sharonksobotta

Wisconsin Teachers Take a Stand

Sometimes, before passing judgment or deciding what's best for others, the best we can do is listen to the voices of those who are directly impacted. These are the voices of teachers and students in Wisconsin.

'The House of Sick & Dying'

Traveling. We do it to explore, to discover new depths of ourselves, and sometimes to escape something. This story is set in India at the Mother Theresa Headquarters. It's a scratch draft at will be read at the event called 'International Intrigue' (at 6:30pm at Cafe Royle) in San Francisco on 2/17/11. It reminds us that the personal really is political.

In Solidarity with the People of Egypt

The 2011 Journey to 'VDAY: Until the Violence Ends'

Looking for something fun to do to kick off your Valentine's Day weekend? Consider attending the 9th Annual Production of 'The Vagina Monologues' at St. Mary's College of California in the Soda Center at 8pm on Friday, February 11, 2011. This podcast will be embedded into a video showcasing the student experience that will premier the night of the performance. For more information or to rsvp a ticket, call 925-631-4171. 5 FAQS About VDAY 1. What is the mission of ‘The Vagina Monologues’? The mission of V-Day is to raise awareness about violence against women and to demand a world without such violence. Each of the play’s monologues represents the stories and experiences of more than 200 women from around the world. It addresses topics that include faithfulness in marriage, domestic violence, rape as a war tactic, gender identity, childbirth, sexual abuse and assault, intimacy and menstruation. Its intent is to break the silence surrounding these issues, and the shame and guilt that may prevent battered women, sexually abused children and sexual assault victims from accessing services. 2. Where does the money raised from the SMC production of V-Day go? Each year, we contribute 100% of the profits to grassroots organizations involved in the cause of ending violence against women. All proceeds from the 2011 SMC production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ will be given to Community Violence Solutions, a non-profit organization that works to support victims of sexual assault and does prevention education. 3. Why are SMC college funds allocated toward such a controversial play? SMC funds are not contributed toward the play. The play is part of the V-Day college campaign. The play is performed by a group of student volunteers. All costs needed for executing the play come through ticket sales. 4. What leadership opportunities does the Women’s Resource Center provide to students who may not be inclined to participate in or attend ‘The Vagina Monologues?’ Join us for The Crossroads of Social Change, the second annual Wo/men's Conference at Saint Mary's College of California on March 4-5, 2011. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the intersection of race, class and gender as it pertains to social justice, social change and leadership. On Friday, the conference will kick off with an invigorating luncheon, ‘Women of Color Leading Change,’ followed by I-chat (safe space debriefing groups), the debut of ‘Be the Change’ video projects and a networking open house in the Women’s Resource Center’s brand new home. On Saturday, the conference will offer three tracks of sessions including: identity politics, leadership and social change, along with a special lunchtime and closing performance. To register, please click the following link: http://www.vdev.stmarys-ca.edu/student-life/womens-resource-center/wo-mens-conference/index.html 5. How is the ‘The Vagina Monologues’ relevant at a Catholic campus such as Saint Mary’s College of California? Although Saint Mary’s College of California is a safe campus, it is not immune to societal issues such as sexual assault and dating violence. Sexual assault impacts as many as one in four women and one in ten men, while as many as one in three women are victims of dating/domestic violence. Saint Mary’s College of California does not condone the controversial acts that are referenced in the monologues. Yet, we acknowledge that the play is based on women’s experiences as victims of abuse, infidelity, hardships and struggles and support the play’s mission of breaking the silence around these issues and about contributing toward the societal mission of ending violence against women.

Mary Peace Head (Rosie the Rivitor)

The innocence of children

This podcast was made with the help of Mrs. Splinter's 4th grade class!

Tribute to Catalina Torres

Catalina Torres was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a beautician, a math tutor, and an all around soulful woman. After working her way out of an abusive relationship, Catalina dedicated her life to the cause of ending violence against women. She volunteered at STAND! and made an annual visit back to SMC to chat with members of 'Hermanas Unidas' and other students about how to recognize unhealthy relationships and how to access help. On September 6, 2008, Catalina's life came to an end when she was shot by the ex-husband of her cousin. Yet, Catalina's legacy lives on. Each fall, students, friends and family members gather for a Catalina Torres Night to Remember. This is an interview with Catalina Torres's mother and sister. Together, they tell the story of how she lived, what she stood for and why her life should be celebrated.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FOR EVERYONE

PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ACKNOWLEDGE DECEMBER 10 AS INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY. THIS YEAR MEMBERS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY AND ALLIES ORGANIZED TO CHALLENGE A RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. FOR A DECADE, THE RESOLUTION CONDEMNED ALL KILLING COMMITTED FOR ANY DISCRIMINATORY REASON INCLUDING SEXUAL ORIENTATION. THE AMMENDED RESOLUTION OMMITTED THE WORDS SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MAKING THE GLOBAL LGBT COMMUNITY FEEL VULNERABLE. ABOUT TWO DOZEN ACTIVISTS GATHERED AT THE UNITED NATIONS PLAZA IN SAN FRANCISCO TODAY TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE AMMENDEMENT AND RAISE THE RAINBOW FLAG AS A SIGN OF SOLIDARITY WITH GAYS AND LESBIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. KPFA’S SHARON SOBOTTA WAS AT THE EVENT AND FILED THIS REPORT.

Indonesian Elections 2009

Interfaith Quran Reading 9/11/10

Florida Pastor Terry Jones caught the world's attention when he threatened to hold a Quran burning event at his church on 9/11/10. Interfaith communities across the nation responded on Sat., Sept. 11 by organizing Quran readings in churches, parks and community centers as a gesture of solidarity to the Muslim community within the United States and throughout the world. KPFA's Sharon Sobotta attended the Berkeley reading and sends us this report.