The Advocate's Academy: Recent Episodes
Lizzie Smith
The Advocate’s Academy is brought to you by the Women and Gender Resource Center at the University of Alabama. The Advocate’s Academy is a podcast for students, faculty, and staff who are looking for ways to engage in advocacy and social justice work on their campus, in their career, and in their day to day lives.
Today, I’m speaking with Rachel Jakovac. Rachel is a student leader at the WGRC, and she’s involved in several of our leadership and advocacy programs. We’ll be chatting about Sexual Assault Awareness month today, and we’re going to focus on ways that you, as a listener, can be an advocate for survivors and victims in the month of April and beyond.
Learn more about awareness and support resources at:
@nomoreorg- Instagram
https://www.turningpointservices.org/
https://www.tuscaloosasafecenter.com/
https://Wgrc.sa.ua.edu
In this episode, I'm thrilled to get to speak with Candace Turner and Bentasia Parker. These student leaders are founding members of a new organization called "October 26: Driven by Women." In this episode they'll tell you all about their organization's mission to promote menstrual hygiene and health education in the state of Alabama. Listen in to learn about their recent program to provide high school students in the area with access to menstrual hygiene products and their plans for the future!
If you'd like to learn more about October 26 or get involved, reach out to Bentasia and Candace via email:
Candace Turner: cyturner@crimson.ua.edu
Bentasia Parker: bsparker1@crimson.ua.edu
In today's episode, Courtney, Amber, and Booker (three student leaders at the BSU) talk about their experiences with the organization and the mission and history of the BSU. Amber and Booker also tell us all about Lucy's Legacy and BRIDGE, who UA programs designed to help students of color find community and excel in their first year of college.
Contact the BSU:
Instagram: @BSU_UA
Email: theblackstudentunionUA@gmail.com
Learn about Lucy's Legacy and BRIDGE:
Lucy's Legacy: https://fye.sa.ua.edu/programs/lucys-legacy-llc/
BRIDGE: https://fye.sa.ua.edu/bridge/about/
Today, I’m speaking with Dr. Lane McLelland, the Director of the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center at the University of Alabama. She’s joining me to talk about personal growth in this new year. We’ll talk about the value of learning to engage with new perspectives, incorporating new ideas into our practice, and looking back on our past self with compassion.
Today, I’m speaking with Dr. Jackie Northrup, the assistant director of the Women and Gender Resource Center. She’s joining me today to tell us all about the upcoming Ready to Run training program! We’ll talk about women’s access to political positions, the value of women’s perspectives in politics, and how listeners can join in for the Ready to Run program taking place virtually January 29th-30th. Listen in to learn more about the line up for this event, and to find out more about how you can get involved in local, state, and national government to make a difference.
Register to attend Ready to Run on January 29th and 30th here:
https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zWvrrZRMtSuou1
In this episode, we're speaking with Ashley Neuhauser, a staff therapist at the WGRC. Ashley's going to help us learn some tools for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and taking care of ourselves during the long winter break. Listen in to learn more about how you can keep your cool while you're home with family this holiday season.
Today, I’m speaking with Amber Sutton and Haley Beech, two PhD students in the School of Social Work. They’re here to discuss their research on the connection between maternal health and intimate partner violence. We’ll speak about their work, research, and experience on this topic and then talk about some best practices for advocates for women who may be experiencing intimate partner violence and/or reproductive coercion.
While we won’t be talking about specific stories and examples of women’s experiences with IPV, I do want to give a brief trigger warning for this episode. If you find discussions of intimate partner violence or reproductive coercion difficult, please practice self care. While Amber and Haley will provide us all with some national and local resources for seeking help, I also want to remind members of the UA community that the WGRC offers free, confidential therapy and victim advocacy for individuals who have experiences intimate partner violence, as well as, sexual violence or assault. If you’d like to learn more about these services, please visit our website: wgrc.sa.ua.edu or give our office a call at (205) 348-5040.
Resources and Links:
The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence http://www.acadv.org/get-help/shelters/
Futures Without Violence: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/addressing-intimate-partner-violence/
Love is Respect: www.loveisrespect.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/resources/pregnancy-and-abuse-how-to-stay-safe-for-your-9-months/
Amber and Haley's article about IPV and reproductive coercion: https://oxfordre.com/socialwork/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.001.0001/acrefore-9780199975839-e-1368
Today we are speaking with Barbara Caddell, the President of the Alabama League of Women voters. Barbara’s here to talk about the past and present work and advocacy of the League of Women voters, and to speak to listeners about the importance of voting and advocating for voter equity in this election season and beyond.
Today we are speaking with Dr. Mike Jimenez, about Hispanic Latinx Heritage month, his research and experiences, and his recommendations for advocates during this fall and election year. Listen in to our interview to learn more about resources for local advocacy and learning resources about Hispanic and Latinx issues today.
Dr. Mike Innis-Jimenez
https://ams.ua.edu/people/michael-innis-jimenez/
Today we are speaking with Morion Siler, a coordinator of student services at the School of Social Work and Shayla Smith, BSW field coordinator at the School of Social Work. They’re joining in today to discuss their “Own Your Vote” series and to tell us about some exciting new opportunities for people who are looking for ways to advocate for voter rights and equity at UA this year.
Morion Siler:
https://socialwork.ua.edu/blog/social-theme-staff/siler-morion/
Shayla Smith:
https://socialwork.ua.edu/blog/social-theme-staff/smith-shayla-msw/
The School of Social Work:
https://socialwork.ua.edu/
Today we are speaking with Zoe Winston, an Assistant Director at the Center for Service and Leadership here at UA. Zoe’s here to talk about how service and responsible global citizenship are important aspects of our individual advocacy practice. She’s also going to let us in on all the wonderful service and volunteer opportunities available through the CSL this year.Listen in and follow the links below to learn more about ways you can get involved at UA!
Contact the Center for Service and Leadership:
https://leadandserve.sa.ua.edu/
Email: volunteer@ua.edu
Instagram: @volunteerbama
As we near the end of the summer season and look forward to the fall semester, I decided to take a moment to revisit some of the topics and interviews from the past months. If you're new to the show, hopefully this episode will give you a good overview of the intent and content of the podcast as a whole. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with me over the past few months. I've truly enjoyed sharing your stories, perspectives and expertise. We've got an exciting fall line-up planned, but as always, if you have any suggestions or recommendations for the show, please reach out to me at easmith11@ua.edu.
Today we are speaking with Dr. Perez about holistic wellness, various ways programs within Student Health and Wellbeing are engaging with students while maintaining social distancing recommendations, and personal responsibility as a form of advocacy that we can all engage in for the coming year. Listen in and follow the links below to learn more about how you can care for yourself and others this fall!
Student Health and Wellbeing and the Alabama Model
https://sa.ua.edu/programs/student-health-and-wellbeing/
Financial Literacy Website
https://hpw.sa.ua.edu/financial-literacy/
The Alabama Model Health and Wellbeing Resources by Dimension
https://sa.ua.edu/programs/student-health-and-wellbeing/the-alabama-model/
Alabama Model Assessment of Student Health and Wellbeing
https://youtu.be/l_9EDzXcIX4
This episode is all about ways to get involved with Advocacy groups on campus. I’m speaking with Mollie Tinney, an Assistant Director in the Office of Student Involvement. She’s here to speak about various types of advocacy student organizations on campus and to give us everything we need to know about connecting with student organizations that match your values and passions. Listen in and follow the links below to learn more about ways you can get involved at UA!
Office of Student Involvement: https://studentinvolvement.sa.ua.edu/
Student Involvement Quiz (find student organizations that fit your interests): https://studentinvolvement.sa.ua.edu/involvement-quiz/
Log in to MySource to get connected with student organizations: https://ua.campuslabs.com/engage/
I’m talking with yet another co-worker today, we had a blast! Our guest today is Elizabeth Lester, a program coordinator in the WGRC. She’s here to talk to us about the Young Women’s Leadership Program, issues affecting girls and women today, and our mutual love/hate relationship with TikTok.
“Children, Teens, Media, and Body Image”- Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/children-teens-media-and-body-image#
“Most Girls Diet by Age 10, and Other Depressing Facts about Body Image Development” by Alanna Greco
https://www.bustle.com/articles/60925-most-girls-diet-by-age-10-and-other-depressing-facts-about-body-image-development
Interested in learning more about the Young Women’s Mentoring Program?
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/getting-involved/volunteering/mentoring-programs/
I’m talking with another co-worker today, and as always, I’m thrilled to get to share some of the fantastic work coming out of the WGRC with you all. Our guest today is Jessica Hoggle, one of our staff therapists. We’re talking today about her therapy group for survivors of interpersonal violence, and her experiences incorporating drumming and music therapy into her practice. We also talk about ways that individuals can incorporate music and movement into their own mindfulness practice, and resources for therapy practitioners who are interested in learning how they can incorporate these methods into their work.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748
Unlocking Us by Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/introducing-unlocking-us/
Rhythm to Recovery: https://rhythm2recovery.com/
Rhythm to Recovery by Simon Faulkner: https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Recovery-Practical-Emotional-Development/dp/1785921320
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/
Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Heather Pleasants. In this episode, Heather and I have a conversation digital storytelling for pedagogy and for activism. We’ll be talking about digital storytelling as it pertains to teaching and personal advocacy work.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche: The Danger of a Single Story
https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en
- Rebecca Frost Davis, Matthew K. Gold, Katherine D. Harris, Jentery Sayers: Digital Pedagogy in the Humanities
https://digitalpedagogy.hcommons.org/
- Paul Fyfe 2011 – Digital Pedagogy Unplugged http://www.digitalhumanities.org/dhq/vol/5/3/000106/000106.html
- Grete Jamissen, Pip Hardy, Yngve Nordkvelle, Heather M. Pleasants (Editors): Digital Storytelling in Higher Education: International Perspectives https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783319510576
- Heather M. Pleasants, Dana E. Salter (Editors): Community-Based Multiliteracies and Digital Media Projects: Questioning Assumptions and Exploring Realities
- https://www.peterlang.com/view/title/22167
- StoryCenter. The mission of StoryCenter is to create spaces for listening to and sharing stories, to help build a just and healthy world. StoryCenter’s public and custom workshops provide individuals and organizations with skills and tools that support self-expression, creative practice, and community building.
https://www.storycenter.org/
- This aspect of StoryCenter’s work may be of particular interest right now: https://www.storycenter.org/covid-stories
- Silence Speaks. Silence Speaks surfaces first-person narratives of struggle, courage, and transformation and works to ensure that these stories play an instrumental role in promoting gender equality, health, and human rights around the world. Silence Speaks uses participatory media, popular education, and testimonial practices to support the telling and witnessing of stories that all too often remain unspoken and unheard.
https://www.storycenter.org/silence-speaks
- Patient Voices. Patient Voices uses reflective digital storytelling to unearth first-person stories that deliver compelling and motivating insight and drive organizational change, growth, and success. Patient Voices
https://www.patientvoices.org.uk/
- Positively Trans (P+). Led by trans women of color living with HIV, Positively Trans addresses inequities, stigma, and discrimination nationally and in our local communities through community-driven research, leadership development, and storytelling. We make the case that trans voices, needs, and leadership must be centered in HIV/AIDS response, and that HIV response is a key strategy for trans health and liberation
https://transgenderlawcenter.org/programs/positively-trans/videos
- Darcy Alexandra, PhD
http://www.darcyalexandra.com/
- The Digital Pedagogy Lab
https://www.digitalpedagogylab.com/
Today, we’re speaking with Derrick Steverson. In this episode, Derrick and I have a conversation about trans inclusive healthcare. We’re talking about the importance of inclusive healthcare options, resources in the community, and how new legislation may impact the healthcare landscape for queer and trans people.
5 Horizons: https://www.fivehorizons.org/
TAKE (Transgender Advocate’s Knowlegeable Empowering) https://www.takebhm.org/
Aids Alabama: http://www.aidsalabama.org/
BAO: https://www.birminghamaidsoutreach.org/
https://www.hrc.org/pride/alabama
https://www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-announces-hire-of-carmarion-d-anderson-as-alabama-state-director
Today, we’re speaking with Josh Bibbs. Josh is here today to talk about his work as an actor, drag performer, artist, and social justice advocate. In our conversation today, we’ll discuss art, Josh’s talent and his experiences as an LGBTQIA+ person of color. As always, we discussed some fantastic resources and references. All that information is posted below:
Mental Health Resources:
The Counseling Center at The University of Alabama:https://counseling.sa.ua.edu/
Find Therapist in Tuscaloosa: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/al/tuscaloosa
5 Horizons Health Services: https://www.fivehorizons.org/
Five Horizons is committed to increasing the community’s level of HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness through innovative interventions and targeted outreach. We provide an array of individual and group-level programs and services in the West Alabama area through outreach at various venues including local colleges and universities, faith-based organizations, shelters, correctional facilities, and many more events and festivals.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH SERVICES PROVIDED:
- Targeted HIV Prevention Education Presentations
- Free and Confidential Rapid HIV Testing
- Mobile Testing and Community Outreach
- Peer Education in Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- We can provide all of the above services to your organization or cater the presentation to your specific need.
- We provide “safe sex kits” with condoms, dental dams, lube, our contact information and instructions on how to properly use a condom.
We have a mobile testing unit large enough to administer confidential tests and results. Our only ask for the testing unit is to have a space large enough to accommodate the unit’s size and to be positioned in a central location.
Redefining Societies Vision & Purpose (RSVP)
Instagram: @ua.rsvp
Olivia Giselle Tarajae
Instagram: @oliviagiselletarajae
Snapchat: @theequeenog
Today, we’re speaking with two guests, Jesse Rentz and Sav Campbell. Both Jesse and Sav work for the Safe Zone office, UA’s LGBTQIA+ Resource Center. They’re also fabulous student leaders who hold officer positions in two of UA’s LGBTQIA+ student orgs. They’re here to talk about pride, resources for incoming students, and strategies for serving as allies to queer people of color.
Contacts and Resources:
UA Safe Zone:
Website: safezone.ua.edu
Email: safezone@ua.edu
Facebook: UA Safe Zone
Instagram: @uasafezone
Spectrum:
Email: spectrum.ua@gmail.com
Facebook: Spectrum: University of Alabama's LGBTQA+ Student Organization
Instagram: @UA Spectrum
OStem:
Instagram: @ostem.ua
Today, we’re speaking with Russell Howard. Russell is the president of Druid City Pride, Tuscaloosa’s pride organization. He’s here to talk about why pride matters to him, about Druid City Pride and their festivities for the months of June and October, and to share some advice for allies and advocates in and out of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Druid City Pride: https://www.druidcitypride.org/
DCP Social Media: @druidcitypride
Today, we’re speaking with Darius Thomas. Darius is here to talk about the WGRC’s Young Men’s Leadership Program. The YMLP is a mentoring program designed to help young boys better understand themselves and engage with concepts of masculinity. Darius has experience working with the YMLP as a mentor and a facilitator. I was beyond thrilled to get to speak with him for this interview and even happier that we got to work together this past spring semester.
Through a partnership with Skyland Elementary School, The Women and Gender Resource Center offers two gender-based leadership programs, each with unique pillars customized to the needs of 4th and 5th graders in our community.
Each program meets for two hours of training each week for 10 weeks during the Fall semester. In the Spring, student mentors or “bigs” are paired with a 4th or 5th grade “little” at Skyland Elementary. The group meets together at the elementary school one afternoon a week for 10 weeks in the Spring to work through a leadership curriculum that includes both group and one-on-one activities.
YMLP Mentor Application:
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/getting-involved/volunteering/mentoring-programs/
Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Nahree Doh. In this episode, we’ll talk about her experiences as an immigrant from South Korea, a mother to Asian American children, and a mental health care professional. Before today, I’d never had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Nahree, and I have to say that she was an absolute delight, and I’m so thrilled that we were able to connect through this podcast.
Today, we’re speaking with Sheena Gregg to her experiences as an Asian American Woman and a registered dietitian at UA. In this episode, we’ll talk about Sheena’s experiences navigating childhood as an person with Chinese and Filipino heritage, the some of the nuances of serving people with Asian, Pacific Islander Desi American heritage and backgrounds, as well as, some strategies for being a better ally to people who are different from us.
Contacts:
Sheena Gregg: sqgregg@ua.edu
https://www.napawf.org/ - National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum: founded in 1996 as an organization focused on building power with Asian American Pacific Islander women and girls to influence critical decisions that affect our lives, families, and communities. It uses a reproductive justice framework to elevate AAPI women and girls to impact policy and drive systemic change in the United States.
https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/ - Asian Americans Advancing Justice: the AAAJ’s mission is to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote fair and equitable society for all.
https://www.naaap.org/ - National of Association of Asian American Professionals: non-profit that cultivates and empowers Asians and Pacific Islander leaders through leadership development, professional networking, and community service.
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/news-events/features/training-workforce-dev/center-asian-health.html - National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities: provides information regarding health disparity issues among Asian Americans.
Today, we’re speaking with Brittany Gregg to discuss accessibility advocacy in higher education. Brittany is the Assistant Director of the Office of Disability Services, and a PhD student in higher education administration. In this episode, we’ll talk about inclusion, classroom accessibility, student advocacy, coalition building and the importance of educating ourselves about the narratives of people with disabilities.
Contacts:
Brittany Gregg
brittany.gregg@ua.edu
University of Alabama, Office of Disability Services:
www.ods.ua.edu
Media and Books:
Crip Camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRrIs22plz0
Speechless: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u55WK6AbaM
Switched at Birth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3pDkMDQsJM
Academic Ableism by Jay Dolmage https://www.amazon.com/Academic-Ableism-Disability-Corporealities-Discourses/dp/047205371X
Eli Clare- Activist and writer: http://eliclare.com/
Being Heumann by Judy Heumann: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Heumann-Unrepentant-Disability-Activist/dp/0807019291
Haben: The Deaf Blind Woman Who Conquered Harvard by Haben Girma: https://www.amazon.com/Haben-Deafblind-Woman-Conquered-Harvard/dp/1538728729
Local groups and Organizations:
MADDES (ADHD Peer Support Group), University of Alabama Student Organization
Eye to Eye Mentoring, University of Alabama
Crossing Points https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/
ACTS: https://autism-clinic.ua.edu/college-program-ua-acts/
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) https://adap.ua.edu/
Description:
Today, we’re speaking with Sara Whitver about research and advocacy work. Sara and I had a wonderful time talking about researching for causes that matter to us today, and I hope you have as much fun listening to our chat as we had making this episode. In this episode, we’ll talk about strategies for finding quality information to support your arguments and advocacy work, strategies for sifting through bias in media sources, and our own mutual research interests in kinship and motherhood in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Resources and Links:
https://guides.lib.ua.edu/safezone
Librarians are available to help through live chat or email Monday-Saturday: 8 am - 9 pm, and Sunday: noon - 9 pm.
Librarian Sara Whitver’s Office Hours:
M/W 9am-10am T/R 1pm-2pm (CT) or by appointment (smwhitver@ua.edu)
We’re finishing up our observance of Sexual Assault Awareness month by speaking with Shannon today. Shannon is a survivor of sexual assault, and she’s here to talk about her healing journey. In our chat today, she’ll talk about the tools and resources she used to heal from trauma, loved ones who made a difference in her life, and challenges she overcame while she worked towards her recovery from a sexual assault. I’m thrilled to have her on the show today, and I can’t say how grateful I am that she reached out to me and offered to share her story.
Resources for Survivors:
“Help for Students, Faculty, and Staff at the University of Alabama”
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/counseling-and-advocacy/can-students-get-help/
Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter
2110 McFarland Blvd E.
Suite G
Tuscaloosa, AL, 35404
(205) 758 - 0808
info@turningpointservices.org
www.turningpointservices.org
Resources for Secondary Survivors:
“How can family and friends be supportive?”
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/counseling-and-advocacy/can-students-get-help/
We’re continuing our observance of Sexual Assault Awareness month by speaking with Nesha Smith, a victim’s advocate at the Women and Gender Resource Center. Nesha is here today to talk about the impact of sexual assault on friends and loved ones of survivors. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence over the course of their lifetime. When we think of sexual violence, we typically focus our attention on the victim, and rightly so. Sexual violence is traumatic and life changing for victims, but the impact of sexual assault doesn’t stop at the victim. Family and friends of victims are heavily impacted as well. Today, Nesha is going to speak with us about the impact of sexual assault on secondary survivors or the loved ones of victims. She’s going to help us learn more about how secondary survivors can support their loved ones, cope with their own response to the assault, and find resources for managing the aftermath of sexual violence.
References
Center for Disease Control (2019) “Sexual violence is preventable.” https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html
Resources for Survivors:
“Help for Students, Faculty, and Staff at the University of Alabama”
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/counseling-and-advocacy/can-students-get-help/
Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter
2110 McFarland Blvd E.
Suite G
Tuscaloosa, AL, 35404
(205) 758 - 0808
info@turningpointservices.org
www.turningpointservices.org
Resources for Secondary Survivors:
“How can family and friends be supportive?”
https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/counseling-and-advocacy/can-students-get-help/
This is April, and that means that its also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In observance of this awareness month, we’ll be chatting with Allison Kumar about Bystander Intervention. Allison also works in the WGRC, and she is our Peer Educator Coordinator. If you' d like to reach out to Allison about a class presentation, you can email her at: akumar24@ua.edu
If you'd like to learn more about one of the programs or trainings discussed on the show, check out the links below:
- Harbor Training: https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/programming-and-resources/harbor/
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month Programming: https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/special-events/awareness-heritage-programming/sexual-assault-awareness-month/
- Safe Sisters: https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/getting-involved/volunteering/safe-sisters/
- WGRC Ambassadors Program: https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/getting-involved/volunteering/wgrc-ambassadors/