinton County Womens Center, Zakiyyah Muhammed from the Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP), and Cynthia Merryman from LHUs Public Safety department. In addition to the speakers, students from LHUs Lyrically Speaking and students from the LHU Gospel Choir performed at the event. Attendees were also welcomed to give personal testimonies or share their thoughts in the open microphone portion of the event. Due to a storm brewing outside, the traditional candlelight march did not take place. However, the event did still have a good turn-out. It was a moving, emotional experience for all who attended.

One of many motivational phrases on a domestic violence awareness ribbon.

Self-Defense Workshop
On Wednesday, October 26, the HOPE Center brought in Sue Feathers, a local expert on fitness and martial arts, to teach a self-defense workshop. Feathers brought with her a variety of students who had taken her classes at the YMCA. These students served as the attackers in Feathers training. Each person who attended the workshop was given a partner to practice the moves on. Partners varied in size and experience, and everyone got the chance to learn a variety of different self-defense methods . Self-defense classes have been brought to LHU before, but are usually done through the Student Rec Center. This is the first time the HOPE Center has sponsored a self-defense class. The event served multiple purposes: it was a way for students to get self-defense training; it brought attention to the HOPE Center; and it served as yet another way to get information out to the community about staying safe, especially in light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Be on the lookout for more self -defense workshops coming to the HOPE Center next year!

Eating Disorders Presentation

On February 27, HOPE Center volunteer Cierra Guest gave a presentation on eating disorders. This presentation was a part of National Eating Disorder Awareness week (Feb. 27Mar. 2). Guest herself has struggled with an eating disorder in the past, but has since overcome her disorder and is focusing on helping others who are in similar situations to hers. Students and faculty who attended the event were moved by Guests emotional personal account of the events that surrounded her disorder. A social work major, Guest would like to help others with similar disorders in the future. .

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Documentary Screenings at the HOPE Center

The HOPE Center screened a variety of different documentaries throughout the 2011-2012 academic year. On October 12, 2011, Telling Amys Story broke the hearts of all who attended the screening. The documentary is the chilling story of a young mother who was killed by her abusive husband. She had reported the abuse multiple times to authorities, but no action was taken until it was too late. Amys story is beginning to change the way abuse is viewed by authorities. On March 5, 2012, the focus was a documentary entitled Miss Representation. This documentary looks at the perceptions of women in the media and how those images affect our society. Media is extremely prevalent in our society, making these perceptions even more degrading as they reach a large number of people. The documentary is an eye-opening look at the distortion of womens identities and gender roles. For sexual assault awareness month, the HOPE Center and Dr. Judy Brink of the Anthropology department presented Against My Will on April 12, 2012. The documentary is the story of three women seeking aid from a womens center in Pakistan. In Pakistan, it is legal for a man to kill a woman if she attempts to leave her husband. These killings are done to keep the familys honor. The women of Pakistan fear for their lives. While this practice is being eliminated and women are getting the aid they need, it has not yet been entirely abolished. Womens rights are still challenged to this day. The HOPE Center is constantly screening documentaries and movies having to do with women and the issues women face. Often these screenings are followed by brief discussions. For more information about the events and documentary screenings that go on at the HOPE Center, please visit www.lhup.edu/hope/ or call (570) 484-2111.

The cover of Telling Amys Story (photo from telling.psu.edu); the Miss Representation Logo (from the Miss Representation Twitter page; and a press photo for Against my Will (from onislam.net).

Anti-Bullying Program
On November 30, HOPE Center volunteer Ashley Hopple got her anti-bullying campaign off the ground with a personal and very moving event. Hopple created the antibullying campaign at LHU to raise awareness for the effects of bullying and how to stop it. She has held events at LHU and in the community. At the anti-bullying event, Hopple gave a personal testimony about the bullying she endured throughout her life. She used her own experiences to help others seek the assistance they need to make bullying stop. This event included many student speakers. One student spoke about self-bullying and the importance of stopping that. A second student spoke about intimate partner bullying, also known as sexual bullying and pressure. Another student read two perAshley Hopple, organizer of the AntiBullying campaign and event, holds one of her promotional signs. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Hopple)

mation about where to seek help if being harassed or stalked. Campus Violence Prevention Programs director Zakiyya Muhammed gave information about the goal of CVPP and how she, too, can provide assistance in bullying situations. This program was studentrun, but was attended by both students and faculty. The personal stories along with the discussions that followed helped the attendees become more knowledgeable in the fight against bullying. For more information about Ashley Hopples anti-bullying campaign, and to find out what you can do to help put an end to bullying, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ TimeForChange.2012

sonal poems written about bullying. A student spoke about the effects of cyber -bullying in her own life. A final student read a personal story about bullying she experienced. In addition to the student speakers, representatives from the Clinton County Womens Center discussed what to do in a situation regarding harassment. They passed out infor-

Contact Us
HOPE Center G204 East Campus Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA 17745 Phone: (570) 484-2111 Fax: (570) 484-3084

Our Website: www.lhup.edu/hope

Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AlwaysHaveHope.2012

Do you have a program youd like to see held in the HOPE Center? Would you like a HOPE Center representative to speak in your dorm hall or at your organizations meeting? Are you interested in volunteering with us? Do you have any questions about the HOPE Center? Then please contact us for more information!

A photo from our opening ceremony that reminds us that there is ALWAYS hope.

This newsletter was created by Caitlin Chciuk, HOPE Center staff member, for an External Experience project in Dr. David Russells Spring 2012 Composition Usage and Editing class. Caitlin has been volunteering with the HOPE Center for over a year.