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

Chad and all, below is Katie's response...thanks again for the dialogue!


Thank you for your interest in learning more about the history and purpose 
of our charitable foundation, Take Back The Night.  Since 2001, we have 
been a 501(c)3 publicly funded charity.  Through gifts and donations we 
are able to provide support for our cause to end sexual violence and 
support survivors.  The grassroots efforts over the last thirty years in 
the form of marches and rallies around the world have flown under the 
banner of Take Back the Night are the energy and spirit behind our 
mission! 
 
With our international foundation we receive financial support through 
charitable funding from corporations as well as individual donors.  Our 
latest partnership with the Avon Foundation for Women enables us to hold 
the first ever Take Back The Night National Conference in November 2009. 
The national prominence and support achieved from this conference and 
other initiatives will be utilized to further support the endeavors of 
those who walk, march, and rally for the mission of Take Back The Night!
 
The purpose of the national foundation is not to dampen the spirit of 
creativity of individuals and groups, but rather to provide greater 
visibility, assist with organization of events, obtain sponsors for 
Events, and otherwise be able to provide assistance to groups around the 
globe.
 
Our Official Event Planning Guide is in the development stage right now. 
It will be the result of thoughtful input by our Board of Advisors, those 
who have planned and participated in TBTN events, legal counsel and 
insurance representatives who oversee our foundation activities.  We will 
be describing the elements of Take Back the Night events throughout 
history, the role of men, the role of survivors, the feminist theory, 
chants, fire safety considerations for candlelight vigils, governmental 
and campus regulations for rallies and marches, considerations for 
providing support to survivors, and much more! 
 
In order for our foundation to be able to provide financial support to 
local events, a local event planner would need to confirm that their event 
met the guidelines in the TBTN Guidebook.  In order to receive funding and 
assistance, Official events would need to comply with local ordinances, 
take adequate fire safety precautions, and other essential steps to ensure 
the safety and well-being of those involved.  We will not be dictating a 
specific agenda to follow; we fundamentally believe that creative control 
is a grassroots staple! 
 
Thanks again for your support and interest in our cause!
 
Warmest Regards,

Katie Koestner
Director of Educational Programs



Christina Hernandez
Outreach & Awareness Coordinator
Jean Nidetch Women's Center
4505 Maryland Pkwy Box 452025
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-2025
Desk (702) 895-0689 Fax (702) 895-0601

http://womenscenter.unlv.edu ;

"I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to 
me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it 
bruised or misunderstood."
        Audre Lorde




"Chad Sniffen" 
<>
 
Sent by: 

06/25/2009 12:58 PM

To
<>
cc

Subject
RE: Take Back the Night Conference!!






Hello Christina,
 
I am somewhat concerned about the nature of this shift in strategy for 
Take
Back the Night Inc., and I was hoping that you might be willing to address
these concerns. I am directing this question to you because I see that you
are on TBTN Inc.'s Board, but if there is a more appropriate person to ask
please let me know.
 
At the conference solicitation page you sent the link to, the third
attendance requirement reads "Your school or organization must hold an
official Take Back The Night Event in 2010"
 
Although I have been aware of the existence of TBTN Inc. for many years,
this is the first time I have become aware of TBTN Inc. making a move to
brand grassroots TBTN events as "official" ... perhaps this is something
that TBTN Inc. has been doing for a while and I have just not been aware 
it.
 
So, my concern is: what does it mean to be an "official" event? What does 
it
mean to be an "unofficial event"? Also, (insert ominous music here) is it
the intent of TBTN Inc. to eventually claim trademark violations against
"unofficial" TBTN events?
 
Please understand that I assume that the staff and board of TBTN Inc. have
the best of intentions, and sincere passion for the empowerment of 
survivors
of sexual violence. As someone who has helped to organize many TBTNs, I 
hope
that you are willing to assume the same of me. However, as someone who is
also very attached to the concept of TBTN as a grassroots, community 
driven
event... I hope you can understand why I would be concerned about attempts
to standardize or corporatize this powerful part of the movement to end
sexual violence.
 
Perhaps you might include in your reply how TBTN Inc. adds value to the 
work
of grassroots TBTN events?
 
Best,
Chad

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