Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist, Actor and Husband" <>]

Hello, friends in the movement!

Once again, I want to offer a template of the "Valentine's Day Equality 
Cards" (also called the "Valentine, Be Yours" campaign).  These cards can be 
sold or given away, and are perfect for teens and adults both.

The front of the card features a heart with an equal sign in it (this logo 
can be used as a stand-alone item all year long - makes a good button, etc.). 
 The message on the front is "Valentine, don't just be mine..." and on the 
inside it reads, "be YOURS, too!"  

Next to that reads: Healthy Relationships on your Valentine's Day - 
Relationships should be about trust, love and support, not about control.  We 
hope that your Valentine supports your dreams and goals and listens 
respectfully to you, rather than being overly jealous and always needing to 
know where you are.  Happy Valentine's Day from (insert agency name here)!  
On the back you can put hotline information and whatever else you want.

A very kind friend has translated the card into Spanish - there is also a 
Consent Card available.  The inside of that one reads: Consent on Valentine's 
Day - Sex, "hooking up," "fooling around" - whatever you want to call it, 
must be consensual.  "No" means "no," even if the person saying no is 
laughing, even if the person is saying no with body language. If you're not 
sure, stop, ask and listen.  Don't try to get them to change their mind, 
stop.  If either of you are drunk or high, wait until you're sober - 
otherwise, it's illegal.  Wait until it's a fun, consensual experience for 
both of you - on Valentine's Day, and throughout the year.  

I can send any or all three to whomever wants one.  Of course, feel free to 
change the text for cultural, regional, etc. relevancy - I'd love to see what 
you do with the cards.  In previous years, many folks have garnered media 
attention for the campaign, for their agency and for the issue, especially if 
teens are involved.  One of these years I'll write a sample press release 
about the campaign (heck, if one of you wants to do this, please send it to 
me and I'll send it out to others).  

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful work!  Take care.  

Until the violence stops, Ben.  

Ben Atherton-Zeman, Maynard, MA USA
Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," http://www.voicesofmen.org
Booking information: 978-897-3619

Quote of the Month: December, 2008:
"In this season of gift-giving, YOU are the gift." 
- Angela Shelton: filmmaker, activist and survivor of sexual abuse.  
http://www.angelashelton.com.   ;
See Angela Shelton, myself and many others at the Battered Mother's Custody 
Conference in Albany, NY this January 9-11: 
http://www.batteredmotherscustodyconference.org/. ;