There’s good news, Michigan State University students, faculty, and staff: the first 50 guests hailing from Spartan country with an ID gain free admission! This offer is made possible by a generous donation from the MSU LBGT Resource Center, an event partner. Thanks, LBGTRC, for the donation!

More thanks to Shari Murgittroyd, Program Coordinator of the MSU Sexual Assault Program, another Bridges partner. She connected co-emcee Jeffrey Franckowiak (read more below) and I, which strengthened the program in many ways. Also the office printed our beautiful posters and flyers!

Bridges features lesbian poet Bobbi Byrd, who’s traveling from her home in Osseo, Michigan, for the event. Thanks again, Peace Education Center, for providing her gas funds! And Bobbi’s in good company with these stellar guests and contributors:

Co-emcee Jeffrey Franckowiak, a community organizer and advocate whose work creates safe and supportive space for the LBGTQ community of Greater Lansing, especially for trans gender identified persons.

Poet-activist Jan de la Torre, who just moved back to the area from Kalamazoo, where they were the lead organizer of Pulse, an LGBT people of color arts group at Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative. Last April, Jan also opened for Cheryl Clarke, Willie Perdomo, and Stacyann Chin at an Arcus Center for Social Justice event.

Drew Prosch-Jensen, who lives in Flowerville, Michigan, believes everything in life is an art-form, and that there aren’t any boundaries between life and art.

Max D, a transmasculine youth poet, hails from the eastern reaches of Greater Lansing.  As a local queer kid, he is excited to step up to the mic.

A representative from the 2012 MSU Vagina Monologues, who delivers “They Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy… Or So They Tried.”

Lauren Spencer, Program Coordinator of the MSU LBGT Resource Center, reading “It Doesn’t Get Better” by MC Lane.

Lee Sayles, a Lansing-based wordsmith whose performances include the Women in the Arts Festival and the collective Two Butches and a Broad.

See you soon!

Meanwhile, it’s time to register for the Open Mic segments of Bridges! The more contributors the better to celebrate gender expression; challenge gender violence and militarism; and honor Trans gender and Two Spirit voices. Register by email at herstories.project[at]gmail.com, with information about your work — written or spoken word.

It’s amazing to see this event bring together talented circles and converging priorities across Greater Lansing. Stay tuned for the official flyer, which is on its way from design students of Defiance College in Ohio. Thanks to Professor Amy Drees for facilitating their contributions!

And here’s the scoop on one of the featured artists:

Bobbi Byrd is a lesbian poet who lives in Osseo, Michigan. In the past, she has been a member of the Lansing Poetry Club, Poetry Society of Michigan, and smaller writing groups in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties.

She self-published her first collection “Poetry the Music of a Woman’s Words” in 1981. Her latest book “Seasons of the Soul” (2003) was published by Booksurge. Her first poem published by a periodical was in “The Island Lesbian” after she and her beloved partner returned from a trip to Hawaii. She since has been published in “Faith @ Work,” a nationally juried gallery, as well as local papers.

Bobbi has shared her work in a variety of venues: Lansing’s Capitol step, Schuler’s Bookstore in Okemos, and readings in Hillsdale county. She also regularly shares poems of a spiritual nature in her church. She was invited to share her work by the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature for two years, but last year chose to present and share poetry at the National Association for Esoteric Healing instead.

Collaborators and participants are still wanted, so send word with your interest (herstories.project[at]gmail.com) and pass the news on to those who may want to take part! The updated bookmark for the event makes it easy to invite others.

A hearty crowd gathered at Everybody Reads Bookstore on March 18, 2011, to celebrate stories about women during Women’s History Month and benefit the WCGL. Guests enjoyed complimentary refreshments from Al-Quds Halal Market, Biggby’s Coffee, and Edible Arrangements before the ensemble performance Word Art. The standing-room-only audience accepted gifts of poetry, prose, and spoken word. Stories about the individual and community impact of the Women’s Center threaded between laughter, tears, and applause. Poet Silvana Alfaro – editor and contributor of Lansing Community College’s 2010 Washington Square Review – proudly stated that she is here today thanks to the life-saving and sustaining services of the WCGL. Additional Word Art contributors included

Nancy Allen (Washington Square Review 2010), Sandra Cade (Intercultural Communications) with guitarist Neil Byrne, “Midnight” Rose Cooper (MSU Slam Poetry Team), Laurie Hollinger (Center for Poetry), Melanie Morrison (Allies for Change) Tamera Nielsen (inView LLC), and myself.

The Benefit Concert with Buffet continued next door at Gone Wired Cafe. Emcee Lisa Sarno, drummer of Sometimes Y and Women’s Center intern, told captivating stories and introduced inspired musicians. Mighty Medicine, comprised of vocalist DeShaun Sparkle Snead and guitarist Larry Neuhardt, lifted hearts and raised dancing feet. Opera singer Marco Guzmán, accompanied by pianist Judy Kabadion, transported guests with Spanish-sung boleros and arias. Chef Cecilia “Chica” Garcia prepared a lavishing buffet of vegan and vegetarian dishes, thanks to generous donations from the East Lansing Food Co-op and Foods for Living. Also contributing to refreshments were locally-owned Bake N’ Cakes and Paramount Coffee.

The Silent Auction, organized by Sandra Cade and Jill Fisher (Prospect Place), tantalized guests with quality goods and services. And what great variety! From a personal laminator (OFOS) to a gift certificate for massage (Body Transformation Massage/ Jessi De La Cruz), and original artwork by Jill Campbell, Roxanne Frith, Yvonne LeFave, and Erika Magers. Local businesses enthusiastically donated, especially along East Michigan Avenue where the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing resides. Auction donors also included:

Avon Representative Leslie Darling, Bancroft Flowers, The Bead Boutique, Bill & Charlie’s Auto Repair, Bake N’ Cakes, Blue Sky Spirit, Capital City Collectibles, Chamomile & Comfrey, Edible Arrangements, Emil’s Italian Restaurant, Foods for Living, Intercultural Communications, inView LLC, Mid-Michigan Neurofeedback, Paramount Coffee, Rae’s Barn Boutique, Saper Galleries , Shamrock Clean, Shangri La, and Triple Goddess Bookstore.

HerStories Fest would not have been possible without many helping hands. Volunteers set-up, oversaw the auction and buffet, as well as restored venues to order. A special thanks to behind-the-scenes people: Colleen Cook (Shamrock Clean), Colleen Davis (Gone Wired), Scott Harris (Everybody Reads), Laurie Hollinger, Justin Lippi, Tamera Nielsen, Nic Piechotte (WCGL), Heather Spotts (WCGL), and Raquel Tabet. Also, thanks to radio programs Exposure at Michigan State University (IMPACT 89FM) and Coffee Break at Lansing Community College (WLNZ 89.7FM) for interviews that promoted the event.

Are you weighing whether or not to donate in advance of HerStories Fest and/or bid on silent auction items? Please consider how doing so will provide a gift that keeps giving. The funds raised for the WCGL will support its ability to benefit our community, which includes connecting people with life-saving services. Additionally, the raffle prize of $100 in gift certificates and auction items make great gifts for birthdays, holidays like Mother’s and Father’s Day, or an expression of everyday appreciation.

The silent auction at HerStories Fest offers original artwork, services, handmade goods, and more, thanks to the generous contributions of local artists and businesses. Right now select items are displayed at Gone Wired (2021 E. Michigan Ave.) for early bidding! And what’s in the silent auction? Artwork by Roxanne Frith, reiki sessions from Blue Sky Spirit of East Lansing, books from Capital City Collectibles, a gift basket from Paramount Coffee, and – of course – much more!

In support of HerStories Fest and ultimately the Women’s Center, Avon representative Leslie Darling has set up an online fundraiser with 20% going toward the event! Purchases must use the promotional code HERSTORIESFEST at checkout. The website to make these orders is http://lesliedarling.avonrepresentative.com/ .

It’s important to keep in mind that the Benefit Concert with Buffet is possible because of generous contributions: Gone Wired Cafe, the band Mighty Medicine, opera singer Marco Guzmán, chef Cecilia “Chica” Garcia (formerly co-owner of Mama Bear’s Cafe), East Lansing Food Co-op, and Foods for Living. This is what The HerStories Project is all about – grassroots programs created by volunteers and community partners, in celebration of stories about women and gender expression.

Clearly, grassroots has might! In this spirit, HerStories Fest is looking for designated volunteers to collect contributions. For instance, with 10 designated volunteers collecting 5 contributions each, the event is well on its way to making a substantial gift to the WCGL. If you are interested to help in this way or have questions, email herstories.project @ gmail.com. Designated volunteers will receive a packet by email for this task, and their names will be published online via The HerStories Project website and Facebook listing. People are not authorized to accept donations for HerStories Fest without this designation and public recognition.

Here are additional ways to help with advanced donations:

• Feel free to give more than the suggested $20 donation! Larger gifts will balance out donations at the event that fall below the suggested amount.
• If you aren’t able to attend HerStories Fest, sponsor tickets! Some people who cannot afford to donate the suggested amount otherwise may not attend the Benefit Concert with Buffet.
• Announce the program at upcoming face-to-face meetings.
• Circulate the press release.
• Invite Facebook friends using the event listing.

As of midday on Friday, March 11, advanced donation for the Benefit Concert with Buffet will be accepted at these locations:

Lansing
* Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 E. Michigan Ave.
* Everybody Reads Bookstore, 2021 E. Michigan Ave.
* Gone Wired Cafe, 2019 E. Michigan Ave.

East Lansing
* East Lansing Food Co-op (ELFCO), 4960 Northwind Dr.

Okemos
* Triple Goddess Bookstore, 2142 Hamilton Rd.

Huge thanks to our sponsors for their material and promotional support: the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, the Center for Poetry, and the MSU LGBT Resource Center.

A special shout out to WCGL director Cindie Alwood for nourishing us from breakfast to dinner during our second day of programing. You are a wonder!

Many thanks to volunteers who made EOW possible: Jasmine Smith (WCGL) for registration, flyer design, and food arrangements; Amy Dress (Defiance College, OH) for designing our program bookmark; Austin and Jen Schalliol and Steve Smith for sharing their visual art for our promotional and program use.

Thanks to local businesses for donating food: Aladdin’s Restaurant and Panera Bakery of Frandor Shopping Center; Noodles & Company of East Lansing.

Appreciation to Michigan State University instructors Katie Livingston and Madhu Narayan for inviting their service-learning students to assist with and participate in EOW. And thanks to those students for set-up and clean-up during our campus events.

Thank you, City Pulse, for covering EOW! “The power of healing words” by Gabi Moore (2/23/11) shines a clear light on the essence of the program. And we look forward to watching the video story soon to be released!

Guest Cindie Alwood (Feb. 18, 19) is co-founder and director of the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, a sponsor of EOW. She has over 20 years of experience working with women and women’s issues in a variety of settings as a counselor, director and advocate. Cindie holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and a bachelor degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from Western Michigan University. She provides personal and career counseling to women who are going through all types of life transitions including career changes and job loss. She also works with many women who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. Cindie is an active member on a number of local boards and committees that address women’s issues.

Co-organizer Dawn Comer received her MFA in Creative Writing from The University of Notre Dame. She currently teaches part-time at Defiance College and is writing two books: Raised in a Corn Palace: Stories from the National Association of Tourist Attraction Survivors, and Fella With an Umbrella: Discovering Joy on the Autism Spectrum. The Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature (SSML) has awarded her with The Paul Somers Prize for Creative Prose for the story “Raised in a Corn Palace” (2008) and the memoir “Fella with an Umbrella: Finding Joy on the Autism Spectrum” (2009).

Guest Lauren Spencer (Feb. 18) is an activist and scholar who focuses on intersecting identities, the connections among systems of oppression, and LGBTQ communities of color. A self-described “Radical Anti-Racist Anti-Imperialist/Colonial Queer Lesbian Socialist Eco-Womanist Vegetarian,” Lauren is especially passionate about racial, economic and environmental justice and eradicating sexual violence. A proud alumnus of Michigan State University, having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Relations & Policy from MSU’s James Madison College in 2010, Lauren currently serves as the Program Coordinator in MSU’s LBGT Resource Center. In this capacity, she leads the resource center’s efforts in engaging marginalized populations within the LGBTQ community, including LGBTQ students of color, international students and students of faith.

Guest Mary Catherine Harper (Feb. 18, 19) is a professor at Defiance College in Ohio. Her poetry has been published in The New England Review, WomenWriters.net, The Bozeman Er, and Masque. She also has published articles on women’s science fiction in Science Fiction Studies, Extrapolation, and FemSpec. She has completed a cross-media epistolary novel Letters to Christian Duval, which is set in Ohio and Iraq. Her interests in language arts, cultural studies, poetics, and social justice issues have taken her to Cambodia to work on a language arts and ethnography project, so she is currently writing poetry about her experiences in Cambodia.

Guest Jerri Courtney (Feb. 18, 19) - nee Geromina Catherine Ferrara – was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in that politically charged city and its nearby suburbs. She earned a B. A. in Social Work from Defiance College (Ohio) with special emphasis on interdisciplinary studies in Humanities and a Master of Liberal Studies Degree at the University of Toledo. Since 1991, Jerri has served as Adjunct Professor of Humanities at Defiance, teaching interdisciplinary courses. In addition to travel and photography, Jerri enjoys writing, studies in religion and spirituality, art, music, ,theater, and experimenting with new technologies. She is a member of SSML; advises Defiance College Stand, a chapter of the national student-led anti-genocide group; and also volunteers with Truth Academy, a reading and writing group for young girls.

Co-organizer Melissa Dey Hasbrook is a writer based in Lansing, Michigan. She began The HerStories Project in 2010 to celebrate stories about women, and in 2011 expands its scope to celebrate gender expression. Her poetry is significantly inspired by her homeland in the Great Lakes and North America, ancestral legacies, and the personal-political of everyday life. She is an alumnus of Michigan State University with studies in linguistics, community literacies, and pedagogy. Melissa’s community-based work focuses on creating spaces to explore word art and healing. Drawing upon past teaching experiences in literacy programs, college classrooms, and tutoring offices, she strives to celebrate the lives of everyone participating in her events.

Here’s a preview of what’s to come at Embodying Our Words!

The program starts on Friday, February 18, at 12:30pm at Michigan State University’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. The opening session is titled “HerStories Circle: now let us shift.” Joining us is Lauren Spencer, Program Coordinator from the MSU LGBT Resource Center, one of EOW’s sponsors.

We’ll explore Gloria Anzaldúa‘s essay “now let us shift . . . the path of conocimiento . . . inner work, public acts” (This Bridge We Call Home: Radical Visions for Transformation 2002). In celebration of Anzaldúa’s own story, participants are invited to read aloud quotes of personal interest. Additionally, we’ll share our own life stories that resonate with those words. These reflections are welcome in general conversation and creative forms, like poetry and storytelling. A web of potential topics include gender expression, cultural survival, healing from violence, dis/abilities, spiritual activism, and more.

Anzaldúa’s essay “now let us shift” provides a common place for the dialogue about embodied writing to begin. Also, activities throughout the program draw upon the essay for inspiration. The text isn’t required reading by any means, though participants are encouraged to take a look at it. A PDF version of the essay is available here: http://likeawhisper.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/anzaldua-now-let-us-shift.pdf.  And several locations will have the essay available, most likely by next week:

*Everybody Reads Bookstore (Lansing): Copies available for $1.50.
*MSU LGBT Resource Center: Free copies.
*Women’s Center of Greater Lansing: In-house use of the book containing the essay.