#37: Volunteer/participate in some form of community service 5 times (Dickinson Day of Service)

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from some of my colleagues in the Office of Religious Life & Community Services at Dickinson asking for my participation in the 1st Annual Dickinson Day of Service.  I'm going to be completely honest:  I read the email and deleted it rather quickly.  Now before you all pass judgment on me as a human being, please allow me to explain my rationale:  my office is down a number of staff members and I was relishing having day, since the students were on Fall Pause on the Day of Service, to catch up on work and organize my life.  Little did I know that I would become victim to a seriously effective guilt trip from my friend and colleague, Mira.  After Mira had me convinced that I was the only person in my office NOT participating (BLATANT LIE, PASTOR HEWLETT!), I changed my mind and decided to take part in the Day of Service.

Don't be fooled...she only LOOKS sweet and innocent!

I was assigned to be a Team Leader for a group that would be doing work at a domestic violence shelter in Carlisle.  I can't say much about the shelter specifically, as we had to sign a confidentiality agreement upon our arrival there - but I will say that I am absolutely thrilled I chose to participate.  Members of my group spent almost three hours raking leaves, hanging curtains in a children's playroom, and cleaning. 

Me and Sarah

My awesome group!

I think this is also a good time to give a BIG shout out to my friend and colleague, Taylor, for all of her hard work in putting this awesome event together!  It was such a success!

YAY TAYLOR!

As I mentioned, I can't reveal details about the shelter that we visited, but I did want to take this opportunity to relay some information about domestic violence - and it seems fitting that I'm writing this post in October:  Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I took the following language from this website verbatim, mainly because I think it gave a accurate and succinct description.  I recommend visiting the website, as it provides a lot of very helpful information.  

Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence.  

Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” Abusers use fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under his or her thumb. Your abuser may also threaten you, hurt you, or hurt those around you. 

Domestic violence and abuse does not discriminate. It happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused—especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes even physically as well. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether it’s coming from a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Some additional facts...

• Every nine seconds a woman is beaten by her intimate partner
• One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime
• Only about half of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police
• Research suggests that domestic violence in LGBT relationships is just as widespread as domestic violence in relationships between heterosexual couples

No one should EVER have to feel unsafe or alone.  If you or anyone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.