One of Us Short Video

"I am a mere data point along a data set of others who have been sexually assaulted."

I challenge you to watch the short video. 670-equivalent to the number of civilians who officially reported their sexual assault to the military in 2010.

November 5th is my Day of Resilience. I am thankful for all who supported me while I sought legal justice. I am also grateful for the honest and genuine conversations that have followed. Now is the time to become educated, learn skills, and take action against sexual assault.

One of Us as a Peace Corps Writers Book

This email made my morning!  I was first introduced to Peace Corps Writers after fellow RPCV Nick Duncan published his book Tales from a Mzungu through this platform. He had a great experience working with their staff and I'm glad to start this process!

The goal of Peace Corps Writers is in line with the Peace Corps third goal  of  bringing the world back home. Through publishing books of writers who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers or staff, readers get a glimpse of the countries we serve and  what Peace Corps service is all about. 

Benefits of publishing through Peace Corps Writers:

• Hard copies of One of Us will be printed on demand through CreateSpace
• Peace Corps Writers logo will be on the back book cover
• One of Us will be sold through Amazon.com
• Eventually, One of Us will be featured on the website with an announcement of publication, listed in "New Books by Peace Corps Writers," an interview, and a review of One of Us
• Working with Marian, their wise and supportive staff!

At this point, One of Us needs a professional copy-edit and specific formatting for print.  I've contacted a couple of contractors and they are on board.  The lowest estimate is around $2500-3000.  If you are interested in financially supporting One of Us, head over to the Contact page and send us an email!

To stay up to date on the book progress, click on the button in the footer of this page.

What do you think could be possible benefits of a book about the realities that sexual assault survivors must live through when seeking legal justice?  What would you be the most interested in learning about?

Purple Thursday

This Purple Thursday, I'm wearing purple in support and honor of domestic violence victims and survivors. To friends and family, I want to be a safe space and a person you can trust when you need someone to talk to. Check out www.thehotline.org for resources and info on how to get involved in supporting others.

Below are ways that family and friends can help domestic violence victims and survivors from www.thehotline.org .  In what ways have you supported victims of domestic violence?

• ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY ARE IN A VERY DIFFICULT AND SCARY SITUATION, BE SUPPORTIVE AND LISTEN.

  Let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure them that they are not alone and that there is help and support out there. It may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse. Let them know that you are available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who will believe and listen.

• BE NON-JUDGMENTAL.

  Respect your friend or family member’s decisions. There are many reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. They may leave and return to the relationship many times. Do not criticize their decisions or try to guilt them. They will need your support even more during those times.

• IF THEY END THE RELATIONSHIP, CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF THEM.

  Even though the relationship was abusive, your friend or family member may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. They will need time to mourn the loss of the relationship and will especially need your support at that time.

• ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

  Support is critical and the more they feel supported by people who care for them, the easier it will be for them to take the steps necessary to get and stay safe away from their abusive partner. Remember that you can call the hotline to find local support groups and information on staying safe.

• HELP THEM DEVELOP A SAFETY PLAN.

  Check out our information on creating a safety plan for wherever they are in their relationship — whether they’re choosing to stay, preparing to leave, or have already left. (In addition to a safety plan, a financial escape plan will be crucial for independence from an abuser- check out these 7 steps to build a credit history, quietly, before getting out by Michelle Crouch.)

• ENCOURAGE THEM TO TALK TO PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVIDE HELP AND GUIDANCE.

  Find a local domestic violence agency that provides counseling or support groups. Call  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get a referral to one of these programs near you.  Offer to go with them. If they have to go to the police, court or lawyer’s office, offer to go along for moral support.

• REMEMBER THAT YOU CANNOT “RESCUE” THEM.

  Although it is difficult to see someone you care about get hurt, ultimately they are the one who has to make the decisions about what they want to do. It’s important for you to support them no matter what they decide, and help them find a way to safety and peace.

Filming for an Afternoon

Lee has mad filming skills.  We met while he was still the videographer at my workplace before his current job of flying around the globe shooting beautiful nature shots.

Last summer, we discussed a small video project for the book and today we finally spent an afternoon in front of the camera!  I shared an iMovie version of the video concept and script with a select group of friends this week-- being vulnerable with friends is difficult but needed. One friend said, "Sandi, I've known your story for years.  Having it written out like that seriously gave me chills." 

The goal of the short film is to hopefully help others know they are not alone in the difficulties sexual assault survivors are faced with, get the word out about the book to literary agents, and to possibly find partnerships with organizations.  These are exciting times.

Be on the look out for updates once Lee returns from filming beautiful nature in California!

First Copy Edit Complete!

Haley is a rockstar!! First copy edit of#OneOfUs complete! Still need to tweak a few chapters, do focus groups on the content, and find a literary agent but so far so good!!