Did you know that American Indian and Alaska Natives are 250% more likely to be the victim of sexual violence in the United States? What is worse is that 86% of the perpetrators are non-natives and most of them are never held accountable for their actions. For this reason and many more our native people need to be protected. However, the very women and children that need our protection the most are the ones that are least served by our society. Pretty Bird Woman House (PBWH) is one women’s shelter that serves the native women and children of Standing Rock reservation.
PBWH provides more than just emergency shelter for women and their children. They also provide educational programs and legal advocacy; helping to bring their attackers to justice. After less than 3 years in business PBWH has been making great progress; however, this could all end as they recently lost their safe house due to vandalism and arson. Without a safe house the women of Standing Rock reservation who need their protection are forced to be taken hours away (if there are any nearby safe houses with room), which seriously reduces PBWH’s effectiveness.
The good news is that you and I can help. The Pretty Bird Woman House is wanting to purchase a house where they can continue their good works. This location will be ideal for protecting the safety of the women and children staying there. To do this they need to raise $70,000 and they need your help to do it. While this is a lot of money, with your help I know we can succeed. For our part WWJV4.com is donating one of our top ad locations to host the donation widget, and we will also be pledging a portion of our profits until January.
So what are you willing to do to help? I urge you to please hurry up and place a donation because every day without a safe house endangers the lives of the women and children of Standing Rock reservation. If you cannot afford to make a donation, we fully understand being broke, please help spread awareness for this noble cause. Place the donation widget on your blog or myspace profile. Join with others like us who are making a strong effort to help. Everything you can do for these women is needed, and we thank you in advance.
Further Resources:
- Pretty Bird Woman House Blog
- Amnesty International Report “Maze of Injustice The failure to protect Indigenous women from sexual violence in the USA”
- Stop Violence Against Women Report “Stop sexual violence against Indigenous women”
Thank you for your time and your continued support.
~ William and Summer Ludwig ~
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2007-11-11 21:35:29
Thanks so much for giving this such a prominent position on your site. I know the goal is high but with so many thousands of people here in the netroots, all it takes is a little from a lot of people and the women on the reservation will have a safe refuge. The director of this project and her staff are so dedicated and so loving, it’s just a shame that this has happened to the shelter. I’m giving it my all to help them out, and I really appreciate your heartfelt desire to help too.
2007-11-12 08:48:35
Whatever doubt I may have held about the true power of the netroots was banished due to the rapid spread of awareness of the plight of Pretty Bird Woman House — as well as the awesome power of $10, $5, $1 at a time which collectively means literally the difference between life and death for these women. Thanks William for a great post — you’ve got a new fan.