High Threat Individual

Who knows if he works at this women's shelter or another. Sending an email is something small but could at some point make an impact for the young women served.

"Good day Seton Home,

I hope this finds you well! Thank you for working with young mothers and their children. I've done similar work in Indiana and Uganda and although it was difficult, it was rewarding since it was investing in their futures and the lives of their children.

An individual on Facebook brought to my attention the below conversation. (I've published a book about the complexities of sexual assault and the challenges of seeking legal justice so every now and then, people contact me about things.)

I write because this individual states that he works in a women's shelter and his profile states that he is from Chicago but lives in San Antonio. I would not feel comfortable having a staff member on my team who will intentionally post on someone else's Facebook wall comments which are victim blaming, extremely judgmental, hardcore societal myths about sexual violence, and that perpetuate hate towards women. This individual is a high threat to the individuals that you serve.

If he does not work with you at Seton Home, please share this with your network. Your young women who are going through challenges deserve to be treated with dignity by individuals who have integrity.

Thanks,
Sandi"

To Care or Not to Care

"Am I supposed to pretend like I don't care?" - Kimmy
"No, you are supposed to not care." - Tina Fey
Season 3, Episode 11 "Kimmy Googles the Internet."

I get it. When talking to potential roommates in Baltimore, they mentioned "One of Us" and a different one said they found my website. I gave my number to a guy and clarified that I spelled "Sandi" with an "i" and purposefully did not give him my last name. He put "Sandi" and "Social Work" in a google search... on our first date, he mentioned "I found the gofundme page". I've had a couple of guys buy the book after our first date without telling me until later. Not exactly the ideal but so is life.

At the end of the day, I've learned to own my story (plus, I don't really have a choice since you can buy the book on Amazon). I set the tone for the conversation. I demand respect. Most of the time, people are kind and curious. My biggest fears are to be treated less than, as if I'm incapable to love or to be loved. I can't let my fears rule my life. Do or think what they may. 

I am Sandi Giver and I don't care.

Oh, Tina, the smartest TV therapist who drinks a whole lot

She Persisted

This was said by Mitch McConnell of Elizabeth Warren. There are points in life where others will want to silence us, will use their power or authority to intimidate us. We will not be silenced. We will stand for truth and justice. We stand together knowing we are not alone in these injustices.

When the military tried to silence and intimate Sandi Giver, author of "One of Us", she refused to back down and continued to pursue legal justice against the military man who chose to rape her. 

What injustices you are passionate about ending? How are you persisting through the challenges and hardships?

3 Steps to Joining One of Us

• Step 1: "One of Us: Sex, Violence, Injustice. Resilience, Love, Hope" is on the move! Individuals living in places ranging from Washington State, Idaho, Indiana, DC, and all the way to West Africa have found author Sandi around DC for a signed copy or have ordered their copy online.
• Step 2: "When you talked about how you felt at first you basically put into words my feelings."- survivor of domestic violence. "Reading your story is both heartbreaking and familiar enough to be comforting (though that feels a little macabre). Thank you for sharing this and for fighting and for being so damn courageous. You're incredible." Others have shared that they learned about Peace Corps service in Uganda, the concept of "forced comment," how unjust victims are treated, how difficult for prosecution lawyers in cases of sexual assault, and a variety of other items depending on the readers life lens.
• Step 3: Be heard! Use whatever platform you are most comfortable with. Tweet a line, post a photo of you/the book/a quote, just talk with your friends and share why you choose to support One of Us and not tolerate sexual violence.

Get Your Copy of One of Us!

We did it! Thank you to everyone who has supported One of Us in a variety of ways! This is a great moment and we will be celebrating together soon.