Women's Resource Center News

114 5^th Street South, Glasgow, MT 59230 406-228-8401 (Office) 406-228-8407 (Fax) 1-800-656-4673 and 228-8400 (Crisis Line)

Issue 4 April 2001

The Champion of Champion's Day will be May 5^th and 6^th at El Cor Del. A slate of fun filled activities is being planned. There will be scratch bowling and golf tournaments and a chili cook-off and contest. The cost for a 3 member bowling team is $20.00. The cost for a 3 member golf team is $30.00. The events are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 5^th, and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 6^th. The chili contest will be at 11:00 a.m. on May 5^th. If you are interested in having a bowling or golf team, or want to be in the chili contest please contact Tim Remus at 228-8061.

Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month

April is sexual assault prevention awareness month. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly 6 out of 10 rape/sexual assault incidents are reported by victims to have occurred in their own home or at the home of a friend, relative, or neighbor. No one asks to be assaulted and it is never a victims fault. Across Montana and the nation, people are wearing green ribbons to show their support. Stop by the Women's Resource Center to pick up your green ribbon. The Center also has a confidential sexual assault support group free of charge. If you or someone you know is interested please call for more details.

Police Officer Recognition

In April Tom Miller, Sheriff of Phillips County was recognized for providing outstanding service to victims of sexual assault. This is an annual officer recognition award for sexual assault awareness prevention month.

**Between 1/3 and 2/3 of known sexual assault victims are age 15 or younger. (Population Information Program, Center for Communications Programs.)

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

April is also child abuse prevention awareness month. According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting System, in 1998 an estimated 903,000 children nationwide were victims of maltreatment. Most experts believe that actual incidents of abuse and neglect are more numerous than statistics indicated. Across Montana and the nation people are wearing blue ribbons to show their support. Show your support and stop by the Women's Resource Center to pick up your blue ribbon.

Remembrance Quilt

The remembrance quilt which honors those women who have survived or passed away from breast cancer is being displayed at Image Photography of Glasgow. If you would like to purchase a square with a loved one's name on it, please contact the Women's Resource Center. Squares are $20.00 and all proceeds go toward assisting people with a breast cancer related health problem.

Goodbye's

The Women's Resource Center would like to wish Phyllis Gaspers and Vicki Braden-Nelson the best of luck in their new endeavors. Phyllis Gaspers served as a board member for the WRC for the past year. Vicki Braden-Nelson donated a quilt that is displayed at the WRC. She is also in the process of making a remembrance quilt that will also be donated to the WRC.

These two individuals have contributed their time and energy not only to the WRC but to the community as a whole. They will be greatly missed.

Safety Training For Your Graduate

In May, the Women's Resource will be doing safety presentations for graduating seniors, both males and females throughout the service area. Graduating from high school, going off to college, and leaving home can be very exciting and adventurous. There are several things an individual can do to avoid becoming a victim or respond effectively if a crime does take place. The training will focus on several safety topics such as:

Vehicle Security

Bicycle Security

Driving

Parking

Public Transportation

Dormitories

Roommate Safety

Apartments/Off Campus Safety

On Campus/Off Campus

Elevators & Stairways

Parties, Clubs, Fraternities and Sororities

Dating Violence

Stalking

There will be a list of websites, books and videos for further information. Door prizes will be given out as well. The first presentation will be on April 30^th at the Glasgow High School cafeteria from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is FREE.

The presentation will also be available to the other schools in the service area at a later time. The presentation is for both males and females and parents are welcome to attend. Contact the Women's Resource Center at 228-8401 for more information.

Non-Violence Education Program for Men

In April the Women's Resource Center will be offering a non-violence education program for men. This program will look at the costs of violence to themselves, their families, and the community as a whole. The non-violence groups are not anger control or therapy. The focus of the group is to educate in ways to stop the violence and abuse that is destroying their relationships. The sessions will:

1) Examine your belief system and behaviors that support violence.

2) To expand definitions of violence and controlling behaviors.

3) Discuss the effects of violence on women, children and themselves.

4) Identify and practice non-controlling alternatives.

Upcoming Speakers/Trainers

Chuck Derry, from Minnesota will be in Glasgow on June 21^st at the Cottonwood Inn. He will be speaking on sexism and violence. There will be two sessions; a six hour presentation during the day, and a two hour presentation in the evening. Please call the Women's Resource Center for times. The cost will be minimal.

Howard Webb will be in Glasgow on June 2^nd at the Cottonwood Inn. He will training on self defense for women. There will be two sessions: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please contact the Women's Resource Center to register. Cost will be $20.00 per person. Space is limited.

These presentations are being hosted by the Women's Resource Center.

Mediac Productions

by Jennifer Brown, Youth Leader

Mediac Productions is a community based project that produces PSA's (Public Service Announcements), documentaries, and short films. This project has been working for the past two years. Mediac Productions is funded by PBS's Listen Up! Youth America Speaks, which is part of the Merrow Report, and by community contributions.

Projects in production right now include a drunk driving short film, a documentary on the Fort Peck Dam Interpretative Center and Museum, and a short film on sexual violence. Completed works include a short film on suicide, a PSA on suicide, a PSA on drunk driving, and a PSA on community involvement.

Working with the community is another aspect of the group. The project has worked with the Glasgow Police Department, Hi- Line Homes, MSU Extension Service and the Women's Resource Center. By working with a wide variety of organizations, there can be several projects being worked on.

For more information on Mediac Productions, contact Jennifer Brown at 228-4833 or Joe Rennick at 228-2173.

Volunteer Appreciation Week

April 22-28 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The Women's Resource Center would like to thank all of the generous individuals who have committed their time and energy this past year. THANKS!

**In 1995, 50.8 % of the population age 25-34 years old spent 4.3 hours per week volunteering. (Statistical Abstract for the U.S.)

New Board Member

In April, D'Lynn Schye became part of the Women's Resource Center's Board of Directors.
D'Lynn has taught English and was a Librarian in various schools. She is currently enjoying her second year of retirement.

Donation Boxes

The Glasgow High School Wood Working Class was asked to make donation boxes for the Women's Resource Center. Each box was to be designed in the shape of a house to represent "Ending Violence Begins at Home." All of the boxes were made out of scrap lumber and the class did an excellent job. Choosing the winner was a tough decision and resulted in a tie: Luke Morehouse and Ryan Meiers. On behalf of the Women's Resource Center they will both receive Chamber Big Bucks. The boxes will be displayed throughout the community for receipt of donations to help victims of violence and their families. Below is Jim Stone's wood working class with their boxes.

Gifts

In May, the Women's Resource Center will be selling Mugs filled with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and hot cider items. These would make a great Mother's Day gift or a gift for a teacher and will be displayed in the front window. The Center also has vests, hats, and t-shirts available. Stop by and take a look. When you purchase an item you are making a donation to the WRC and when you give that item as a gift to someone, you are giving a gift twice.