Choose The Bear Tour: Blogs and Interviews
For eight weeks, I’m pedaling across Michigan while interviewing women about gender-based violence and economic abuse.
This journey was envisioned by orsa credit union: a Michigan-based, for-impact credit union that invests in financial infrastructure for survivors of domestic abuse.
All my interviews are with orsa’s network of experienced frontline partners, which include Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Uniting Three Fires Against Violence , The Women’s Center, Hope Shores Alliance, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, River House, First Step, HAVEN, The House of Kadence, and On the Wings of Angels.
By the end of the ride, I’ll have eight blogs and six interview transcripts. I’ll continue uploading them here as they’re published.
Uniting Three Fires Against Violence embodies its mission to end systemic violence against Native people.
Part 1 introduces the UTFAV team, and explores some of the legal and systemic issues that impact Indigenous people’s safety in Michigan.
Part 2 explores personal stories of financial abuse, the tragedy of Missing or Murdered Indigenous women, and hope for the future.
We talked about HAVEN’s 51 year history, Christine’s background in law enforcement, and the complexity of advocating for survivors.
On The Wings of Angels provides immediate support for survivors of domestic violence.
We talked about JoJo’s path to On The Wings of Angels, examples of financial abuse, and why community is so crucial for survivors.
An eight-week bike ride for women’s safety and autonomy.
