THE COLLECTIVE ADVOCATES

WHY ADVOCATE? A DOCUMENT ON BUILDING INTERDEPENDENT SOCIAL ADVOCATES

2013-11-04T11:29:00.002-05:00

Why Advocate?

Getting Involved: How you can be part of a growing group of nation-wide advocates

1. Host a Trunk show using iSanctuary jewelry (and receive 1 survivor-made gift as Host)

2. Subscribe to our blog, http://thecollectiveA.blogspot.com (It’s Free!)

3. Retweet and share our messages on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/@thecollectiveA; and Facebook; www.Facebook.com/TcaSCd

4. Share our educational materials to raise awareness with your professional and social networks

5. Assist at special events with the Board and high school student interns in raising social awareness

6. Become part of our Community Outreach Team

7. Refer new advocates to 1 of our Committees

8. Refer people to support our Curriculum Development by referring them to our online campaign, www.GoFundMe.com/CurriculumDevelopment

9. Provide a special skill towards building our programs such as writing or media e.g. photography, video or blogging

Give & Take: What we offer you by joining us

1. Support in training and educating you on human trafficking

2. Support in hosting a Trunk show by supplying the jewelry, receipts, educational information at the event(s)

3. Assistance in the community outreach by going out in the community with you to distribute information

4. Support at community events to provide experiential training in speaking to people in the community

5. Opportunities to develop new skills such as sitting on a Committee

6. Opportunities to network with people from various industries

7. Free marketing/advertising of your participation in community awareness activities and events

Our Accomplishments: Here is a brief summary of some of our accomplishments to date:

1. Human Trafficking awareness campaign & special events in NY and beyond (photos are available via the website and Facebook)

2. Development Weekend 2013, an annual all- day training for Board Members and Social Advocates on community & team building

3. Traveled with advocates to Washington, D.C. to march to raise awareness about human trafficking

3. Conducted classroom screenings of a human trafficking film & discussion at City College, Bronx Community College, Columbia University, Black & Missing Foundation's 5 K Run

4. Co-hosted a monthly segment on Blog Talk Radio

5. Created Health Awareness Campaigns for prostate and triple negative breast cancer and collaborated with community organizations on social issues e.g. Social Therapy and mental health in minority communities

6. Held our 1st annual fundraiser Monologue Slam

7. Created our 1^st Crowdfunding campaign (available now; www.GoFundMe.com/CurriculumDevel

www.TheCollectiveAdvocates.com

A Monologue Slam: We Raised Awareness As They Brought Tears to Everyone's Eyes

2013-10-28T08:54:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 19^th some of the most brave and awe-inspiring actors and poets engulfed a room full of curious spectators with their words and enactments of human trafficked survivors. Performance art as education, it was for me a dream come true. To actually sit in a room where someone from the front of the theatre to the back of the theatre came to be shaken to their core by such moving portrayals was an experience I will never forget.

From the commanding introduction of “America” by poet Tony Vozzo to 1^st place winner Denise Scott’s screaming outcries of “where were you?” in her portrayal of a brutalized prostituted child, the message of human trafficking continued to be brought to light as a worldwide issue. Not only did the perpetrator and victim played by Samuel LeSane, III really help shape the message of victim and victimizer but also the unfilled dreams of the kids in the hood who never realize their dreams received its voice through poet, Will Dennis. It brought chills to my spine and our audience to tears.

Every month, every week and sometimes every day it feels like the Collective Advocates is evolving in new and powerful ways as social advocates. We have been pushing through those social media doors and stretching out as far as Florida to find new advocates. As we grow, we continue to discover more possibilities into our future as leaders of a new social era.

At the close of the day we want to leave people feeling inspired by our work. We want people to know that advocating is possible even in the smallest ways. A little commitment and an honest desire to make lasting, positive change a reality is for me, one of the best things about living this life.

Asha…

MONOLOGUE SLAM: RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT DOMESTIC HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2013-09-30T18:52:00.001-04:00

The Collective Advocates for Social Change & Development, Inc. is holding its 1st annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 from 3-5p.m. at Brooklyn Music School and Playhouse. It's located at 126 St. Felix St. in Brooklyn, NY.

It will be a very special afternoon showcase and competition of various talented performers.

Each year, 300,000 or more people are trafficked in the United States for sex and labor. Children as young as 5 years old are sold for sex. Newborn babies are sold in exchange for drugs and money. Minor children are prostituted and men and women from around the globe are forced or coerced into labor with little to no pay, no medical benefits, no days off and often, without seeing their families.

These practices are inhumane and many violate human rights laws.

Additionally, so many people a year in the United States go missing.

Annually, 60% of African Americans and Latinos go missing; some even trafficked; yet their story often does not make it to the airways.

We want to do something about the lack of information that's available which leads people to believe that human trafficking is only an international problem. That's only partly true. It is also a huge domestic problem!

This industry is the 2nd leading criminal industry behind the illegal sale of drugs and guns. And it has enslaved up to 27 million people; making $32 billion dollars a year for traffickers and its cohorts.

At our Monologue Slam, you will experience the transformation of performance artists and poets into some of the voices of the most challenged communities who have been affected by human trafficking. All works from the performers will be original pieces. And prizes will be given for the best performances!

There will also be a cocktail and networking hour. You can purchase your tickets now at: www.Eventbrite.com/event/8476229631.

If you would also like to make a donation, please feel free to at: www.TheCollectiveAdvocates.com.

We appreciate your support and hope to see you there!

The Collective Advocates

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR A MONOLOGUE SLAM...FOR CHARITY!

2013-08-19T23:47:00.000-04:00

The Collective Advocates for Social Change & Development, Inc. is calling all Poets, Actors, Spoken Word Artists to submit your transcript, MP3 or web link to a casting for a MONOLOGUE SLAM! This will be part of a CONTEST during our fundraiser this October to raise awareness about domestic human trafficking in at-risk communities. WE ARE LOOKING FOR CONTENT TO INCLUDE: • HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR SEX AND LABOR • CHILD SOLDIERING, CHILD MARRIAGE • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ISSUES • STI TRANSMISSION ISSUES • MISSING PERSONS • GENDER/RACIAL/ETHNIC STEREOTYPES Please submit only serious work for consideration. For web links & MP3 no longer than 3 min. via email: INFO@THECOLLECTIVEADVOCATES.COM; SUBJECT LINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS: MONOLOGUE SLAM. For Transcripts & DVDs by mail: T.C.A.S.C.D., Inc., P.O. BOX 354 BROOKLYN, NY 11210. Include your name, phone #, email so we can contact you about the Casting Call. DO NOT SEND YOUR ONLY COPY. WE WILL NEED TO KEEP A COPY! DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 2013, 6P.M.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by jfh686

Even if no one sees it, doing good for other people is always a good thing! @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bird Eye

What positive things do I want to be remembered for? @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by ethanhickerson

Find your voice and then be a voice for those who haven’t found theirs yet. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Friday #MentalHealth #MythBuster: ADHD IS NOT A REAL DISORDER

2013-06-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

MYTH: ADHD Is Not A Real Disorder.

#Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavioral disorders in the United States.

#At least 3% to 5% of the student population has ADHD, with boys being four to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

MYTH: ADHD Is A Childhood Disorder Typically Caused By Poor Parenting.

#ADHD is a brain disorder. There is no strong research proving ADHD is caused by too much television or poor parenting.

#ADHD is not just a childhood disorder! ADHD is a lifelong disorder that can impact an adult’s ability to organize and focus.

MYTH: ADHD Is A Disorder For Bad Children Who Can't Sit Still Or Pay Attention.

#The characteristics for ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

#People with ADHD actually have the ability to pay attention. They have trouble managing their attention.

MYTH: All Children With ADHD Need Special Education And Medication.

#Only some children ADHD may need special education services.

#Treatments for ADHD include drug therapy, natural/herbal remedies, elimination diets and behavioral therapy.

MYTH: A Diagnosis Of ADHD Can Never Be Wrong.

#Some professionals may confuse ADHD with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, side effects of asthma medication and food allergies.

*Some of this information was cited by the US Dept of Education

Deidra Sorrell, Certified School Psychologist/National Certified Counselor
Guest Blogger

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bilal Kamoon

What questions today have I asked myself that will help me to grow & develop? @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by OregonDOT

The world is made of all kinds of people. If I want people to be more tolerant, the first step begins with me. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Friday #MentalHealth #MythBuster: Once You Have A Mental Health Diagnosis, It Doesn’t Change or Improve

2013-06-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

#Mental Health Diagnoses Are Based On A Comprehensive Evaluation Process That Includes The Use Of A Diagnostic Manual Tool

#Mental Health Diagnoses Are Not Always Fixed & Can Change Over Time

#Mental Health Diagnoses Can Be Different Between One Mental Health Provider’s Evaluation And Another’s

#Mental Health Diagnoses Are Concluded Based On What A Client Presents & A Practitioner Observes In Sessions Together

#Clients May Present With Different Symptoms During Separate Visits

#Medical Conditions Can Have An Impact On Mental Status & Diagnosis

#Medical Conditions Can Trigger Some Changes In One’s Mental Status & Symptoms

#Some Childhood Diagnoses Can Be A Precursor To A Different Diagnosis In Adolescence & Adulthood

#People Can Recover From Mental Illness, With Adequate Treatment & In Some Cases, With Medication

Asha, Licensed Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Auspices

Change comes in various forms. Being open to it allows possibility to enter. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Muffet

At times when life feels worthless, know that there’s another day ahead waiting for you. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Friday #MentalHealth #MythBuster: My Child Cannot Be Medicated For Mental Illness

2013-06-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

#Children As Young As Young As 5 Years Old With Mental Illness Can Be Medicated

#Medications Are Recommended For People With Mental Health Disorders

#Medications Are Used Alone Or In Conjunction With Psychotherapy

#Medications Of A Certain Type May Be Given For Acute Symptoms & Others For Chronic Symptoms

#If A Parent Or Caregiver Is Concerned About Medications Being Recommended For Their Child They Can Speak To A Child Psychiatrist Or Their Pediatrician First

#A Child Should Never Be Medicated Without The Consent Of Their Guardian

#Medications Should Be Taken Regularly & Typically At The Same Times Each Day

#Psychiatric Medications Have Side Effects That May Feel Worse Than The Benefits Of Taking Them But They Should Not Be Abruptly Stopped Without A Practitioner’s Knowledge

#Remember: If A Person Feels Suicidal Even While Taking Psychiatric Medications, Seek Emergency Help Immediately!

Asha, Licensed Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Jenny Downing

To be your best self takes patience, perseverance and faith. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Dana Moos

No one does what you do the way you do it. We all have our own special gifts. Practice yours. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Friday #MentalHealth #MythBuster: People Who Have Dementia Will Develop Alzheimer’s Over Time

2013-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

#Dementia Does Not Become Alzheimer’s Disease In Every Case

#Alzheimer’s Is A Progressive Disease of Memory Loss, Loss of Processing of Information and Behavioral Changes

#Dementia Is Part of Normal Aging But Alzheimer’s Is Not

#People With Dementia May Have Mild to Moderate Challenges With Memory & Expressive Language

#Caregivers Are Important Gatekeepers to Help Relatives/Loved Ones Recall Historical Information to Providers

#People With Alzheimer’s Have Difficulty Recalling Recent Information, Processing New Information and Challenges With Expressive Language

#Alzheimer’s Accounts for 60-80% of Dementia Cases (www.alz.org)

#Typical Onset of Alzheimer’s Is Age 65 and Over. Early Onset Is Diagnosed Before Age 65

#Medication Is Available for Patients To Slow The Progression of Dementia, But There Is No Cure For Alzheimer’s

Asha, Licensed Mental Health Specialist

1st Thursdays

2013-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Thursdays Change: Bringing Change-makers to You!"

Ralph K. Scott Director of Barbasol

Guest: Independent Film Promoter and Filmmaker Ralph K. Scott

Segment: "Using Film To Talk About Dementia & Family"

After spending the better part of 19 years promoting independent films in various film festivals and a nationally broadcast short film showcase, Scott has recently made his maiden voyage into the world of film-making.

Scott has Executive produced 5 nationally broadcast shows featuring independent film. He also has a network of film festivals that he helped develop across the country.

He teaches film appreciation workshops and screenings at the Academy of Social change in New York City. He has developed and implemented a convention for high school media arts students in New York City. ICMAS – Inner City Media Arts Summit.

His company, Social Cinema is focused on utilizing films that speak to particular social issues as a tool to bring awareness to the various topics. His current film Barbasol, is a father and son story that touches on Dementia. It will be used to open up discussions about mental health as well as the father and son dynamic.

Website: www.socialcinemaproject.com

Facebook: facebook.com/BiggDaaDee

Twitter: @ralphkscott

Date: 6/6/13; 9:00-9:30pm EST

Sisters-in-Harmony: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisters-in-harmony

Call in: 917-889-7765

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by SaraiRachel

Thoughts are the ideas about how we interpret life. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Friday #MentalHealth #MythBuster: Psychosis Fades Away As People Take Meds

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

#Psychosis is the loss of contact with reality and includes delusions and auditory and/or visual hallucinations

#Medications aid in the symptoms of psychosis but it doesn’t always make them go away

#People with psychosis have said that even with medications auditory hallucinations are still present, just less compounding

#Psychosis can be frightening to those who experience it

#Psychotic people cannot control the hallucinations that come with being ill. The symptoms can arise at any time, in any place

#Loved ones should ask direct questions about the hallucinations, e.g. “are the voices telling you to hurt yourself or others?”

#If a person with psychosis lives in a home with sharp objects or weapons and has a history of bizarre or frightening behavior, those objects should be removed immediately

#Only 2% of the population that suffers from psychosis are actually dangerous to society. Most people with psychosis don’t hurt themselves or others

#If someone with psychosis is reporting that the hallucinations are telling them to hurt themselves or others, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room

Asha, Licensed Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by by the Italian voice

Be a friend to yourself first, then you can befriend others. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by toolmantim

Because you heard “no” several times before does not mean there are no other possibilities. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-05-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Photo by Ollie-G

Remember: if someone threatens to hurt themselves or others, take it seriously the first time. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Mental Health Tip Of The Day

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Kevin Dooley

Allow yourself to make some mistakes. Be gentle. Learn from them. And grow. @ashatarry

*These mentions are used simply as tips to give empowering thoughts to others. These tips are not used as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness or otherwise. Consult your physician if you need mental health services.

Black & Missing Foundation, Inc. Hosts: Hope Without Boundaries

2013-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join The Collective Advocates for Social Change & Development, Inc this Sat with Black & Missing Foundation, Inc at 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk.

TCA will be on site to provide information and resources on domestic human trafficking. Visit our website for more ways to support our efforts: www.TheCollectiveAdvocates.com

(Click To Enlarge)