Congratulations to Esme our August volunteer of the month! Esme joined us recently and has already taken on two volunteer roles; as a PBJ adult mentor and a DART victim advocate. She also continues to take on extra duties like tabling at events! We are thrilled to have Esme as part of the SPAN family.
Amanda Kemphues, PBJ’s co coordinator at MESA, interviewed Esme so we could shine this spotlight on all things Esme:
“If I could have any super power to combat sexual and domestic violence, I would become “Empathy Woman”! I would be able to fill my targets with the memories and emotions of those with less privilege at the snap of my fingers. Abusers would crumble before me as the true impact of their actions washed over them.
If PBJ had endless resources, I would want our curriculum to be a required course in all high schools. All students in America (nay, the world!) would take math, science, language arts, and social justice! The next generation of students would create a world where every single person understands privilege, healthy relationships, gender, and consent.
My favorite self care activity is taking a bath. I picture the water washing away any worries and negative thoughts.
Art is extremely important for activism because it is the most effective tool we have for allowing people to look into the lives of those who struggle. We can hit them with the facts and statistics, but art will make them feel something.
Esme recently experienced a sexist practice by a local business and immediately took an active role to interrupt it! She contacted the business, circulated a petition, and they discontinued with the degrading practice. Way to go Esme! Your commitment to allyship, activism, and your volunteer roles are inspiring!”