WEAAD: Education can be fun!

Corinne Tulk Events

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Not the most fun sounding title for a day, but, with a fun and interactive environment, learning how to protect yourself and those you love can be.

For eleven years the BSG Coaltion to End Violence has been organizing their annual Seniors Kitchen Party in recognition of this day, or as they call it…WEAAD. Offering live music, a hot meal and interactive entertainment combined with many community display boards, seniors enjoy a fun day, filled with important information regarding services and tips to make aging easier and safer.

This year, gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion, seniors were pampered and treated to a delicious hot roast turkey dinner with cake for dessert. Keynote speaker, Nancy Power of Service Canada spoke of changes to the Old Age Security program and Death Benefits. Paula Woodfine and Cheryl Johnson from the YMCA got participants up and out of their chairs punching and moving to musical beats of oldies but goodies. Each were offered a complimentary session as a parting gift, thanks to the YMCA.

Not to sit idly when music is pumping through speakers, dancers from the Twilight 50+ Dancers Club in Port au Port, kick-started the dance thanks to the musical entertainment of local band Overflow.

During the afternoon event, participants were encouraged to browse the dozen community display boards each promoting their own programs and services offered to our aging citizens.

As the day came to a close, many stopped a moment to get capture the day with a photo. Dressing in silly hats, colorful boas and accessories many posed at the photo booth to reflect the smile they carried inside with all vowing to return again next time!

Each of the local coordinating committees under Violence Prevention Southwest host and organize their own WEAAD event.

To check out pictures of the day’s event, follow us  on Facebook!

WHO agrees “Transgender not a disorder!”

Corinne Tulk Announcements

As the calendar approaches the most colorful month of the year, Pride Month (June), the World Health Organization (WHO) finally got things right with notable changes to their global manual of diagnoses. According to BBC News, WHO now accepts that “Transgender health issues will no longer be classified as mental and behavioural disorders.”  Going forward, transgender health and issues of “gender incongruence” can be found under a chapter on sexual health.

While this announcement is considered to have a “liberating effect on transgender people worldwide,”  there is still caution that transgender is noted under sexual health, as if a choice to exercise.

According to BBC News countries have until 2022 to put changes in place.

Source cited: BBC News

IDAHOT: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Corinne Tulk Events

In a world where technology and advancement has enabled us to send an instant message to someone across the country; check out our own groceries or attend a wedding without leaving our own home, how can we be so behind in basic human rights?

How can so many countries and individuals not believe in the simple truth? LOVE IS LOVE! Regardless of gender identification, assigned sex, or sexual preference we ALL should have simple right to love freely and who we want.

Today, over 70 countries around the world still criminalize same-sex relationships. Many LGBTQ+ people continue to experience severe human rights abuses and persecution in their home countries. Often fleeing from their countries and homes in search of freedom and justice all in the name of love.

May 17th is recognized by many countries as International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. A day aimed to raise awareness globally of LBGTQ+ rights, while encouraging change and inclusion.

Joining the worldwide celebration, members of Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence joined the Western Pride committee at the Town of Stephenville Office on Friday afternoon as Major Tom Rose read and signed a proclamation declaring IDAHOT a day to be celebrated and recognized in the small community. Mayor Rose spoke with pride how he feels proud of his community and his council’s commitment to ensuring Stephenville is a community known for inclusion and acceptance.

BSGCEV Chair Bernice Hancock, thanked the three dozen individuals gathered for their continued dedication to enticing and encouraging acceptance and change. However, she also added, that “While we have come a long way, there is still so much more that needs to be done.”

Following the proclamation signing, the group gathered outside as the Pride Flag was lifted to fly outside the town office.

Violence Prevention Month: Spread the Kindness

Corinne Tulk Uncategorized

Heart-filled chocolates and flowers are what comes to mind for most when one says February. But, for the Violence Prevention Southwest committee February brings images of pink Stand Up shirts, kind words and messages. Aptly named, the month of love is also Violence Prevention Month. Communities, schools and organizations are all encouraged to spread kindness to each other while promoting anti-bullying messages.

Local coordinating committees in Burgeo, Port aux Basques and Bay St. George host and support many events. Among these are municipality proclamation and flag-raising, Stand Up day in school, social media challenge, hot chocolate message campaigns, offering Violence Action Awareness Training and encouraging local residents and businesses to decorate their window fronts in pink. Whatever the event the message is the same…Spread the Kindness.

Although February has come and gone, the work for this organization continues for the next eleven months and each calendar year thereafter until the message is as expected and steady as the beat of each heart. Spread the Kindness every day, not just for 28 in February.

Check out our Facebook VPM photo album for pics of the many events, organizations, schools and individuals who have vowed to Stand Up against bullying and violence.