Abolitionists In Action, the Made By Survivors Community Fighting Slavery

Salute to Becky Bavinger!

Paul — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:48:47 +0000

This week Becky Bavinger, Co-Founder of Destiny/Reflections and TEN's representative in India is coming back to the United States after 3 years of living and working in India. Becky has done an amazing job of positively impacting the lives of hundreds of people that she has come in contact with over the years and her impact will be felt for a very long time to come. Words can not express how invaluable and successful Becky has been and we at TEN/Made By Survivors consider ourselves lucky to have had her partnership. This weekend, as Becky takes the next step in her journey at NYU this fall, we want to take some time to honor her and the work she has done.

Inspiration

Janell Hofmann — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:50:40 +0000

After a laptop crash, repair and ultimately a replacement, I'm back in action as a regular blogger for TEN. Please forgive my absence. And know for certain that the “India girls” (as my children call them), the cause, the inspiration were always on my mind, even when I couldn't get the words to you. It's good to be back.

Teenagers are people, too.

Dianna Badalament — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:31:09 +0000

The start of the Made By Survivors jewelry program at the Women’s Interlink Foundation’s Child Care Home (CCH), brought a small degree of anxiety for me with regards to teaching. I was a little concerned about the fragility of the slavery survivors and if they would like learning to metalsmith. After a week of being with the average 17 year old (there were a smattering of ages from 15 to 24 years old and all the girls ages are just a guess), I was very pleased with their interest, kindness and vibrancy.

The World is Yours To Change

Janell Hofmann — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:12:55 +0000

This week I was invited to speak at a local private school about modern day slavery. They have been studying Indian philosophy and religion in their Humanities program for seventh graders. The teacher, so very wise and open minded, thought that I should do a presentation on my trip, discussing the social issues I had encountered while volunteering with The Emancipation Network. Considering India and Africa host most of the world's 27 million slaves, I thought this to be a wonderful opportunity.

In a Kolkata State of Mind

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 06:32:53 +0000

After 4 days in Kolkata I am already keeping time to a different tune. Kolkata’s music is almost deafening; like speed heavy metal; incessant honking as all vehicles from cars to rickshaws to bicycles have horns, Hindu temple bells, the security guard who announces his presence to all potential thugs at 2 a.m. with a yell akin to a battle cry. Throw out everything you learned in Driver’s Education here because there are no lanes, driver’s don’t use indicators and there are few roads with lanes and pedestrians never have the right of way.

Perspective

Molly Lomenzo — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:37:32 +0000

I thought that when I returned from India, I would complain less, roll my eyes less, and generally realize how lucky I am. The last week was not a good example of that goal. When I received a rejection letter from UVa, I cried and slept for two hours.

A Letter to My Daughter

Janell Hofmann — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:07:33 +0000

I often write letters to my children, not so much for them to read now, but as a living memory of their childhood. Last week I felt a sudden and intense urge to write to my growing daughter, Ella. I really wanted to share it here, because while I did write it specifically for her, I think the message is universal.

She Is Here

Janell Hofmann — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:20:30 +0000

There are some weeks that just pass. They slip away without the awareness of their passing - just going, going, gone. We don't stop to check in, absent of self-reflection, we survive by crossing things off our list of things to do. Hours blend into days. Days into weeks. The pages of calendars turning at a pace we don't prefer, but cannot control. And sometimes, even with these weeks jammed with appointments and activities, our lives are taken to a new level of busy.

Curiosity and Courage

Janell Hofmann — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:09:07 +0000

I spent some time this week visiting local elementary schools and talking about global oneness and human courage. I used my trip with The Emancipation Network to India as a starting point in an effort to raise awareness, prompt questions, and stir up a little interconnectedness.

Now is The Time

Janell Hofmann — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:28:15 +0000

Women. International Women's Day. Women's History Month. It's all about the women in March. Have you noticed? I get all excited at the prospect of women gathering to honor their lineage, their history, families, mentors, neighbors, co-workers, leaders, friends, global sisters, and themselves. On March 4th, I honored International Women's Day, by enjoying dinner with my mother followed by Half the Sky Live. This film highlighted stories from the book Half the Sky, which is all about global women's oppression turned to opportunity, written by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn.