Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation is producing two south side programs for survivors of sexual harm. The monthly writing workshop and the monthly open mic are intended to give survivors a brave space to work on the craft of telling their stories through spoken word and storytelling, and a way for survivors to connect with each other and resources and remedies available to them.
All are welcome to attend and participate. Both events are free, accessible, LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive and open to anyone aged 14 and older. Chicago Childcare Collective will provide free childcare.
Writing Workshop
The Surviving the Mic Writing Workshop series is designed for survivors of sexual harm. The two-hour workshop will present written and/or performance work that explores the experience, impact, and nuances of sexual harm. It will also offer participants a chance to craft new work and the opportunity for participants to present their work during a mini-salon at the end of each gathering.
The workshops take place on the third Wednesday of every month, from 6-8pm, at Hyde Park Arts Center, located at 5020 S. Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL. They are free and open to anyone above the age of 18 and are facilitated by survivor-led organization Surviving the Mic and supported by the Hyde Park Arts Center and the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. Porchlight Counseling Services will provide additional crisis/referral support to all participants.
Workshops are LGBTQIAA friendly and affirming. The space is accessible to folks who have difficulty navigating stairs or use a wheelchair. For other types of accommodation, please contact survivingthemic@gmail.com .
www.survivingthemic.org
www.caase.org
www,hydeparkart.org
EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/surviving-the-mic-writing-workshop-registration-66360276373
Open Mic
The Surviving the Mic Open Mic: Live Podcast Edition is a brave space performance + interview series for survivors of sexual harm.
The Surviving the Mic Open Mic takes place the second Monday of every month, beginning September 9, 2019, from 7-9pm, at the K.L.E.O. Center, located at 119 E. Garfield Blvd.
Anyone over 14 at any level of experience is invited to share their poetry, music, prose, comedy, or creativity on the open mic. To be considered as a featured performer, please attend one of our open mics first, then email us at survivingthemic@gmail.com .
These open mics are intended to give space to people speaking poetry to power, telling the truths they need to tell. This is a space where people can be vulnerable, and their vulnerability is cared for and respected. The audience is expected to listen with compassion and all boundaries must be respected, especially physical. Consent should never be presumed, especially when it comes to touching. It's better to ask and feel awkward, than touch and trigger.
Triggers
It is impossible to exclude triggers from these events as folks are sharing stories that they need to tell that might use language or imagery that could be upsetting. This article, from CALCASA ( the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault ), provided us with some insight about triggers. Read here: www.calcasa.org/2013/12/talk-talk-trigger-warnings/ .
With this in mind, volunteer first responders will be available at these open mics. Illinois state-certified Crisis Counselor and founder of Surviving the Mic, Nikki Patin, will be present and hosting every month. If you're interested in serving as a first responder, please email us at survivingthemic@gmail.com .
Affirming and accessible
The open mics are LGBTQIAA friendly and affirming. The space is accessible to folks who have difficulty navigating stairs or use a wheelchair. For other types of accommodation, please contact survivingthemic@gmail.com .
Co-sponsored by Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation ( www.caase.org ), Surviving the Mic ( www.survivingthemic.org ) and the K.L.E.O. Center ( www.thekleocenter.org )
EventBrite Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/surviving-the-mic-open-mic-live-podcast-edition-tickets-66518491599 .
