Since last speaking with the blogging world I have been reassigned to a new primary worksite. My original worksite wasn't a great fit for me and there were significant amounts of internal conflicts concerning employees. After holding out and waiting for improvements things just weren't getting better. Thankfully the great Peace Corps staff both on island and in St.Lucia (our headquarters) were completely supportive and wanted what was best for me, that being a site change.
Last Thursday was my first official day at the Grenada National Organisation of Women. Since arriving on island I had been doing some secondary projects with GNOW on Fridays, so thankfully I was already accustomed to the workplace. The ladies at GNOW have had many Peace Corps Volunteers and are eager to have another working with them which makes it such an optimistic atmosphere to promote positive change throughout the community.
GNOW's motto is 'Empowering for Gender Equality' but doesn't incorporate all aspects of the work that's done through GNOW. For a very macho male oriented culture, this organization is pretty radical in their thinking's which really gets me fired up to help. From the time I first joined Students Against Violence Through Education at Pittsburg State University I knew I wanted to be involved in this kind of work the rest of my life but never thought I would find it on a small conservative island in the Eastern Caribbean.
The work of GNOW spans from domestic violence prevention/support, sexual assault, rape, HIV/AIDS, working in schools to promote healthy relationships, promoting legislation and sensitization of the community. My cup of tea right? This organization is powerful on the island and when things happen the news is always asking for a comment from GNOW. Never in my life have I been able to see such a grassroots movement with such potential and motivation to change. I'm getting to see work done in pushing for new legislation against sexual harassment, a protocol being made for sexual assault cases and even participating in HIV/AIDS testing booths. Just last week our organization met with a consultant from USAID that was on island surveying the HIV/AIDS epidemic (which is the second in the world) and was very interested in the work of GNOW.
I'm very blessed to be given this opportunity to move worksites to a more fitting and accepting atmosphere and cant wait to see what the future holds. For quite some time I wasn't sure I would make it the 2 years here, but I've found a new sense of motivation and drive to change and I cant wait to share the experience...
Postscript:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!!!! This is one of my favorite holidays in the States and I am sad I cant participate this year but my family has done a great job keeping me informed on the events. I even got to hear the fireworks in the background while talking to a friend, felt like I was ALMOST there.
Love and miss you guys,
Mack
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