The idea for a listserv began in a Caribou Coffee Shop on a cold Minnesota afternoon.  Actually, it was warm by Minnesota temperatures as it was above zero, even with the wind chill factor.  I (Shirley Seddon Iverson) sat at a table talking about sexual violence with Patricia Francisco.  During the conversation we both agreed we had really had "enough", one too many crimes had taken place and we talked about how to turn this sentiment into more organized action.  A way to communicate easily with peers was one of the ideas surfaced.  Through this chat Patricia introduced me by e-mail to Jane Gilgun and we all agreed a listserv was the tool needed.  Jane, with her University of Minnesota connections, did the work to get this listserv hosted.  Last step, thanks to Sarah Graham Miller at RAINN - we have begun the listserv with names she suggested.  Thanks to everyone for their support in making this happen!

 

Early goals:

 

*To connect persons interested in doing further work to bring media and public attention to the crimes of sexual violence.  While this topic may not be a kitchen table conversation topic (YET), if all the people affected by sexual violence were to scream the sounds would carry across the land.

 

*To share and collaborate on articles, research documents and legislative strategies.

 

*To support one another in this valuable work.

 

*To develop a national resource list for speakers, media contacts and local survivors.

 

Please submit additional names and e-mail addresses for persons you believe would contribute to this project. 

 

Thank you for being a part of the early steps of this enterprise and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Shirley Seddon Iverson