By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Female leaders in the Cornwall area are teaming up with Sexual Assault Support Services for Women of SDG&A to empower a new generation at a free March break camp.
Young women wondering what to do from Monday, Mar. 16 to Friday, Mar. 20, might want to consider the SASS ‘I Am an Emotional Creature’ camp, titled after the Eve Ensler book of the same name.
“We’re doing this to unite and empower teen girls to talk about the issues they’re facing,” said Jessika Thompson, SASS public education coordinator.
The camp is geared for female youth who want to talk about issues like body image, bullying, consent, and violence against women around the globe.
“We’re looking for girls, not specific to them, who may be struggling with their own identity, or involved with ‘sexting’ and may not be aware of the repercussions,” said Vinet.
She added: “It’s also for the girls who want to make a difference – interested in social growth and political change. The theatrical component is the activist part.”
The camp will end with a performance of Ensler’s ‘I Am an Emotional Creature’ by the group of March breakers.
SASS limited the amount of spots to create a tight-knit group. Already, only eight are left.
Corporate sponsors, including Dr. Rachel Navaneelan and Michele Allinotte of Allinotte Law Office, have rallied to ensure there is no cost for any of the participants.
“All we ask is they bring their own lunch – snacks will be provided,” said Thompson.
Cornwall Transit vouchers will be provided, and SASS is also working with local taxis to help transport anyone from the Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry area.
Special guests will discuss health and nutrition, teen pregnancy, texting and the law, and politics.
Speakers include Coun. Carilyne Hebert, real estate agent Nada Kovinich, Seaway Valley CrossFit coach Jessica Legue, and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Constable Leanne O’Brien.
The event is being held at the Social – Conference & Event Centre at 130 Sydney Street.
In 2014, SASS served over 167 women with roughly 748 counselling hours, compared to 137 in 2013, according to Vinet.
Hours prior to speaking with Seaway News on Wednesday (Feb. 25), SASS accepted two new clients.
For more information or to register, contact Jessika Thompson, SASS public education coordinator, by phone at 613-932-1755 ext. 27 or by e-mail at volunteer@sassforwomen.ca.