Luminary bags shed light on domestic violence
Words have a lot of power. They are capable of hurt and manipulation; they can damage and wound. In contrast, they can also motivate, empower and facilitate change. And on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Wayne County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition hosted a luminary making party to allow participants to use art, words and creativity to find solutions and raise awareness. The event was held in light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is October.
“The act of decorating the their lives and helps them think about ways to promote change,” Taylor continued. “(We) just wanted something that was personal and could be seen at night. We feel that each year the collection will grow because you can reuse the bags.”
The party was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wooster. It drew about 25 people, creating a total of 100 bags. Attendees were provided art supplies and refreshments to spark their creativity.
“The coalition also has free plain white luminary bags available for local groups or organizations willing to decorate bags, and either have an October evening luminary display or to return the decorated bags to the coalition to become part of our display(s). These luminaries are a visual representation of hope and support for victims and survivors.”
The luminaries will eventually be placed in visible locations throughout the community. Taylor added that while they hope to get better turnouts in the future, the small crowd was dedicated and seemed to enjoy the craft.
“The teenagers all really enjoyed working together and showing the bags. Everyone enjoyed seeing the collection grow. The two groups exchanged some information and enjoyed learning about each other. It was wonderful to see men there, and surprising at how many people are artistic. Many people talked about wanting to get other groups to decorate bags,” Taylor continued.
She said that there were mostly community members in attendance, but The College of Wooster’s group, Men Working For Change, was present, as well as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Youth Council. Members of the Compass Support Group of Every Woman’s House played an integral role in the development of the bags as well.
According to Jessica McKee, community education outreach coordinator for Every Woman’s House and STEPS (Substance Treatment Education and Prevention Services), Men Working For Change is “involved in domestic violence prevention activities, such as educating high school teens about teen dating violence and attending community awareness events.”
She added that she hopes everyone will come together to send the message that domestic violence does not have any place in the community.
“They (the luminary bags) also are to remind us that continued education concerning domestic violence will help brighten the future for our communities and help people feel less alone,” Taylor concluded.
“The act of decorating the their lives and helps them think about ways to promote change,” Taylor continued. “(We) just wanted something that was personal and could be seen at night. We feel that each year the collection will grow because you can reuse the bags.”
The party was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wooster. It drew about 25 people, creating a total of 100 bags. Attendees were provided art supplies and refreshments to spark their creativity.
“The coalition also has free plain white luminary bags available for local groups or organizations willing to decorate bags, and either have an October evening luminary display or to return the decorated bags to the coalition to become part of our display(s). These luminaries are a visual representation of hope and support for victims and survivors.”
The luminaries will eventually be placed in visible locations throughout the community. Taylor added that while they hope to get better turnouts in the future, the small crowd was dedicated and seemed to enjoy the craft.
“The teenagers all really enjoyed working together and showing the bags. Everyone enjoyed seeing the collection grow. The two groups exchanged some information and enjoyed learning about each other. It was wonderful to see men there, and surprising at how many people are artistic. Many people talked about wanting to get other groups to decorate bags,” Taylor continued.
She said that there were mostly community members in attendance, but The College of Wooster’s group, Men Working For Change, was present, as well as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Youth Council. Members of the Compass Support Group of Every Woman’s House played an integral role in the development of the bags as well.
According to Jessica McKee, community education outreach coordinator for Every Woman’s House and STEPS (Substance Treatment Education and Prevention Services), Men Working For Change is “involved in domestic violence prevention activities, such as educating high school teens about teen dating violence and attending community awareness events.”
She added that she hopes everyone will come together to send the message that domestic violence does not have any place in the community.
“They (the luminary bags) also are to remind us that continued education concerning domestic violence will help brighten the future for our communities and help people feel less alone,” Taylor concluded.
Published: September 30, 2011
