2014 Domestic Violence Fact Sheet & Definitions

2014 Domestic Violence Fact Sheet

VIEW PHOTO AD ON OUR BLOG: www.iotasigmarho.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/IotaSigmaRhoSecondlifeSorority

Featured in this ad: Naomi Mocha-Eternal (ISR)

|:: Defining Domestic Violence ::|
(As defined by the National Domestic Violence Hotline & Wheel of Power & Control)

(http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/)

Using Children
Making her feel guilty about the children

Using children to relay messages

Using visitation to harass her
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Using Isolation
Controlling what she does, who she sees and talks too.

Controlling what she reads and where she goes

Limiting her outside involvement
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Using Intimidation
Making her afraid by using looks, actions and gestures.

Smashing things, destroying her property.

Abusing Pets

Displaying Weapons
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Using Male Privilege
Treating her like a servant

Making all the big decisions

Acting like the "master of the castle"

Being the one to define "mens" and "womens" roles

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Using emotional abuse
Putting her down

Making her feel bad about herself

Calling her names

Making her think she's crazy

Playing Mind games

Humiliating her

Making her feel guilty

Research: www.thehotline.org (National),
Call 1-800-799-72339 (SAFE) |1-800-787-3224 (TTTY)
ADVOCATE!

Find out more about both orgs at:
www.iotasigmarho.wix.com/rush
www.opssl.org
􀀁

Freedom From Fear Campaign - Omega Psi Sigma & Iota Sigma Rho January Effort

This month Iota Sigma Rho Secondlife Sorority is partnering with Omega Psi Sigma Fraternity to raise awareness about the effects of Domestic Violence. We hope to empower men & women, heterosexual or LGBT to speak up and speak out against Domestic Violence. For this, today we launch the Freedom From Fear Campaign.

Fact:
On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.[i]
Research: http://www.thehotline.org/, http://www.dccadv.org/(DMV Area)
Call: 1-800-799-7233(SAFE) | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
ADVOCATE!

Find our more about both organizations at

www.iotasigmarho.wix.com/rush

www.opssl.org

When You Go Greek SL: The Ifs.. Ands.. Buts.. & What Ifs of SL Greekdom

Jan. 09th, 2013- 8:50am

THE IF

Yes.... thats me (Saivee Rho-Amor), the first and only time I've ever pledged in SL. As I was cleaning out my inventory this past week, I stumbled upon a picture that was titled "When U Go Greek SL _02". I thought that it may be my greek alphabet so I opened it and re-lived the horror. I was pledging a sorority, that will not be named, for the first time. It was an experience of mutual firsts, their first line, my first everything as a non-founder. It was a particularly joyous time because my own sorority was inactive as we solidified as a family until versus an organization. However, I was hard-working and dedicated throughout the process... all 4+ months. Yes... 4 months. 

THE AND

Finally, PLEDGE WEEK!! A time where you should be happy and joyous, ready to get down to that final week before crossing, right? WRONG. Stripped... down to my tangos, ao taken away, flexy hair, layered clothes, tube socks and a black mask put over my face. Nameless, faceless, breast-less. Welcome to your life when you go greek in secondlife.

Now, this might break some people but, me and my sister were strong and could handle this part. Sleeping in dark corners, fly infested pizza, taken away from my family and friends & not being able to feed our zooby babies. This was all fine. All in good RP, right? We lasted until Day 4 when we were called "bitches" by one of the founders. And not in a "haha, yea you're my bitch.." way. In a "you're my bitch and I own you from now on."

In my Huey Freeman Voice -------> "We are now entering a n*&&a moment. A n*&&a moment is caused when an act causes a person of color to becoming enraged and ignorant or erratic behavior ensues."

It's important that you weigh-in how much this is worth. "This" being your treatment of people who will potentially be your extended family and, hopefully, friends versus the way they treat you now. Needless to say, we left. Alpha Line OUT. 

THE BUT

Here are the arguments(These are potential arguments from people who feel this is a Pro (good thing) or a Con (bad thing):

The treatment during pledge week if it is negative:

• Pro: They want to toughen you up. They are seeing if you can handle it because being in an org is hard! You gotta be effin tough! You can't take having you feelings hurt?! Leave then!
• Con: How they treat you now will define how you treat you later. Toughness or no toughness. After a long pre-pledge season, they should know you are the best and should be having tasks that uplift you and challenge your skills rather than being rude.

The treatment during pledge week if it is positive:

• Pro: They want to see how you interact in a setting that is both challenging and enjoyable. They want you to be relaxed and comfortable so that your true character is revealed when challenges arrive. They also do not want you to develop negative feelings toward their org.
• Con: They want you to get relaxed and comfortable to "lure" you into their sorority. Case in point: make them feel good and buy their affection.

THE WHAT IFS

So, you've had this horrible experience. You've been treated like crap at the bottom of the barrel. Or, maybe you didn't have a horrible experience and still find your way out the door due to expulsion. Either way, you're on your way out. What may happen next? We have formulated the top 4 possibilities for... WHAT IF YOU FIND YOUR WAY OUT?

1. I Hate Greekdom Effect: We think this is the typical first reaction. And why wouldn't you hate it? Something really horrible happened to you and you feel very outed, duped, swindled, hoodwinked, bamboozled and just down right pissed! Whether you're mad at the org or mad at the lot of greekdom. It's perfectly fine to be in this zone. 
2. Pay Back Is A B!(eta): Beta, the second, the changer. Yea, we all know someone who has done or will do or is even thinking about doing it. That's right. You left took yourself somewhere else! Whether that was to your friends/sisters/cousins/brothers/baby-daddies aunt org, the fact is, you switched. It even happened in Iota! 2 gems on our alpha line, one left in the middle of our process to join another process and crossed over there. 1 Gem remained and crossed as the Alpha Ace :)                                      This is a typical second reaction because you're still mad and you want to go somewhere were people appreciate you. Or, if you haven't been through a bad process, you simply left because you want to or you may be a sorority hopper. Either way, you're not there anymore. 
3. I can do this on my own!: This is why a majority of organizations are founded in SL. Because you feel you can do this better and be different than something you've already been through. Non-surprisingly, a lot of women come from the same sorority and then branch out to found other members, some times taking some members with them. And a lot of men come from the same fraternities. Sound familiar?                                                                                                                            This is another typical reaction but often ends in extreme failure. Oh sure, you may have a few members and you may be able to stay afloat for a while but, will you be successful? Will your organization be prosperous and be able to be progressive? More than likely... not so much. But, it happens!
4. I left, I'm gone, I'm In a Different Org && We are Successful: Whether you've went to a completely new sorority previously founded, newly founded, reactivated or otherwise, congrats on your success! Here comes The Hater Express! Yea, if you've gone through this, you're going to have people who hate you from different sides. Your old org, your org you left, their brothers or sisters are all waiting on you to fail and you didn't! Brush ya shoulders off & keep it moving!

CONCLUSION

Not everyone's experience is the same! This post was compiled of various possibilities of the WORST POSSIBLE and yet, NOT TOO FAR REMOVED of what could happen if you go greek. We would hope that your experience would be nothing like this but, we would not want you to not be prepared. Although, we are aware that this post may ruffle some feathers... we felt that it would be important for us to post this. 

With so many people crossing this winter, we congratulate everyone! Including our own Gamma Line :)

Love, Peace & Greekdom,

Saivee Rho-Amor, Founder & President

Naomi Mocha-Eternal, Founder & President

Winter Family Day 2013 -- Children's Information Drive!

Tomorrow we kick off our end of the year effort to complete our charitable services information database! We have been working hard, since our re-activation this past spring to get a database compiled of various charitable organizations; large and small, local and city-based, to release to the public!

The purpose of this database is to offer anyone who may be in need, options for help. Because, we all need help sometimes. This list would be completely public and we will not be able to know who may need it. So, regardless of who are and what your circumstances, you can recieve help.

Recap of Philanthropic Efforts & Information Collected This Year:

August: Cell Phone For Soldiers/ Purple Heart - Nationwide Access & Contact Helplines Collected

September: Rep Your Branch - Every branches personal (individual) charity contact information was collected.

October: Women Warriors - Susan G. Komen Statewide Information was collected for every sister. 

November: STOP! Cyber Bullying Forum - NoH8 & small local  (to the sisters) information was collected.

November: Canned Food Drive (Salvation Army) - 160 cans were taken to local banks and the Salvation Army. Every reporting participant provided contact information on their local food bank. 

December: 2013 Winter Family Day / Childrens Information Drive - The purpose of this event is to receive purely local children's charity information in efforts to provide the RL children of active Secondlife parents the opportunities to receive help. It is the observation of this sorority that a lot of Secondlife members have children, often young. With a lot of financial hardships this season, it is important to impact peoples real lives now, more than ever. We are asking for organizations that have coat drives or toy drives specifically! 

This list will be released on our; website, blog, facebook page, facebook account, partners n service group, supporters group and all of our sisters pages on December 22nd, 2013. (The last Iota Day of the Year :) ) 

If you bring your filled NC on Saturday, you could win a prize from this list of generous sponsors

(www.tinyurl.com/isrwintersponsors)

SNEAK PEAK @ FAMILY DAY & BRILLIANT HOPE!

(Remember, you can see  all our event photos and more on our flicr page http://flic.kr/ps/2wj2Jy)

IOTA SIGMA RHO CANNED FOOD DRIVE!!!!

THE NUMBERS ARE IN!! We would like to thank all 4 organizations for putting forth the effort and donating 160 cans to 8 local banks/salvation armies! Secondlife Organization, Real Life Impact! We feel so blessed to have donated meals to families this holiday season. So many families go without a warm meal or anything to put on their table. With over 160 cans donated, more than a few families will be able to have the gift of togetherness and have rejoice in the power of awareness and giving. From our hearts to yours, Iota Sigma Rho Secondlife Sorority Partners in Service
Omega Psi Sigma - SL Fraternity - 85 cans - 3 Members
Nu Gamma Rho Sorority - 45 cans - 2 Members
Iota Sigma Rho Secondlife Sorority - 21 cans - 3 Members
High Society - 9 cans - 1 Member

Iota Sigma Rho Canned Food Drive -- Salvation Army Effort

Here are the instructionsGood Evening, Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority is personally inviting our Partners n' Service to our philanthropy of the month! We are asking every organization to take a pledge to send in a number of canned goods to the Salvation Army! 

Here are the instructions:

1. Take the pledge by sending us the number of cans you would like to donate.

2. Find out the Salvation Army nearest your members, make a NC of it and send it in to us (for the database). No names needed. 

3. Once your members have gotten the number of cans ready to send in. We ask that you number the cans in large print, on the top. 

4. Place a piece of paper beside it with the following information; "YOU SORORITY NAME (SL)" and the words underneath "VIRTUAL (SORORITY, FRATERNITY, FRATORITY OR SISTERHOOD(if you are non-greek)), REAL LIFE IMPACT!"

5. The deadline for partnership is 11/1/13

6. The kick-off will be 11/2/13

7. THE DEADLINE TO SEND IN THE CANS IS 11/16/13

8. THE DEADLINE TO SEND US THE PICTURES IS 11/17/13

We hope you take the pledge with us!!

As we stated in our earlier posts, Iota Sigma Rho is not concerned with lindens or virtual fiscal fund-raising. We want to impact our communities and the needs that suit them in a NON-VIRTUAL way! This is just one of many ways we are working towards bettering our communities.

Our other events have been;

- Salute The Troops ( Information on How you can INDIVIDUALLY help different branches of the military)

- Race 4 The Cure (Information on your to apply for free mamagrams)

- Women Warriors (Empowerment Efforts to encourage progressive and positive womenhood)

- Health Fair (Information given for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and ways you can treat it)

- Go Greek Open House ( Our open house and information on being greek in SL and RL)

And so on....

Thank you all for supporting us and being great Partners n' Service!

--- Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority Leadership

Introducing... Our Beta Line Rhoyal Trinity! & A Note From Our Neophytes

Introducing...

Our Beta Line Rhoyal Trinity: Gems of Tulasi!

We are so pRHOud of these ladies! Welcome to the Rhoyal Family!

A reception in their honor will be held this Saturday @ Iota Sigma Rho Gardens, 4pm SLT

Ace: Rhoyally Tenacious

Ms. Kailee Synthari Jinx, crossed the burning sands into sisterhood, strong and supportive. We are so blessed to have her!

Duece: Rhoyally Enlightened

Ms. Eve Amore, crossed the burning sands into sisterhood, wise and uplifted. We are better for her pRHOfound wisdom.

Tre: Rhoyally Confident

Ms. Kazaia Brunn-Mantha, crossed the burning sands into sisterhood, joyously accepting our sisterhood! She brings so much happiness to our sisterhood :)


Our Neophytes Expressed Their Love of Our Sisterhood
*Sisters of Light & Love*

The Presence of a woman,
like the symphony of songs that echoes so sweet.
In the distance of the horizon beams integrity,

To be a sister of light and love, Iota sigma rho.

The sun that rises, eloquently glaring upon our thighs.
 Curves, different shapes and sizes.
As respect is a must,
watch us strut in our 6 inch pumps.

To be a sister of light and love, Iota Sigma Rho.

The be in presence of royalty,
Pull out the red carpet, wait for us to make our debut.
As the queens arrive in our purple and gold,
 Always staying loyal to all that we do

To be a sister of light and love, Iota Sigma Rho.

As we hold our heads high to the sky,
 like the big sisters before us.
We come together as rhoyalty,
showing the beta line is of greatness like those before us.

To be a sister of light, To be a sister of love.
To be a sister of Iota Sigma Rho.

-- Kai, Eve & Kaz

3 Weeks...4 Days.... Where The Heck Is Iota Sigma Rho?!

No... no..no.. we didn't forget the BLOG! See... what had happened was... ummm... errmm... well..

Ok, so we kinda dropped the ball on the blog BUT! If you are friends with our Facebook Account or.. our Facebook page... or... our website.. then you know exactly what we've been doing for 3 weeks and 4 days. As always, the illustrious firebirds of Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority have been making moves and impacting (s)lives. We increased our sisterly retreat hours by double and have spent a lot of time on our awarness efforts. So, here is our 3 week, 4 day check up.


FIRST!
We chilled and hung out for a bit @ the end of September :) And even went to a vowel renewal! Congrats to one of our foundress's, Saviee Rho-Amor on renewing your wedding vowels on your one year anniversary!

SECOND!

We set our Calendar!! We wanted to make this month open and truly fall into the season of sisterhood! So, we dedicate our month towards Breast Cancer Awareness & Anti-Bullying (will commence more in November). October is WOMEN EMPOWERMENT MONTH!

THEN... WE....

We opened up Fall Rush Season 2013!!

NEXT.....

You know we had to do our traditional Gemz vs. Pearlz while using our efforts of women empowerment!

FINALLY... IT WAS TIME TO PAARRTAAAYY!! (For a Cause)

(Photo Credit: Diesel Photography...)

THIS SEASONS GEMZ VS. PEARLZ COMPETITION WAS.... WOMEN WARRIOR COSTUME CONTEST!

Gemz Winner: Mari Amor (Caridad)

Supporter Winner: Dark-Ebony Mocha-Eternal 

The prizes were cash and gifts donated by Mr. Latin Rho-Amor & The Sisters of Iota Sigma Rho

Our Rush Weekend concluded with interviews of potential members and the accepted bids of the Beta Line! We would like to thank Sigma Gamma Sigma Sorority & Delta Theta Nu Sorority for support, as well as The Dynasty Family, Dj Lady China Pinelli & Dj Latin Rho-Amor, of the Dynasty family! We love you all!

(Note: Picture does not show Soror Cherbear or Soror Victoria, will update picture @ later date.)

(Photo Credit: Cherry Luxe)

OUR NEXT BIIIIIIIIIIG EVENT WILL BE....

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013 @ 6PM SLT

FAMILY DAY @ IOTA FARMS!

HERE IS A SNEAK PEEK....

**Note: All pictures/flyers are done by Mrs. Saivee Rho-Amor, unless otherwise noted**

So.. there you have it! You didn't think we were sleeping.. did you? ;) Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority will continue to strives for the empowerment of women on and off the grid while cuing in on topics that suit the needs of the greater good for women. We appreciate everyone who has helped us or delayed us along the way. We will see you online.. or off.

I-OOOOOOO-TA! OWT!

- Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority Leadership

Iota Sigma Rho Partners IN Service - Rep Your Branch Success

We would like to thank our hosting partners; Alpha Kai Delta & Rho Beta Gamma!! We would also like to thank our other partners in service (PinS);  Sigma Gamma Sigma,  High Society and Alpha Alpha Kappa! It has been a very long road for all of us to come to a point where we can successfully come together and have a very positive day of remembrance by giving everyone information on how they can they can donate to each branch with their separate charities! YES! You can donate to a separate branch that caters to those specific needs of those soldiers! We want to emphasize this need every month. Four branches were represented in this event; Army, Marine, Navy & Air Force. I myself have a cousin who is currently active duty career navy and find that by spreading this need for each separate branch we personalize our connection with our soldiers. Below is the information that was given out at the event:

Army:

Background Info: The United States Army (USA) is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services. The modern army has its roots in the Continental Army which was formed on 14 June 1775, to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War before the establishment of the United States. The Congress of the Confederation officially created the United States Army on 3 June 1784after the end of the Revolutionary War to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The army considers itself to be descended from the Continental Army and thus dates its inception from the origins of that force.

The primary mission of the army is "to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.

How you can help TODAY! : http://giftstoarmy.army.mil/woundedwarriors.aspx

The U.S. Army supports its Wounded Warriors through a variety of programs. Donations can benefit all Wounded Warriors, medical facilities, programs, and services, including those specifically registered with the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) program.

General Active Soldier Awareness: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Marine

Background Info: The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. The Marine Corps is a component of the United States Department of the Navy, often working closely with naval forces for training, transportation, and logistics; however, the Marine Corps is a separate branch.

Captain Samuel Nicholas formed two battalions of Continental Marines on 10 November 1775, in Philadelphia as naval infantry. Since then, the mission of the Marine Corps has evolved with changing military doctrine and American foreign policy. The Marine Corps has served in every American armed conflict and attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practices of amphibious warfare proved prescient and ultimately formed the cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of World War II. By the mid-20th century, the Marine Corps had become the dominant theorist and practitioner of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises gives it a strong role in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy.

How you can help TODAY! :http://www.mcafdn.org/donations

Our Foundation Programs include:

Marine Excellence Awards Program (in 2010, over 9,701 awards were provided to Marines and Sailors that serve with them), the Commanders' Unit Library Program, sending copies of Leatherneck and the Marine Corps Gazette to Wounded Marines from Coast to Coast – and also provide them with memberships to MCA, along with the Commanders' Forums and many other programs that we receive requests to support, which the Corps cannot use appropiated funds to support.

Additional recognition for members and corporations may be available depending upon the amount of your donation. For more information on this, please call our Development Department at 703-640-0169. Thank you for your interest in supporting Marine Corps programs!

General Active Solider Awareness: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Navy:

Background Info: The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. It is larger than the next 13 largest navies combined in terms of battle fleet tonnage, according to one estimate. The U.S. Navy also has the world's largest carrier fleet, with 10 in service, one under construction (two planned), and two in reserve. The service has 317,054 personnel on active duty and 109,671 in the Navy Reserve. It operates 285 ships in active service and more than 3,700 aircraft.

How you can help TODAY! : http://www.navymemorial.org/

Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the UNITED STATES NAVY MEMORIAL by the Mobile Giving Foundation!

General Active Soldier Awareness: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Air Force:

Background Info: The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on 18 September 1947 under the National Security Act of 1947. It is the most recent branch of the U.S. military to be formed, and is the largest and one of the world's most technologically advanced air forces. The USAF articulates its core functions as Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Special Operations, Air Superiority, Global Integrated ISR, Space Superiority, Command and Control, Cyberspace Superiority, Personnel Recovery, Global Precision Attack, Building Partnerships, Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support.

How you can help TODAY! :http://www.afas.org/

Our goal for this site is to facilitate communication between the Society and all visitors to our site, whether you're on our site to apply for assistance, learn about our programs, make a donation, sign up for a newsletter, or share your personal story.  

We request everyone visiting the new site for the first time to begin by joining our On Line Community.  This will allow you to set up a personal profile, identify your interests, sign up for our E-Newsletter, and more.   It just takes a minute and will help us target information specifically to your interests.

After completing your profile, please explore the site and then take a brief survey to let us know what you like and what other information you would like us to include.  Again, this will help us make the website more user friendly for all our visitors.

Thank you for your interest in the Air Force Aid Society.  We look forward to hearing from you!

General Active Solider Awareness: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

I would like to take this time to share some pictures taken by our own Pearl Star a.k.a Big Sister Authenticity & Deunan Lovell-Burner of Alpha Kai Delta.

(You can find more pictures HERE @ http://iotasigmarho.wix.com/rush#!partners-in-service/c11l)

Thank you all for coming out to our Rep Your Branch Partners in Service event hosted by Iota Sigma Rho, Alpha Kai Delta & Rho Beta Gamma. The event was sponsored by ISigRho & Alpha Kai Delta. Special thanks to DJ PinkTrap!! We look forward to this long lasted relationship with our sisters in Greekdom! I-OOOOOOOO-TA!

Sisterly,

Mrs. Saivee Rho-Amor, Founder, Pearl & President of Iota Sigma Rho