We are telling the stories behind the statistics. We are breaking the silence.

Shirts from previous years

"I want to thank everyone for being courageous enough to share your stories and support one another," said a participant in the Shirts & Stories Night yesterday. In an evening filled with compassion, several women came together to share their experiences with sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, and offered support and love to one another.

Cassidy and Erika painting their shirts in the hallway.

Shirts & Stories Night began in 2008 as Westminster's contribution to The Clothesline Project.  The Clothesline aims to raise awareness by "bearing witness to violence against women." Oftentimes, we are overwhelmed and bombarded with statistics and we forget what the numbers mean.  The Clothesline consists of many different colored shirts, each decorated with the story of a victim or survivor. You can learn more about the Clothesline at www.clotheslineproject.org. Our Shirts & Stories Night provides a safe space for women (and sometimes men) to share their experiences and complete a shirt. The shirts are hung during V-Week in the Jewett Center for Performing Arts along with 200 other shirts from around Utah, which we borrow from Utah Valley University.

Erika, Neva, and Jill before the story telling

Last night, Erika Workman, a coach who specializes in emotional healing and creating self love, led the group by setting the intention to respect and help one another heal. Some shared their stories, others voiced their support. Erika did a wonderful job at moderating the discussion and helping the group release negative emotions.




This was my fourth time going to the event and it was one of the most fulfilling. Everything felt open and supportive like we were truly safe with one another.  My only wish is that more people could have experienced it.  

Blank shirts waiting to be decorated.  Each color represents a different type of abuse.

There will be a private room open for people to decorate shirts at The Vagina Monologues.  Everything will be confidential.  You can also take home a shirt to decorate it there and there is no obligation to hang your shirt. Both men and women are welcome to contribute to The Clothesline Project.





~ Peace and Happiness ~
Stacy
Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire