2013

Community Involvement Internship in Haifa, Israel

WHO: Kadie Ray

PROJECT: My main project for the semester was helping Aswat with their funding and advocacy partner objectives. This entailed researching various sympathetic organizations and foundations around the world, then making initial contact, and sending out letters of inquiry and intent. This was a very involved project as I helped to double the list that Aswat can count among its funding and advocacy contacts. Most of my time was spent making contact with people all around the world on behalf of Aswat.

In addition to these projects, whenever I was in the office, I helped out with English proofreading and editing of Aswat’s various publications and letters.As the only native-English speaker, whenever any of the staff had questions, they’d ask me. I have also helped out with Aswat’s new web site content and design. I also went to the office every day and listened to the stories these women have to share. I was exposed to an organization and a people that you’d have to be searching for to find, yet while they’re presence might not be pronounced or proclaimed in high fashion, they are indeed there-and they have amazing experiences to share. It was definitely a community of mutual learning and respect. I have so much respect for the women that do this work, and I loved sharing stories and ideas. When I first joined Aswat, I had no idea. I had no idea the plight ran so deep and so tortured. But now I know, and I’m going to take what I’ve learned with Aswat and pay it forward. I’m going to keep telling their story, and making sure it’s heard.

Aswat is all about making changes. One of their main practices is advocacy in the form of personal stories and anecdotes-no story or experience is the same, and the more that can be shared, the more the Palestinian population can start recognizing the differences in each individual, and celebrating them. Some of these publications, and others, are available via their website (www.aswatgroup.org) and they are the first of their kind, in English or in Arabic. In addition to publications, both in print and online, Aswat has a 24-hour support line, a rape crisis hotline, monthly member meetings, various events for the LGBTQI and supporting communities, they attend regional, national and international conferences around the world.  Aswat is always looking towards the future, and in this way, they ensure that all of their proposed projects are implemented and seen through to the end. Aswat uses teamwork, determination, and discipline to achieve their goals.

As far as factual measurement of change for the organization and the community, I helped Aswat double the list of funding and advocacy partners they can count on for support, and I was able to help create some of the various publications Aswat relies on to start implementing those changes they advocate. I also helped with the website re-design and launch. All of these things help increase awareness for the LGBTQI issues and directly affect anyone involved in the LGBTQI community. As far as my own personal growth , Aswat taught me some invaluable lessons: I learned a lot about what it means to be devoted to a just cause, and how a good, strong organization can and should get help from outside partners. I learned a lot from these women, both professionally and personally, and I’m so glad I was able to do something to help them on their way.

“In Palestinian society, the LGBTQI struggle takes on a whole new dimension. It’s as miniscule and underground an issue as it can get.”-Kadie Ray