by Joyce Kyles | Sep 19, 2017 | Blog
I found out a couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post was coming to Memphis as part of their Listen To America bus tour. They’re stopping in 25 cities, talking with its citizens about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. I have always enjoyed reading the HuffPost. And, I love to write. It has always been a goal of mine to have some of my writings published with them. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet some of the staff and learn more about how they came into the work. I was also intrigued to learn more about why they had chosen to do the bus tour.
What started out as an opportunity to learn turned into an opportunity to sit on the bus and give a short interview about who I am, why I do what I do and why I feel as I feel. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, I talked with a lovely young lady named Chloe, a reporter for HuffPost. She in turn shared my thoughts with the editor of their daily newsletter. The link you will see at the end of this blog is my conversation with her! I am both excited and appreciative to have my thoughts shared with others who read HuffPost.
My interview on the bus was great! It was a very comfortable discussion, and I appreciate the fact I was able to speak freely. I don’t know what, if anything, will be used down the road with regard to their bus tour. But, just doing it was an awesome experience. It was super hot that day and my air wasn’t working in my car. My hair is frizzy and my makeup, which consisted of eyeliner and lip gloss, was completely gone due to me constantly wiping my face. But, I am happy with the results and Damon Dahlen, the photographer, did a great job of taking a photograph of me that I can be proud of.
Here’s the link of my interview: http://news.huffingtonpost.com/t/ViewEmail/t/C774141BB4486DCB/2F899192CE8A377905263A35EB2CBB57
by Joyce Kyles | Sep 3, 2017 | Blog
Over the Labor Day weekend, I had the opportunity to encourage and educate the Whitehaven community about domestic violence at their Annual Community Festival. I am especially pleased to see a festival that is specific to not only having a good time for families, but also making sure it includes a social component. Unfortunately, domestic violence plagues communities around the world. In Memphis specifically, Whitehaven is among those ranked relatively high with regard to domestic violence incidents.
I wanted to make sure the attendees understood that Memphis reached a record number of homicides in 2016, with the two biggest reasons being cited as gang related activity and domestic violence. I also wanted them to be aware of the many services available, including the one I founded, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. Lastly, I wanted them to know they were hearing from someone who could understand what they may be dealing with as I am celebrating another year as a survivor myself.
Always know that you’re not alone. Help and resources are available. If you or someone you know is going through abuse, please contact your local police precinct or domestic violence agency. Learn more about our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. by visiting the website, www.wianl.org. And, if you’re in immediate danger, PLEASE CALL 911 ASAP.
by Joyce Kyles | Aug 11, 2017 | Blog
The University of Memphis recently hosted its annual Title IX Summit. Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. To learn more about the history of Title IX , it’s importance, compliance and more by reading here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/overview-title-ix-education-amendments-1972-20-usc-1681-et-seq
I enjoyed the opportunity to be one of the presenters. I was asked to present on the cycle of abuse. It’s important for those working with students understand the dynamics of abuse, as more and more employees are coming in contact with individuals being abused. They need to be able to recognize the signs in order to best serve their needs when issues arise. They also need to understand the mindset of those who are going through abuse. By doing so, it will help them to have a better understanding of their struggles and in some cases, help to remove certain perceptions. Students will feel more comfortable with reporting, understanding their rights and having adequate support and referrals for additional programs and services.
by Joyce Kyles | Aug 3, 2017 | Blog
I’m super excited to say I was just featured on Mogul, an online publication. I’m featured in it’s Love and Relationships section. Thank You, Heartbreak is an awesome article written by Chelsea Leigh Trescott. I would love for you to read it. Feel free to leave a comment and give it an upvote! https://onmogul.com/stories/thank-you-heartbreak-spotlighting-creatives-11
by Joyce Kyles | Jul 31, 2017 | Blog
I had the privilege of being able to share a few insights as an invited guest for the Culturally Relevant Victim Centered Approaches training in Nashville, TN. It was hosted by the Women of Color Network, Inc. out of Pennsylvania. I’m a graduate of the LEAP Cohort 3 Fellows program WOCN developed along with CALCASA (California Coalition Against Sexual Assault). While I’m glad to have had the opportunity to share my perspective from a personal as well as professional perspective, I learned a great deal of useful information & a deeper appreciation for the need for such programs to be implemented and discussed on an ongoing basis.
One of the most interesting parts about the training was our discussion on biases and the exercises we did surrounding those biases. There were some attendees who were a bit uncomfortable. I think it’s a good thing. In order to better understand how to effectively assist victims and survivors, we must be honest with ourselves about how we view people as well as how we view ourselves when interacting with them.
I am hopeful to have the chance to facilitate training on this subject and will be pushing for agencies, businesses and anyone working with abuse survivors to take part in the discussion. I believe it will also prove to be helpful for personal development and the ability to work more efficiently with staff/fellow co-workers.
I found out a couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post was coming to Memphis as part of their Listen To America bus tour. They’re stopping in 25 cities, talking with its citizens about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. I have always enjoyed reading the HuffPost. And, I love to write. It has always been a goal of mine to have some of my writings published with them. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet some of the staff and learn more about how they came into the work. I was also intrigued to learn more about why they had chosen to do the bus tour.
