Interview with a Paint It Purple Beneficiary: Women’s Center of East Texas, USA

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The goal of all Paint It Purple cupcake bake sales and fundraising parties is to raise money and awareness of agencies working to end VAW in their local communties. In 2013, our Paint It Purple anti-VAW nonprofit partner is the Women’s Center of East . Today’s interview features Brooke Barton who is the Nonresidential Projects Director for the Women’s Center of East Texas

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Brooke BartonAt the Women’s Center of East Texas, Brooke Barton works toward improving the programs and services provided to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Rusk, Upshur and Panola counties.  Since 2005, she has specialized in providing services, and facilitating service delivery, to victims of sexual violence.  Brooke began working with people being prostituted in 2009 and since being introduced to this cruel and violent world she has dedicated a large part of her personal and professional time eradicating human trafficking through working with anti-trafficking teams, taskforces and volunteering for two separate agencies focusing specifically on domestic minor sex trafficking.  She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. 

1. Tell us about Women’s Center of East Texas and the work that you do to stop Violence Against Women.

Group Shot Sept13

The WCET team

For over 30 years The Women’s Center of East Texas has served battered victims, their witnessing children, and victims of sexual assault.  We have responded to tens of thousands of calls for help, and there is so much more to be done.  We spend our days exploring resources and options with victims, providing them necessary support, enhancing their safety and creating community change with victims of domestic and sexual violence by providing: emergency shelter, outreach support, legal support and advocacy, crisis hotline services, information and referrals, community education, Spanish speaking services, HOPE’S Closet and a 24 hour hotline.

2. What are the unique challenges of working to stop Violence Against Women (including Domestic Violence) in your community/area?

Transportation always seems to be a huge barrier due to the vast amount of rural areas in our service area, therefore some victims find it hard to leave their abusive relationship or find a way to seek services.  Closely following the hurdle of transportation is affordable and adequate housing for this population.  Once a victim is able to escape an abusive relationship they are limited on their options for housing.  We have found that some of the affordable houses are in areas that their safety would be in just as much jeopardy as staying in the relationship they left.

3. Tell us about some of your successful efforts and campaigns over the years and how they work to prevent/intervene/stop violence against women in your community area.

Once a week a spokesperson from our agency works with youth in Gregg County that have been identified as “at risk” and assigned to an alternative campus at Longview Independent School District.  We are also in the schools three days a week in Upshur County discussing healthy dating relationships and healthy sexuality.  Two different school districts in Rusk County have implemented the Coaching Boys into Men program.  In Gregg County we speak weekly in a mandatory program at a faith based shelter for homeless men working toward their self-sufficiency.  Each program is designed to build toward a community project/campaign development to raise awareness in our communities.  Currently we have nine billboards in all six of our counties raising awareness.

4. Why did Women’s Center of East Texas decide to take part in “Paint It Purple” this year?

The Women’s Center of East Texas is always thinking outside the box to find unlikely partners to help raise awareness in our communities.  We believe everyone in our community needs to play a role in ending violence.  Working with La Cabane de Dessert has created a safe place to talk about difficult problems.

5. How can we encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women and what sort of help does Women’s Center of East Texas need to keep your efforts going?

Through our awareness efforts and speaking engagements we provide participants opportunities to develop campaigns and projects that speak to their peer group.

WCET has amazing community support in all six of our counties.  One thing we could use more of to keep our efforts going to end violence in our communities is more men actively taking a stand to end this thoughtless crime.

“Paint it Purple” 2013: Honouring Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Music, Pets and Baking Fundraisers

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1 OCTOBER 2013 (WORLDWIDE): The Pixel Project is proud to launch their fourth annual “Paint It Purple” campaign. The campaign kicks off on Domestic Violence Awareness Month on 1 October and runs until 24 November 2013 which is the eve of the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. ‘Paint It Purple’ began as an annual online campaign to raise awareness about VAW by getting the global online community to “paint” the internet purple using social media. It has now evolved to encompass a variety of purple themed activities for people to say NO to VAW.

1_compressedThe latest addition to the campaign is the first ever “Paint It Purple” online charity concert by AHMIR, The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador and YouTube’s #1 R&B group. Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “We decided to hold the concert as our contribution to our partner, the Positive Music Association’s annual World Singing Days as well as part of ‘Paint It Purple’ as both take place in October. AHMIR, will not only perform the concert but will also be generously donating 50% of the concert proceeds to help keep our campaigns and programmes running.” This special live online concert will take place at 8pm EST, Tuesday 15th October 2013 on StageIt.com where fans can also chat with AHMIR live and there will also be a prize giveaway of Monster DNA headphones. The concert link is: http://is.gd/PaintItPurpleConcert.

The campaign also continues to raise funds for The Pixel Project and participating anti-VAW charities via annual “Paint It Purple” baking fundraisers. “Paint It Purple” 2013 baking fundraisers will be held in 3 cities in 3 countries. This year’s beneficiaries include: All Women’s Action Society (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), the Women’s Centre of East Texas (Longview, TX, USA) and Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) (Coventry, UK). Bakes sales will be held in conjunction with local independent bakeries: the Women’s Centre of East Texas will be supported by La Cabane De Dessert; In the UK, The Pixel Project will be collaborating with Two Cousins Bakery for a second year in a row to raise funds for both CRASAC and The Pixel Project. Both bake sales will feature cupcakes with The Pixel Project’s signature purple-and-white ribbon signifying men and women working together to end VAW.

Charity Baking Workshop 066New to the list of ‘Paint It Purple’ baking fundraisers is the ‘Paint It Purple’ Charity Baking Workshop held in partnership with the Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia and the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) in Kuala Lumpur. Participants not only learn to make three types of dessert tarts at this workshop but also meet 10 women and girls from YWCA Kuala Lumpur’s women’s shelter who are kindly sponsored by Microsoft Malaysia to attend the same workshop. Proceeds from the workshop fees will be shared between The Pixel Project and AWAM.

Home bakers, food writers, food bloggers, bakery/patisserie owners and pastry chefs are also invited to contribute their cupcake recipes to the ongoing Paint It Purple Cupcake Recipe Collection Project which aims to collect 100 or more signature cupcake recipes into a charity cupcake cookbook. This year, award-winning Flour Bakery founder Joanne Chang, vegan cookbook author and wellness coach Tess Challis and food blogger Traci Wennerholm have each generously submitted their signature cupcake recipes to the project.

Copyrighted by Michelle Wong PhotoArtistryAlso returning this year is the second “People and Pets say NO” project which gets people to submit a photo of themselves wearing a purple outfit and posing with their pet and a sign with their names, country and the declaration “We say NO!” in recognition that a woman can be tethered to her abusive situation because she is unable to escape with her pets who usually also suffer violence from the abuser. A starter gallery of 30 statement pictures will be launched on Facebook and on The Pixel Project’s Portraits For Pixels campaign website. More will be collected and added to the gallery over the campaign period to show abused women and their pets that they are not alone and that help and support is out there.

Ms Yau said: “By making “Paint It Purple” a fun, creative and inclusive campaign that anyone can become involved with, we hope to further galvanise widespread support for action to end gender-based violence which continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide.“

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For further information about the “Paint It Purple” campaign:

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe Pixel Project is a complete virtual, volunteer-led global 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women through innovative, powerful viral campaigns using the power of the internet, social media, new technologies and popular culture/the arts.

Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakery: Corina Bakery

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What motivates a busy baker to dedicate his or her talents to The Pixel Project? In this interview series, we find out! All Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakeries/bakeries were invited to share with us the reasons they chose to take part in the Paint It Purple campaign and the inspiration behind their unique twist on the classic Paint It Purple cupcake design. This interview is with Corina Bakery in Tacoma, Washington whose Paint It Purple Bake Sale benefits YWCA Pierce County and The Pixel Project.

Tell us about Corina Bakery and why you decided to take part in this year’s Paint It Purple campaign.

Corina Bakery is a small, from-scratch bakery and coffee shop that focuses on handmade desserts and locally sourced coffee and tea. We wanted to take part in the Paint It Purple Campaign because it just makes sense to! I’m a fan of logic and it is illogical to say no to this. We support a ton of non-profit organisations in the community and the YWCA is one of favourites for personal and professional reasons.

Tell us about the special Paint It Purple cupcake you have designed for the campaign this year. (E.g. flavor, whether it’s vegan/vegetarian, how you put your own spin on the Paint It Purple cupcake design etc)

We took the design ideas that were already presented and spun them a bit. We wanted them to be branded and recognisable, so we kept it simple.We have a tinted Vanilla cupcake with a Bavarian Cream filling, topped with Vanilla Buttercream and a handmade purple and white ribbon our of fondant. We then accented them with white pearl dragees. They are always vegetarian and fully customisable; this means they can be different flavors, gluten-free, vegan or gluten-free AND vegan.

What do you think independent businesses such as Corina Bakery can do to help with efforts to prevent and stop violence against women in communities worldwide?

It’s a really big question! All we can do is continue to support efforts that aid in the prevention of violence against women as well as the continued education efforts. We are still a business, trying to pay the bills, so events like the Paint It Purple Campaign are the best because they are easy for us to participate in so we continue to thrive but can still support at the same time. Personally, each one of us at the bakery, which is predominately female staffed, work in our personal lives to be supportive of those seeking help and knowledgeable of the community resources available to our co-workers as well as our customers, with whom we form really tight bonds.

In your opinion, how can we encourage people (especially men and boys) to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

It all comes down to education. Looking at our history, the concept that women are just chattel and can be abused has a long history. Our voices, united as one, make a new sound. Gals like me grew up in a single mom household, so an independent woman is not a new thing. But she did it when few others did and that is what I have to keep in mind. I have to remember that I am a part of the “education by example”. There is a new generation of boys/men that honour and respect women and are a part of the movement WITH us. We need to encourage them to educate other men. We cannot do it all as women. We do enough. Women have a sense of our collective community–it’s a part of our being–but men do not. They come from a history of solitude and silence that includes shaming displays of emotion that ultimately boil over in tears or violence. We need to empower them to empower ourselves; we need their help and they need ours.

The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net.

Interview with a Paint It Purple Beneficiary Agency: YWCA Pierce County

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The goal of all Paint It Purple cupcake bake sales and fundraising parties is to raise money and awareness of agencies working to end VAW in their local communties. In 2012, we have four beneficiaries, each of whom we interviewed to learn more about the work they do. Today’s interview features Vanessa Darrah, Marketing Coordinator of the YWCA Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington.

Established in 1906, the YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunity and safety for women and children in the the Pierce County community. A forerunner in the domestic violence service provision field, the YWCA established Washington state’s first domestic violence shelter in 1976. Comprehensive domestic violence services that target prevention and intervention include: free legal services, therapeutic services, support groups, transitional housing, trainings, teen dating violence prevention, and more.

Tell us about YWCA Pierce County and the work that you do to stop violence against women.

The YWCA Pierce County provides comprehensive domestic violence prevention and intervention services to our community. As our shelter provides safety for our clients in an individual apartment setting, we are one of very few shelters that accept male and female victims. Along with emergency shelter, we provide: legal advocacy services, group and individual therapies, after-school programs for the children of our clients, a 24-hour crisis hotline and on-call advocate, education and information outreach programs, training and seminars. We also participate in community outreach events to create visibility and awareness of our services.

What are the unique challenges of working to stop violence against women (including domestic violence) in your community/area?

I feel that as an organisation that provides domestic violence services, we create the uncomfortable dialogue addressing intimate partner violence that needs to occur in our communities. Working to raise awareness and funds causes us to have people think and talk about an issue that goes largely ignored and hidden. Though domestic violence touches all of our lives, our society condones it through silence. Our goal is to break the silence and create visibility of an insidious problem that needs to be addressed in order to be eliminated.

Tell us about some of your successful efforts and campaigns over the years and how they work to prevent/intervene/stop violence against women in your community area.

In recent years, YWCA Pierce County has taken on two very large Capital Campaigns in order to renovate our nearly 100-year-old building and provide apartment-style living for our shelter clients, as it was apparent that communal living in a time of crisis adds unwarranted stress. We have recently completed two campaigns: The Wilsonian Campaign which provided us our new shelter, and the Encore Campaign which renovated the old shelter floors into beautiful new spaces for our children’s program and legal services. It has been quite an endeavour, but our clients deserve a beautiful space that ensures safety and healing.

The YWCA Pierce County strives to be a visible presence in our community: we have created PSAs that were broadcast on local television stations; we have a large banner that provides information about our services that is located in a very heavily trafficked area of Tacoma; we provide informational DV 101 workshops to local companies and schools; and we are a constant presence at community events through our outreach program.

Why did YWCA Pierce County decide to take part in “Paint It Purple” this year?

I had heard about Paint It Purple last year through The Pixel Project’s website and Facebook page. I knew that our organisation would be a good fit and this would be a simple and fun way to involve our community in raising awareness as well as funds.

How do we encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women and what sort of help does YWCA Pierce County need to keep your efforts going?

A large part of raising awareness and inspiring people to stand up and take action against VAW is conducting fundraisers like Paint It Purple. Matching something lighthearted with a cause that is disturbing but necessary to discuss is a great way to impassion people to stop and think about what they can do in their community to provide others safety.

Enjoying yourself while helping to provide support to those who need it allows the opportunity to become informed while having fun. We strive to involve our community in fundraising events that are tailored to their interests and create an understanding of how they can best support our mission.

 

The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net

 

Interview with a Paint It Purple Beneficiary: Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC)

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The goal of all Paint It Purple cupcake bake sales and fundraising parties is to raise money and awareness of agencies working to end VAW in their local communties. In 2012, we have four beneficiaries, each of whom we interviewed to learn more about the work they do. Today’s interview features Dianne Whitfield, Chief Executive of the Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre.

Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) has been established for over 30 years, providing free services to women and girls, men and boys, aged 5 and above, in Coventry, who are victims or survivors of sexual violence and abuse either now or in the past. We provide  a helpline, counselling service, therapy groups for adults and children,  an outreach service for black and ethnic minority groups as well as young people, support and advocacy for those who choose to go through the criminal justice system.

Wristbands sold by CRASAC.

Tell us about CRASAC (Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre) and the work that you do to stop Violence Against Women.Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) has been established for 30 years, providing free services to around 4,500 women and girls, men and boys, aged 5 and above, in Coventry, who are victims or survivors of sexual violence and abuse either now or in the past. We provide:  a helpline; counselling service; therapy groups for adults and children;  an outreach service for black and ethnic minority and LGBTQ groups  and young people; and support and advocacy for those who choose to go through the criminal justice system. We also address the effects of sexual violence in a safe environment.

The lack of consideration of VAWG as a priority, the blaming of victims and survivors by societal myths and stereotypes and the fact that Rape Crisis Centres are seen as biased, hysterical feminists which allows us not to be taken seriously.

Tell us about some of your successful efforts and campaigns over the years and how they work to prevent/intervene/stop violence against women in your community area.

  • Starting a children’s service for 5-10 year olds to replace a service stopped by our local NSPCC.
  • Lobbying to stop cuts in our services.
  • Raising the issue of our local SARC not being victim centred in terms of police referrals.

Why did CRASAC decide to take part in “Paint It Purple” this year?

To raise awareness of our services in a way that is fun and engaging.

By speaking out on behalf of our client group to dispel the myths and stereotypes that stop people coming forward to access the support they deserve. The help we need includes sustained funding and more followers on Twitter @CRASAC.

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CRASAC is set to benefit from the Paint It Purple bake sale held by Two Cousins Bakery who will sell Paint It Purple Cupcakes for 2 weeks from 8th October. A box of six cupcakes will cost £12.00 and they will donate £6.00 to the Paint It Purple campaign to be shared by CRASAC and The Pixel Project. The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net

Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakery: Superstar Pastry Design

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What motivates a busy baker to dedicate his or her talents to The Pixel Project? In this interview series, we find out! All Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakeries/bakeries were invited to share with us the reasons they chose to take part in the Paint It Purple campaign and the inspiration behind their unique twist on the classic Paint It Purple cupcake design. This interview is with Superstar Pastry Design in Anchorage, Alaska whose Paint It Purple Bake Sale benefits Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) and The Pixel Project.

Knowing early on that sweet food was for her, lifelong Anchorage resident Kory Joyner attended the King Career Center Culinary Arts program in high school and graduated from California Culinary Academy in 2002.  After getting some practical experience at Gesine’s, Kincaid Grill, and L’Aroma, Kory couldn’t help but strike out on her own.  Superstar Pastry Design was founded in 2004 and the retail shop opened its doors in January of 2008, finally bringing “TV cakes” to Anchorage.  Armed with her talented support crew, Superstar Pastry tackles Anchorage’s biggest and best cakes while still baking everything from scratch with high quality ingredients (butter!).  The retail shop also features Kaladi Brother’s espresso, cookies, brownies, and the famous CupcakeBar: custom cupcakes made to order before your eyes!

Tell us about Superstar Pastry Design and why you decided to take part in this year’s Paint It Purple campaign.

We decided to be a part of this campaign because we only exist because the community supports us so we do what we can to give back that support.  We are a woman-owned and –operated business and most of our clientele is women so it makes sense to do women-oriented campaigns.

Tell us about the special Paint It Purple cupcake you have designed for the campaign this year. 

The best thing about Superstar doing the PIP cupcakes is that we have a cupcake bar (choose your cake, filling, icing, and toppings) so the customer is not limited to one PIP flavor.  Anyone can find something they love on the cupcake bar and can have it turned into a PIP cupcake in a matter of seconds.  We also offer gluten free cupcakes. Paint It Purple cupcakes are available from October 1 – 31 in any flavour. Just ask for the Special Edition cupcake!

What do you think independent businesses such as Superstar Pastry Design can do to help with efforts to prevent and stop violence against women in communities worldwide?

Shame is a powerful weapon.  The more campaigns there are against abuse of women the more community shame will be put on the MEN to stop the abuse and the more WOMEN will know that we have their backs and can stop feeling their shame.  Of course, raising cash always helps.

In your opinion, how can we encourage people (especially men and boys) to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

By drilling it in more and more that these are our wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters that we are fighting for.  These are women that they know.  The more personal the problem feels, the more likely people are to take ownership of it.

The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net

 

Interview with A Paint It Purple Beneficiary: AWAIC

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The goal of all Paint It Purple cupcake bake sales and fundraising parties is to raise money and awareness of agencies working to end VAW in their local communties. In 2012, we have four beneficiaries, each of whom we interviewed to learn more about the work they do. Today’s interview features Jackie Nelson, Development Coordinator of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis in Anchorage, Alaska.

AWAIC is dedicated to domestic violence safe shelter and intervention. We value education, advocacy, partnership, sustainability and credibility.

Tell us about AWAIC (Abuse Women’s Aid in Crisis, Inc) and the work that you do to stop Violence Against Women.

The mission of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis is to provide safe shelter and intervention services to the domestic violence victims within the Anchorage Community and beyond. We value education, advocacy, partnership, sustainability and credibility.

We believe that everyone has the right to live in a fear-free environment and works toward eliminating domestic violence.

The purpose of AWAIC is to intervene in the cycle of violence by providing safe shelter for women and their children; support, education and advocacy for children, women and men; and community education. 

What are the unique challenges of working to stop Violence Against Women (including Domestic Violence) in your community/area?

In the last four years, AWAIC has seen an increase in the average length of stay in the program due to limited transitional housing options and long wait times for permanent housing subsidy programs. In FY 08, there was drop in the numbers served and the average length of stay in the shelter was just 18 days and in FY11, that number has grown to 29 days. The emergency shelter was at or over capacity 58.3% of the year. The demand for services and provision of basic needs has consistently increased. The program is supporting families with safe shelter and supportive services for a longer period of time in an effort to ensure that safe options are provided and permanent housing is achieved. When victims of domestic violence are faced with limited or no options for safe transitions from the emergency shelter, the likelihood they may return to abusive situations increases, perpetuating both the cycle of violence and homelessness.

Tell us about some of your successful efforts and campaigns over the years and how they work to prevent/intervene/stop violence against women in your community area.

Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) has been providing domestic violence safe shelter and intervention services to women, men and children impacted by domestic violence since 1977. AWAIC is located in Anchorage, the largest community in the state of Alaska with a population of over 290,000.  The Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) reaches from Eklutna Lake to Girdwood. AWAIC is the only domestic violence shelter between Palmer and the Kenai Peninsula and has a 52-bed capacity. As there are no other domestic violence shelters in this community, AWAIC provides a service of critical need.  Other local shelters are not equipped to deal with the unique safety concerns that accompany sheltering victims of abuse who often have abusive partners actively searching for them.

AWAIC staffing levels must remain safe and consistent with two or more staff on shift at all times to ensure quality services are being provided to participants while security cameras and other systems are being continuously monitored.  AWAIC shelter staff must be highly skilled in safety planning, crisis intervention, trauma informed care, confidentiality, the criminal and civil legal systems and the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault.  These areas of expertise make it possible for the staff to support victims of abuse as they work to stay safe and achieve independence.

Why did AWAIC decide to take part in “Paint It Purple” this year?

To build outreach and fundraising  in the community.

How do we encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women and what sort of help does AWAIC need to keep your efforts going? .

AWAIC estimates that 47,160 meals and snacks are provided to residents in shelter, which also feeds nonresidential participants and their children coming in for support.

1) Shelter 370 women and 260 children in the next year and provide services to 325 nonresidential participants.

2) Provide 47,000 meals and snacks to ensure that basic needs of shelter residents and nonresidential participants are met.

3) Provide 23,000 crisis intervention, personal support, resources and referrals, groups, legal and supportive advocacy and case management; to assist victims to achieve issues on their case plan; to include access to resources to increase income, housing and meeting basic needs.

4) Respond to 2,500 crisis calls and 8,000 community resource calls.

All of these resources come at a cost to AWAIC we need  unrestricted  funds to keep our shelter active and moving forward.

The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net

 

Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakery: Two Cousins Bakery – Coventry, UK

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What motivates a busy baker to dedicate his or her talents to The Pixel Project? In this interview series, we find out! All Paint It Purple Ambassador Cupcakeries/bakeries were invited to share with us the reasons they chose to take part in the Paint It Purple campaign and the inspiration behind their unique twist on the classic Paint It Purple cupcake design. The first interview is with Two Cousins Bakery in Coventry, England whose 2-week Paint It Purple Bake Sale in benefit of the Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (CRASAC) and The Pixel Project.

Two Cousins Bakery is… you guessed it… two cousins, Leigh Ashby and Andrea Daly! Being so close in age we’re actually more like sisters. Two Cousins Bakery comes from our mutual love of baking, creating and eating cakes! We bake fun and funky cakes and cater for all dietary requirements. We will sell Paint It Purple Cupcakes for 2 weeks from 8th October. A box of six cupcakes will cost £12.00 and we will donate £6.00 to the Paint It Purple campaign to be shared by Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre and The Pixel Project.

Tell us about Two Cousins Bakery and why you decided to take part in this year’s Paint It Purple campaign.

We feel privileged to have been able to turn our passion for baking into a successful business. Being women and mums in business we are involved in a community of independent businesses and outstanding women entrepreneurs. Every woman should be able to fulfill her passions and dreams and not be suppressed by the violent actions of others. We could name a hundred reasons why we decided to take part, but couldn’t come up with one reason for not supporting it because of the importance of the work it is doing.

Tell us about the special Paint It Purple cupcake you have designed for the campaign this year. 

The cakes will be vanilla or chocolate sponge to give people a choice. They will be topped with a light purple vanilla buttercream swirl. We wanted to keep the symbol of the campaign, so have decided to re-create the purple/white ribbon on the cupcake in edible sugarpaste. The cakes will also be decorated with white butterfly sprinkles. Butterflies go through a transformation and become beautiful butterflies from a caterpillar. On our cakes the butterfly will be a symbol of hope that the work of the campaign will support many women to be free of violence, who can then go on to transform their lives.

What do you think independent businesses such as Two Cousins Bakery can do to help with efforts to prevent and stop violence against women in communities worldwide?

Being a cupcake bakery our key customer group is women of all ages. In our daily business we use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to communicate with our potential customers. We can use these sites to help promote charities such as The Pixel Project and hopefully raise more awareness of violence against women, as well as hopefully providing somewhere to go for information for women who are looking for help.

In your opinion, how can we encourage people (especially men and boys) to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Men need to be involved in the campaign promotion. Although we are well-placed with our customer group being women, the campaign shouldn’t just be promoted by women at women. We need to relate the campaign messages to how violence against women could affect any woman…men’s sisters, daughters and so on.

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About The Pixel Project’s Paint It Purple campaign

The annual “Paint It Purple” campaign raises awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW) by getting a global audience to “paint” the internet purple during the campaign using social media. The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project, our partners and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide through cupcake bake sales and “Paint It Purple” parties. For more information, visit http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net

Paint It Purple 2012: Painting it Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month with People, Pets and Pretty Cupcakes

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1 October 2012: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated global volunteer-led online nonprofit working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is proud to launch their third annual global “Paint It Purple” campaign in support of their mission to inspire men and women to work together to prevent, stop and end VAW. The campaign begins in Domestic Violence Awareness Month on 1 October and runs until 24 November 2011 which is the eve of International Day of Elimination of VAW and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign.

This year’s Paint It Purple online awareness-raising highlight action is the “People and Pets say NO” initiative gets people to submit a photo of themselves wearing a purple outfit and posing with their pet and a sign with their name, their pet’s name, their country  and the declaration “We say NO!” Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “One factor that can keep a woman tethered to her abusive situation is her reluctance to escape without her pets because they usually also suffer violence from the abuser.” Through this initiative, The Pixel Project will build an online gallery of these statement photos over the campaign period to show these women and their pets that they are not alone and that help and support is out there.

The “People and Pets say NO” photo campaign is the latest addition to the campaign’s efforts to raise awareness about VAW by getting the global online community to “paint” the internet purple through social media. Participants do so using ‘Paint It Purple’ twibbons, buttons, banners, avatars, blog posts and YouTube videos where they step up to say “NO” to VAW while wearing purple.

The campaign also raises funds for The Pixel Project and participating anti-VAW nonprofits worldwide via “Paint It Purple” parties and bake sales held by The Pixel Project, anti-VAW nonprofits, and grassroots groups. The bake sales and parties feature cupcakes with The Pixel Project’s signature purple-and-white ribbon signifying men and women working together to end VAW.

The “Paint It Purple” 2012 bake sales in conjunction with local anti-VAW nonprofits and independent bakeries will be held in 5 cities in 3 countries. Anti-VAW nonprofits and charities benefiting from this year’s bake sales include: All Women’s Action Society (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis (Anchorage, AK, USA), YWCA Pierce County (Tacoma, WA, USA) and Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Coventry, UK). In Denver, CO, the bake sale is coordinated by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and funds raised will be put towards supporting the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which will be launched in 2013 in benefit of NCADV and a number of other anti-VAW nonprofits.

Cupcake picture courtesy of Bisou Bake Shop, Kuala Lumpur

This year, The Pixel Project also welcomes 5 independent Paint It Purple Ambassador Bakeries on board including Corina Bakery (Tacoma, WA), Superstar Pastry Design (Anchorage, AK), Cake Crumbs (Denver, CO), Two Cousins Bakery (Coventry, UK) and Bisou Bake Shop (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).

Ms Yau said: “By making “Paint It Purple” a fun, creative and inclusive campaign that anyone can become involved with, we hope to further galvanise widespread support for action to end gender-based violence which continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide.“

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For further information about “Paint It Purple”:

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

The Pixel Project is a volunteer-led nonprofit organisation whose mission is to taking fund-and-awareness raising for the cause to end violence against women into the 21st Century by delivering innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other anti-VAW nonprofits by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

The 3rd Annual “Paint it Purple” Campaign: Registration Now Open for Paint It Purple Parties and Bake Sales!

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7 July 2012: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated global volunteer-led online nonprofit working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for anti-VAW nonprofits, anti-VAW activists and community/grassroots groups who wish to hold “Paint It Purple” parties and bake sales as part of the third annual global “Paint It Purple” campaign. Registration will be open from 7 July 2012 – 7 November 2012.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “We are mindful of the busy schedules of anti-VAW nonprofits, activists and cupcakeries. So beginning from this year, we will open the registration period in early July, which is approximately 3 months ahead of the campaign launch. This will give anyone getting on board the campaign a head start with getting their parties and bake sales organised.”

“Paint It Purple” parties and bake sales are held by The Pixel Project, VAW nonprofits, and grassroots groups to raise funds for The Pixel Project and participating VAW nonprofits worldwide. Cupcakes sold are decorated with The Pixel Project’s signature purple-and-white ribbon signifying men and women working together to end VAW.

As with previous years, this year’s campaign proper will kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on 1 October and run until 24 November 2011 which is the eve of International Day of Elimination of VAW and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign. Registered participants hold their parties and bake sales at any point during the campaign period.

Ms Yau said: “This is a fun, creative and inclusive campaign that anyone can become involved with, and we hope it will continue to galvanise widespread support for action to end gender-based violence which continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. We have some exciting new stuff in store for this year’s campaign which we will be sharing with everybody as this year’s campaign gets closer, so stay tuned.“

  • To download the registration pack for both official and private Paint It Purple parties, click here.
  • To download the registration pack for Paint It Purple bake sales, click here.

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About The Pixel Project

The Pixel Project is a volunteer-led nonprofit organisation whose mission is to taking fund-and-awareness raising for the cause to end violence against women into the 21st Century by delivering innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Malaysia’s Women’s Aid Organisation by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

For further information about the campaign, please contact the “Paint It Purple” team via the contact form: http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net/contact/

For further information about The Pixel Project, visit www.thepixelproject.net