Native American Heritage Month-Native Americans Are The Original Americans

November 10, 2024November 11, 2024 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Native American Heritage Month is extremely important to me for two reasons. The first I’m 1/16th Cherokee, and I’m proud of my ancestors. The second more gruesome, our government decided that the Indians weren’t allowed to live in open land like the white man. They rounded up all the tribes and built reservations for them to live without government support. They became second-class citizens and little has changed today. If you read just one book about the brutality of the Native Americans, read about the Trail of Tears. You will see a clear picture of how Native Americans were treated and raped of their land.

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Welcome to Native American Heritage Month at the Department of the Interior! National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation. We celebrate Indian Country with its remarkable diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures and peoples while remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our Nation.

Our theme is Weaving together our past, present and future. We will focus on the failed policies of the past with a focus on the Federal Indian Boarding Schools and moving into the present and the work being done to address the intergenerational trauma Native people still face. In partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution, we are working to record the lasting impacts of that era and share that information with all Americans.

As Indigenous people, our past, present and future are all connected.

Additional Resources

Informative articles

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $71 Million to Electrify Homes Across Indian Country with Clean Energy through President’s Investing in America Agenda

Indian Affairs invests nearly $10 million to rehabilitate Columbia River Treaty Fishing Access Sites, as part of President’s Investing in America agenda

Indian Affairs seeks additional input on new regulations to protect Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items

Indian Affairs opens Indigenous Connectivity and Technology Division

For me, it’s important to read about how Native Americans were treated by our government because it was brutal and killed thousands and our government rapes their land from them. Native Americans were the first Americans on this great land, not the people migrating on the Mayflower and other ships. No doubt in my mind they were here long before a boat came over.

I’m of Cherokee descent, myself being 1/16th and several of my ancestors are on the Dawns Rolls but many at the time didn’t sign the rolls because they did not trust the government. How could they trust after being driven from their land and pushed into tribal communities with no assistance from the government? It was sink or swim, it’s not different today.

Another blemish from history and little has been done to improve their living standards. I’m happy to have the articles mentioned above that show action is being taken.

Remember to open your mind that’s Thanksgiving to include Native Americans and their make in history.

Melinda

References:

https://www.bia.gov/NNAHM

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Internet Good/Bad · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor · Trauma

NO MORE Week 2025 Tech Summit: Empowering or Endangering-Tech’s Impact on Domestic and Sexual Violence

November 2, 2024 Looking for the Light1 Comment

No More has announced that No MORE Week is on March 2nd through March 8th, 2025. This Summit is one way to participate and it’s free. The knowledge you gain could save your own life or that of another.

Join us for the NO MORE Week 2025 Tech Summit: Empowering or Endangering – Tech’s Impact on Domestic and Sexual Violence

Attend the NO MORE Week 2025 Tech Summit, a special online event exploring the impacts of technology on domestic and sexual violence, including innovations and dangers. Hear from global experts on the latest research, policy changes, product development, and more.

What should you expect:

Discover the latest global trends in tech-facilitated abuse to gain insight into how technology is exploited by abusers to inflict harm.
Delve into the role of technology in promoting safety and fostering connections.
Have the opportunity to hear from survivors who have experienced various forms of abuse and, importantly, hear their suggestions for change.
Participate in stimulating conversations and workshops led by industry professionals.
Contribute to the generation of innovative ideas that can instigate the necessary systemic changes to address these critical issues.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to make a tangible impact on survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This is an opportunity to be a part of the movement and provide vital support to those in need.

Who should attend:

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence and those closest to them.
Those working with people who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, advocates, and activists
Tech companies and professionals
Legislators
Police and agencies in the Criminal Justice System
Financial institutions
Healthcare professionals or those working in emergency response services
Academics

If you have any questions, please contact info@nomore.org

Empowering or Endangering?: Tech’s Impact on Domestic and Sexual Violence

Mar 04,2025

Starts in 131 days

Organized by The NO MORE Team

By The NO MORE Team’s Hub

Free

I look forward to seeing you there.

Melinda

References:

https://www.nomore.org

Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor · Trauma

Announcing NO MORE Week 2025

October 29, 2024 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m excited to share that NO MORE Week 2025 has been set for March 2nd through March 8th, the annual time when thousands of survivors, allies, employers, organizations, colleges, and communities around the world unite for the cause of ending domestic and sexual violence.

This year, our theme is NO MORE Silence. Every time we break the silence, we destigmatize conversations around domestic and sexual violence and help survivors find support. And, we help to prevent abuse by educating more people about healthy relationships and by creating a culture where abuse is not tolerated.

Now is the time to plan how you can be a part of NO MORE Week 2025. Here are some simple ways to get started:

Join the NO MORE Week Challenge:

Sign up for the NO MORE Week Challenge, a virtual Walk/Run that allows you to choose your distance—5K, 10K, or a half marathon—and complete it at your own pace in March. This year, every dollar raised will go to support victims/survivors of abuse. Rally your friends and family to sponsor your efforts, or form a team to amplify your impact.

Join the Challenge

Attend the NO MORE Week Tech Summit

Save Tuesday, March 4th to attend the 2025 NO MORE Week Tech Summit, “Empowering or Endangering? Tech’s Impact on Domestic and Sexual Violence.”During this free, online conference, global experts will discuss cutting-edge research, policy shifts and product development, providing a wealth of insights and opportunities for action. Early registration is now open!

Use Your Own Platform to Raise Awareness

Create an event – online or in person – to raise awareness on your campus, at work, or in your community. Whether it’s hosting a coffee or happy hour; holding a workplace conversation; or engaging friends on social media, every action will get more people to join the movement. Let us know what you’re planning so we can help amplify your efforts!

Check out our NO MORE Week 2025 Guide you can use to get more information and ideas. We’re looking forward to uniting once again on March 2nd because we know that we are louder, stronger and more impactful together! Thank you for your continued support.

Get Involved

I’ve signed up for the No More Week Tech Summit, no doubt registration will go fast. I’ll follow up with a post specific to the Tech Summit.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.nomore.org/email/f68b3e4b-5f24-4b32-9063-7776875bf364/?ref=no-more-newsletter

Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor · Trauma

Do You Know How Many Rape Kits Are Backlogged In Your City And State?

October 24, 2024 Looking for the Light13 Comments

Rape victims receiving closure is important to me and I hope to you too. Below is the background of Joyful Heart Foundation and how they started the initiative to End the Backlog. At the bottom, you will see why I’m flaming mad due to an unacceptable situation not far from where I live. Not to mention the atrociously high numbers of backlogged rape kits in Texas.

In 2015, the Joyful Heart Foundation played a fundamental role in the creation of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), an important federal initiative for rape kit reform with then Vice President Biden. This program provided grants to communities to inventory untested rape kits, analyze those kits, investigate the resulting cases, prosecute offenders, and support survivors. This federal program has allowed jurisdictions to inventory more than 183,000 untested kits and send 90,000 kits for testing, resulting in more than 15,700 CODIS hits, almost 8,200 to serial violent offenders and 2,200 to serial sex offenders.

In 2016, the Joyful Heart Foundation launched its six pillar campaign to improve the way rape kits are handled nationwide and end the backlog of untested rape kits. Since then, we have helped pass 130 bills in 46 states affecting more than 321 million people and more than 136,000 survivors of reported rapes every year. Our campaign is one of the most successful state-level campaigns in history.

What is Joyful Heart Foundation

The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded in 2004 by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) actress, director, and advocate, Mariska Hargitay. While playing Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU, Ms. Hargitay learned a tremendous amount about the crime of sexual assault. Letters from fans of the show poured in across the years; many were testimonies from survivors sharing their stories of abuse, isolation, fear, hope, and courage. As Hargitay became more informed about the topic, she was shocked and saddened by the prevalence of sexually-based crimes and how trauma impacts survivors, many for their entire lives. She felt she had to answer these survivor letters in a meaningful way. Her response was to create the Joyful Heart Foundation with the mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors, and end this violence forever. Ms. Hargitay wanted to help survivors heal and reclaim joy in their lives.

What is the Rape Kit Backlog?

“To me, the backlog is one of the clearest and most shocking demonstrations of how we regard these crimes in our society. Testing rape kits sends a fundamental and crucial message to victims of sexual violence: You matter. What happened to you matters. Your case matters. For that reason, the Joyful Heart Foundation, which I founded in 2004, has made ending the rape kit backlog our #1 advocacy priority.”

Mariska Hargitay, Founder of The Joyful Heart Foundation

While the number of untested rape kits has decreased over the last decade – the backlog was once deemed to be 400,000 – today, we estimate that there are still 100,000 untested rape kits yet to be discovered.

You can clearly see the states who have tackled the backlog and those who have not. I’m ashamed of Texas, my home state, and these numbers send a clear message that women are not valued in Texas. A message coming from Governor Greg Abbott.

Let me give you an example and you will see what set me off last night.

Fort Worth is a smaller sister city to Dallas but this week, there was improper behavior with the law enforcement. I question if the entire city is flying blind. Last light at a City Council meeting the Chief of Police admitted that the deadline for clearing rape kits had once again not been met. He took responsibility and committed to correct the situation. I won’t hold my breath on that commitment. What shocked me even more was how the City Council acted like this was the first time they had heard about it. Who is overseeing the police????

The information only came out because the local news station invested. Here’s one of the findings.

On Wednesday, an NBC 5 Investigates series, “Justice Shelved”, revealed that more than 760 times in five years, Fort Worth police were late to submit rape kits to a lab in the state required 30 days.

New state records provided by the Department of Public Safety show Fort Worth police currently have 901 untested kits that are already past the 90-day mark, leaving victims who reported sexual assaults waiting for answers.

This is unacceptable and I think many heads need to roll and many more fired.

What’s happening in your town and State?

Melinda

References:

Intro

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I’ve Tweeked My About Me Page, Please Have a Look And Let Me Know Your Thoughts

October 19, 2024October 21, 2024 Looking for the Light41 Comments

I get bored easily so I work hard at keeping my content fresh and up-to-date. Most of the changes are esthetic but I think they add some flair into who the person behind the words are. Please check out the updated page and share the good, bad, and ugly, I can take it.

About Me

I want to take one minute to thank all that have stopped by my blog over the years, left comments, the good conversations we’ve had, what we’ve learned from each other, and most importantly your friendship. The past 24 years of my life has been a learning journey, full of ups and downs but many of you have been there throughout the years and I send a special hug to you.

If you think something is missing in my description of my blog or about myself, please let me know that as well, that’s important information to have.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. What a ride it’s been.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 16, 2024September 26, 2025 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a month that has received a great deal of attention over the years due to the tremendous donations to support new treatment options. That does not mean we should look the other way and think it has enough attention. The success rate of survival has increased but there is still so much to know about Breast Cancer.

The types of Brest Cancer

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)

Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

Other Types

Breast Cancer Myths

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it

Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too

Myth: Breast cancer is contagious

Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer

Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer

Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts

Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women

Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer

Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer

Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer

Myth: All breast cancers are the same

Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer

Breast Cancer Resources

Free Educational Guides

NBCF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, educational information on breast health and healthy living. From understanding the importance of early detection, to knowing how to prepare for a mammogram, NBCF’s online resources and guides aim to empower women and men with useful information. View guides. Click here to learn more about breast self-examination steps.

National Mammography Program

NBCF provides grants to facilities across the United States that provide screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, clinical breast exam, and patient navigation to underserved individuals who qualify. Find a facility.

Patient Navigator Program

The Patient Navigator Program is a proactive approach to helping patients overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding a disease and its prevention. Find a facility.

Other Resources

In addition to the breast care services that NBCF provides to women in need, the following resources offer financial assistance for breast cancer patients.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations.

National Cancer Institute

Information about free or low-cost mammogram screening programs is available through NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237.

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assitance based on your location. When you go to their website, Cancer.org, look for the “About Us” tab in the top right corner. When you click on that, select your state in the “Where We Help” menu to be directed to a list of local resources.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)

This state program is funded through Medicaid to provide underserved women free healthcare throughout treatment. The program is available in all 50 states. For the application process, contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a nurse or patient navigator regarding the program.

The Patient Access Network Foundation

The PAN Foundation provides assistance to remove financial barriers for medications, treatment, and travel expenses for patients.

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition

The CFAC is a coalition of organizations that help patients reduce financial barriers during cancer treatment. When you visit their website, select the type of assistance needed and enter your zip code to find resources near your area.

Mammography Facility Database

The Mammography Facility Database is updated periodically based on information received from the three FDA-approved accreditation bodies: the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the states of Arkansas and Texas to provide a list of facilities where mammography services are available based on your location.

Breast Cancer needs to be taken seriously by all and it starts with self-exams and reaching out at the first sign of trouble. You also need to keep your doctor aware of your family history because it can play a big role in whether to not you have the DNA makers for Breast Cancer. Always air on the cautious side.

Melinda

References:

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/types-of-breast-cancer/

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/early-detection/breast-cancer-resources/

Repost

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Media Corporations Have Crossed The Line By Sending Reporters Into Hurricanes

October 15, 2024 Looking for the Light8 Comments

I’ve always questioned the value of seeing a reporting out in the hailing winds and rain trying to stand up, what is the point. We know there is a storm, the news is covering it in the studio and we have better photos of what is happening than the few feet the reporters are in.

Hurricane Milton crossed the line for me, all the major channels were reporting and it was so bad that several had close calls and one was hit in the face with debris. Is this what it comes to? Put employees at risk for their lives to show this channel will go further than the next. I drew the line.

Anderson Cooper was reporting from Bradenton, Florida, and was barely able to stand, the rain was pouring down and he reached won to show how deep the water was a was hit in the face by flying debris. He sought safety after that. the situation could have been much worse.

The National Hurricane Center reported Milton reached Category 5 status twice and had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph when it hit Siesta Key, Florida, near where Anderson was reporting.

Anderson was working with Bill Weir who was in St Petersburg and was washed away. Why is this acceptable corporate behavior?

Social Media was blowing up with comments of concern for the safety of the reports but where were The corporations they work for? Do they feel this is dramatic television that people want to watch so they can make more money? Bullshit! This shows a total lack of care for human life!

Anderson was not the only reporter who put their life on the line, so did: Dylan Dryer and Ginger Zee and these are the ones I’ve heard of.

We have to stand up and say enough is enough! Let CNN, GMA, and The Today Show this cruel and unusual behavior by writing to the Media Corporations, taking to Social Media, and sending letters to your local media and your local political representative. Only we can make a difference because their employers will not.

Let’s Celebrate Columbus Day!

October 14, 2024 Looking for the Light2 Comments

To think for one moment about what Christopher Columbus accomplished is mind-blowing. He shaped our world, taught us about countries we didn’t know existed, and built solid teams committed to the cause. I would love to feel what Christopher felt when he landed in America, what was the emotion?

Who was Christopher Columbus?

Christopher Columbus (born between August 26 and October 31?, 1451, Genoa [Italy]—died May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Spain) was a master navigator and admiral whose four transatlantic voyages (1492–93, 1493–96, 1498–1500, and 1502–04) opened the way for European exploration, exploitation, and colonization of the Americas. He has long been called the “discoverer” of the New World, although Vikings such as Leif Eriksson had visited North America five centuries earlier. Columbus made his transatlantic voyages under the sponsorship of Ferdinand II and Isabella I, the Catholic Monarchs of Aragon, Castile, and Leon in Spain. He was at first full of hope and ambition, an ambition partly gratified by his title “Admiral of the Ocean Sea,” awarded to him in April 1492, and by the grants enrolled in the Book of Privileges (a record of his titles and claims). However, he died a disappointed man.

Christopher’s world travels lived on with many new discoveries including the Mayflower heading to America.

Melinda

References:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christopher-Columbus

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Sending My Love & Support To Ukraine

October 5, 2024 Looking for the Light16 Comments

I had only heard of Ukraine a couple of times before Putin attacked Ukraine and knew nothing about Russia stealing Crimea away years prior. Since the war began, I think of Ukraine multiple times a day. The Ukrainian people are an example of community, love your neighbor, help one, help all, and they are strong to the core.

I’ve heard Ukrainians talk to reporters and talk about what happened to their house or how a family member was killed but one thing I DON”T hear is complaining. I believe in my heart that someone would share their last meal, true humanity.

I admire President Zelenski, he’s on the ground with the soldiers, and he talks about reality, he appears to be a humble man but with the strength of a million bulls. His determination and commitment to his country is why so many soldiers from other countries, including America came to fight in the war. He doesn’t put on airs, blow smoke, or play games. I love how he dresses the same regardless of who he meets, that tells me so much about him. He’s focused on the war, winning, and building a better life for all Ukrainians.

I have seen many interviews since the war started and I’m always struck by the resilience of the Ukrainian people. I see the sadness in their eyes yet I see hope. They have faith in a brighter day and make the best of every moment, and no doubt it’s much worse than what I see on television. To see neighbors taking care of a child who lost his mother while his father is on the front line is overwhelming heartbreaking and joyful, the child is not left aside, it’s loved and cared for. It’s a miracle.

I’ve gone out of my way to purchase items from Ukraine to help the few who can work continue to make a living. Etsy.com has a large community of Ukrainian sellers and they truly appreciate your business. The homemade wool items I’ve purchased from Woven Wool Art are high-quality and the seller will take custom orders. The extra cost of postage is nothing compared to helping someone who needs to work. Check Etsy out, if you order fast enough your items will get here by the holidays.

I’m sending hugs to all the Ukrainian people. :)

America would be a great place to live if we had leadership like President Zelenski.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor

Am I Strong Enough?

October 3, 2024 Looking for the Light26 Comments

You would think that the question would be easy to answer given the physical abuse by my mother which started at birth, my stepfather hitting me in the mouth with his fist, watching my mother being beaten by my stepfather from the day they were married, and the sexual abuse by my father. My childhood was beyond traumatic, and it didn’t stop when I became a preteen.

At 12 years old, I was living with my father who was incapable of being a father and had no rules. I was dating a 21-year-old dealer and addicted to speed. Every weekend was a different mix of exotic drugs to try. I skipped school for 45 days straight and my father had me put in Juvenile Detention for three days as punishment. I was so dead inside and totally lost that the sexual abuse didn’t phase me at the time.

There’s plenty more to talk about but I also had issues when I got older. I was sexually assaulted more than once, stalked three times, had Cervical Cancer at 27 years old, and had a total hysterectomy. That’s a lot to decide at 27 years old with no children but I made it clear at 12 years old that I didn’t want children.

My father committed suicide when I was 28 years old, the only positive is that I sought out treatment for my Bipolar Disorder. Sometimes I think he died so I would live.

I’ve had all the normal career challenges including being fired from a six-figure job for something I didn’t do. I didn’t get rich of the lawsuit but I proved my point, it was someone else’s lie and politics that got me fired. The lawsuit did prove to me how strong I was and how much badgering I could take from the other side.

I’ve had health issues large and small most of my life and I think I’m facing my biggest battle yet. My first day at The Mayo Clinic is 10/13/24 and after extensive testing, I will meet with my team of doctors and learn my diagnosis and the treatment plan. I have complete confidence in The Mayo and am working hard to prepare for whatever they find.

I feel calm most of the time with a tiny bit of fear for how my life could change. I’ve worked hard as always to not diagnose myself but I have run a few searches on Copilot that have given two possible answers. I’m not putting stock in that but it’s easy to believe when everything you put in the search comes back to the same answer. I’ll leave that for the doctors and won’t be surprised if it’s something completely different.

I won’t know if I’m strong enough until the reality comes but at least I have a good track record of survival.

I’m sending a special thanks to everyone who has sent kind words of encouragement and well wishes. You are the sunshine in my life.