Conferences conferences everywhere

I know it's been awhile since my first post. And, trust me it's not for my lack of things to say. It has been a busy month here in the non-profit world. I have been in the office every day of during the month of October except for when I was busy traveling to conferences. The first conference I attended was October 17th and 18th. It was a Women's studies conference held in New Haven, CT. The topic of the conference was "Girl Culture and Girl Studies." It had a huge span of speakers from other colleges, non-profit organizations, Riot Grrrls, young women, girl scouts, college students, authors, etc. It was basically an entire weekend covering different aspects of how the media influences girls and how trauma can have a lasting effect. It was one of the best weekends I've ever had. And, not because I'm a women's studies nerd, but because it really helped show that I would has a purpose.

The next conference I attended was in Dallas, TX and it was about addressing Domestic Violence in the Muslim Community. This conference was a completely different facet to domestic/sexual assault. And, what I learned is that I really didn't know anything about the Muslim community and what I had been told was wrong. This conference was very in depth in the different aspects of the Muslim culture and how it has been mis-represented through media outlets. We discussed at length what culture is and how we identify to certain cultures. We went through several presentations on why it is so difficult for women in the Muslim community to have access to services. Which there were a multitude of things from fear of relying on services outside the community, language barrier, religious barriers, among others. I also learned that there are a lot of great women doing a lot of great things for their community whether it's educating outside of their community, being mentors, providing different public awareness trainings. Really regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age we all are just trying to provide services to people who need it. We may pick passions that move us, but we know coming into non-profit that you will have to push your own boundaries and get outside of the comfort zone.

I like to think that because I am a child of a military family that all the moving around I did was preparation for my career at this moment. I know that regardless of what culture or environment I am in I can adapt and overcome adversity to bring services with ease to anyone. It's about giving up our comfort zone for the sake of another person. I really don't think I could imagine my life at this moment being any other way. As long as there continues to be an unheard voice there will be a non-profit group ready to speak on the behalf of them.

What does RCASA do?

Since starting my job at RCASA, I must have been asked the question, "Taryn what exactly does your job entail? What does your organization provide to the community at large?" at least once a day. At first, this question was posed to me by my parents, grand-parents, and extended family. I had spent most of college confusing them with the statement, "I'm a Women's studies major" like it was something I made up. Now I explain to them that I am one of the Community Outreach Advocates, which is just a small part of what RCASA does.

RCASA is a non-profit organization based out of Fredericksburg, VA. However, we serve Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Caroline County, King George County, and the City of Fredericksburg. Our jurisdiction that we cover is located in between Richmond, VA and Washington D.C.. We live in an area that is growing on a daily basis and becoming more culturally diverse in what feels like every minute. However, the idea of sexual assault or rape is something that is hard for this area to wrap it's head around. The reason for this is when you drive into the city of Fredericksburg it's quaint shops, picturesque houses, and neighbors that wave as they drive or walk down the street. It is a town where people want to pretend that horrific crimes do not take place. Well, I am here to say that they do. And, we hear about only a small portion of them. But, when something like rape or sexual assault takes place our office is there.

In terms of crisis situations, we provide 24 hour Crisis Hotline, Emergency medical & hospital accompaniment, crisis support counseling. We offer services to the communities, for example, Educational Presentations, Prevention programs, court and legal accompaniment, and allied professional training. Our counseling services has just started a brand new Trauma Therapy Program, Individual therapy, Family Education, and Survivor Support Groups.

All in all, it's pretty much the best place to work regardless of the horrible things we deal with on a day to day basis. Look for more blogs from my fellow co-workers soon.