Today is International Women's Day, so I'm taking an opportunity to interview one of my PR Campaigns class clients, Joan Prittie of Project Safe, a local nonprofit organization that works to end domestic violence through prevention and education, crisis intervention, support services, and advocacy. The Athens Banner-Herald named her one of the top newsmakers for 2009 because domestic violence claimed 10 lives in our small city last year.
Question: You told my students that Project Safe began when some Athens women were brave enough to open their homes to strangers who needed a safe place to stay. Can you tell us what you know about that time?
Joan: Unfortunately I know very little about the early years--before Project Safe officially became Project Safe. I've met some people who were involved in various ways back in the early 1980s, but I'd love to learn more about our founding mothers (and fathers) and really piece the early history together.
Question: You also said that you've been inspired by the founders' bravery. What do you do to try to live up to the example they set?
Joan: I try to keep moving the organization and the community toward an end to violence. We push ourselves to do better and do more each day.
Question: During the team's first client meeting, you said that when Project Safe had a little extra money last year, you spent some of it on marketing. I can honestly say I've never had a client tell my students that before. Why did you make that decision? How do marketing and public relations contribute to the success of Project Safe?
Joan: Before I came to Project Safe, when I was practicing law, I worked on a clemency project with 78 battered women who were in prison for killing or harming their abusers. Only one ever called a hotline, but they all had someone in their lives who knew about the violence. They got bad advice or no advice at all. That same pattern is confirmed in studies and--just recently--in the Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report.
Victims aren't in touch with advocacy/service providers, but their friends and family are aware of the abuse. Marketing and outreach is important to help people connect with us. It's also important for events like our Dancing with Athens Stars fundraiser coming up on March 21st at the Classic Center, or our resale shop, P.S.Too. Donor trends nation wide are that individual giving and government grants are decreasing, while earned income or entrepreneurship among non-profits is increasing so we want our events and business efforts to be successful.
Question: What can the rest of us do to help prevent or halt domestic violence?
Joan: Don't be violent for starters. Teach your children not to commit or condone violence. Talk about it--it's so widespread, and yet people act like it could never happen to them. Learn about the risks, warning signs and resources the same way you might educate yourself about any other health issue.
Check out our Web site or our Facebook page for information about domestic violence and resources in the area. Know that there's a hotline (706-543-3331) available 24 hours a day. Volunteer. Donate. Contact Project Safe for an education presentation or training at work, school or church.
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