RYOT Sparks a Healing It was one of those beautiful, early spring Pocono Mountain days that we are all so very accustomed to. The ones that make us love places like Camp Akenac in Dingmans Ferry; serene lake surrounded by forest still thick and green despite the recent cold. But the day had more than scenery to offer those who had the pleasure to attend the First Annual RYOT Sparks a Healing Bonfire event. RYOT and Safe Haven of Pike County hosted the event. The bonfire was their way of sparking interest in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For those of you who are not familiar with Safe Haven, it is a crisis center in Milford that works with victims, survivors and significant others dealing with the issues of DV, dating violence and SA of all forms. Their services are free and confidential. Cindy Stine, the Educational Outreach Coordinator, teen/child advocate, counselor and RYOT facilitator for Safe Haven, started the evening off by welcoming all who chose to attend and prepared them for a wonderful evening of guest speakers, music, poetry and good food. Cindy engaged everyone and encouraged all to be the “agents of social change.” “Being an agent of social change means standing up to others who make light of sexual assault, or who perpetuate myths about sexual assault. Being an agent of social change means recognizing that unless we speak up and take action nothing will change,” Stine said. The RYOT teens, the hosts of the bonfire, were the true stars of the evening. Between the community leaders and other guest speakers they held everyone’s attention with their poetry, singing and spoken word performances. It is a true point of pride for our community to have such youth among us, and it was their enthusiasm and passion that sustained the evening. They introduced State Representative John Siptroth, who spoke of the importance of these events and the need for communities to come together to end the horror of all forms of sexual assault and abuse. Delaware Township Supervisor Ileana Hernandez spoke of how pleased she was to have the event hosted at Camp Akenac and of her own vision of the bonfire as a signal that the people of our community are aware and would not tolerate the sexual assault or abuse of any man, woman or child. She was also sure to stress the need for our community to reach out and embrace the survivors of these crimes. District Attorney Ray Tonkin shared his hope of eliminating sexual assault altogether through the concerted effort of the community. He also spoke of one of the most current forms of sexual assault, “sexting,” and its devastating long-term effects. It is a problem many of today’s teens and young adults are encountering and one whose full repercussions have yet to be revealed. The guest speakers were introduced next. Dale English of Male Survivor.org shared his insight on the abuse that many men and boys suffer, all too often in silence. He praised groups like Safe Haven and all women who have made it possible for survivors to come forward and make a stand. He also spoke of the efforts that are taking place to assist survivors of this abuse and his organization's continued assistance and advocacy. Randy Orso spoke about the continued need to protect some of the most vulnerable of our citizens, the mentally ill, and the continued works of those who are working to do so. The speeches reached their culmination as Mike Lew, world-renowned author, advocate and therapist, took the microphone. In spite of the many accolades and kind words spoken at his introduction, Mr. Lew was very humble and extremely pleased to attend the bonfire. He praised the RYOT group for its work and dedication and spoke of the continued need for involvement and awareness. He stressed the importance of protecting the most cherished and valued resource any community has to offer, its children. The rhythm of Maxwell Kofi’s drums and the participating masses then filled the dusk. The drumming and singing of the group rose high over the lake and trees as more and more joined in. Many danced, and all found themselves swaying with the music. Like all good times, this too came to an end. All held hands, in a circle, and shared affirmations under a perfectly beautiful sunset that arrived at just the right time. Many saw an eagle fly over during this bonfire, and it’s not surprising. This evening of hope and healing was like none other. At one point Mike Lew spoke of how he travels the world and collects heroes. He said he found some here at the RYOT bonfire. It would be hard to disagree. Limited Time Survey For a limited time we are conducting a survey which is completely anonymous and confidential and is intended for any person under 25 years old. This survey is run on third party software, and we'd like to emphasize the nature of your confidentiality and anonymity. This survey is being conducted by Safe Haven of Pike County (www.safehavenofpikecounty.org) and will be used in its research to help Safe Haven create school base programs that meets your needs. Please click on to the link below and follow directions. Thank you so much for taking the time to take the survey. If you have any questions, please email cindsurv@ptd.net. Click here for the survey RYOT Against Rape The goal of RYOT Against Rape is to train ourselves to reach out to all victims as well as educate the public to end sexual violence in its entirety. What is RYOT? RYOT (Rallying Youth Organizers Together) Against Rape is a program which was started in 2003 as a statewide youth advisory board to help guide the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape’s (PCAR) Teen Sexual Violence Prevention Campaign. The Pike County Chapter of RYOT exists as a branch of PCAR on a statewide level and is sponsored by Safe Haven, Inc. of Pike County on a local level as part of the Youth Leadership Program. There is no limit to the impact that the teenagers involved with RYOT have the ability to achieve in terms of breaking the chains of silence and ignorance that surround the issues of sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, and unhealthy dating relationships. RYOT employs a unique approach of communication in front of audiences of all sizes and backgrounds called Sociodrama. Sociodrama is facilitated educational theater which utilizes dramatization of social issues and necessitates audience participation. The impact of Sociodrama is far-reaching, breaking down walls of communication and misunderstanding that often come with the handling of intense, emotional issues such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, diversity and rape. Audience members are challenged to become part of each Sociodrama by asking straight-talking questions to the actors (who remain in character during this process) and sharing their honest opinions about the situation that is being acted out. The arts are utilized in other aspects of RYOT as well, such as a Healing Through the Arts Open Mic Night that RYOT hosts quarterly at a local coffee shop. Participants are invited to share a piece of artwork, an essay, story, poem, or song. RYOT produces endless ideas and possibilities from its involved youth leaders. As a support and an instrument for the teenagers who are part of this successful team, RYOT gives back to its community an abundance of resources, education, acceptance, understanding, and hope. RYOT has traveled across the state of Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New York and New Jersey. Interested in having RYOT present a socio-drama or a workshop? E-mail Cindy Stine at cindsurv@ptd.net with the following information: Contact Name Contact Number Name of School or Organization Location Approximate number of audience members Composition of Audience members (age, sex) Possible Dates of Presentation Donations or contributions are appreciated to help with the cost of: Travel Expenses Overnight Stay ( depending on distance) For more information on the Statewide RYOT please visit: http://www.teenpcar.org/ and click on RYOT. www.myspace.com/pcarryot RYOT and Safe Haven receive NCAC Community Awards (1st Runner Up in the Children and Youth Category) 2008 Socio-Drama/Workshop Topic's (Programs for All Ages) Teen Dating Violence Domestic Violence in the Home Bullying and Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment and Gay Bashing Child Sexual Abuse Internet Safety/Bullying Date Rape Tolerance/Intolerance What is a Healthy Relationship/Unhealthy Relationship? To Give Respect is to Get Respect Peer Pressure Sexual Assault How to talk to your teen about Dating Violence Prevention/Awareness Programs geared for Adults/Youth. If you want to know more about RYOT programs E-mail questions at: cindsurv@ptd.net or call 570-296-2827 and ask for Cindy. Resource Links http://www.rainn.org/ (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) http://www.ncvc.org/ (National Center for Victims of Crime) http://www.pikeyouth.org/ (Pike County Youth Coalition) http://www.menagainstsexualviolence.org/ (MASV/Men Against Sexual Violence) http://www.nextstepcounseling.org/ (Male Child Sexual Abuse) http://www.loveisnotabuse.com (Liz Clayborne Love is Not Abuse) http://www.rainbowyouth.net/ (Rainbow Youth Coalition) http://www.copcvo.org/ (Coalition of Pennsylvania Crime Victim Organization) http://www.familywatchdog.com ( Site for Internet Safety) http://www.bullyingprevention.org/ (Information on Bullying)

RYOT members with Former Homeland Security Tom Ridge and First Lady Michelle Ridge. RYOT members at RYOT Sparks a Healing. RYOT members with State Senator Lisa Baker. RYOT members with Attorney General Tom Corbett on the steps on the Rotunda (State Capital in Harrisburg). Victims Rights Rally 2008. RYOT members performing a Socio-drama at the State Capital in Harrisburg. Sunset at Camp Akenac and RYOT Sparks a Healing Affirmation Circle. RYOT Open Mic Night with Maxwell Kofi DVSD School Board Socio-drama. RYOT members with Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Pike RYOT at PCAR Board Meeting RYOT members tie purple ribbons for Paint Pike Purple Campaign. Promoting Domestic Peace in the month of October. Pike County RYOT at Safe Haven RYOT at Open Mic Night at 7th Street Coffee. “Sam I Am”