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Convoy Project

Tiger's Eye Society
SPONSORSHIP REQUEST

[Tiger's Eye Society - September 1, 2004] Tiger's Eye Society announced today its overseeing the launching of a new BC registered nonprofit, working title “Convoy Project” which focuses on “raising awareness of and assisting battered men.”

“It's a subject many men are too embarrassed or ashamed to even talk about with another guy, another female friend, or even a family member.”, explained Executive Director for Tiger's Eye Society, Caesi Bevis. According to Statistics Canada, 2% of Canadian males today are in relationships with ongoing abuse, not knowing how to leave (compared to 3% of women). The Greater Vancouver / Lower Mainland RCMP and police are reporting these statistics are low.

“Other men, if they do “talk” to try to find help, are received with snickers, aren't taken seriously, and are asked “Why don't you ‘just leave'? Reasons men cite for not leaving vary from “they feel powerless”, “they feel they can't ‘just leave' for financial reasons”; “they fear losing access to their children”; “their female partner is either very intimidating, or blackmailing them, or threatening to file charges against them – thinking the police or RCMP will believe “a woman over a man's story”.

“When we started asking around, almost every man we spoke to had a horror story to report that either he, or a friend, had experienced. Stories varied from being stalked, to being held hostage, to being hit over the head with heavy objects while sleeping. One of the men remarked ‘well, at least I haven't heard of any Lorena Bobbitt stories.' (Referring to a wife who had cut off her husband's penis.)”, Ms. Bevis continued.

“Some women have brought up to me, ‘well, who was the victim first- the woman or the man?!' From the research we have been doing to prepare for taking on this project, the indicator is ‘who holds the power in the relationship? – or – Who cowers from whom? – or – Who is afraid to stand up to whom to defend his or her self?'

Tiger's Eye Society became committed to taking on this project when one of our own members recently ended up a victim. We soon learned through the local RCMP and police that there aren't support services in place in Greater Vancouver for men to turn to. Further research turned up that there are only about a half-dozen places across Canada dealing with this, with most of them being in the Toronto area. Yet, battered male statistics are nearly as high as battered female.

Tiger's Eye Society is seeking start-up funding from BC businesses and individuals, as well as volunteers to work on this program. The following is an outline of what is needed:

• Initial web site designed and “live”. Brochures done.

• Recruit Board Members and “Advisors to the Board”.

• Consult to the new board on establishing Bylaws, and filing for BC Registration as a new nonprofit.

• Research, identify and create a network and working relationship with community partners (other nonprofits, Ministries, family doctors, counseling services, possible “safe houses”)

• Identify crisis service providers (emergency shelter, food, clothing, transit, etc.)

• Identify professional others: Lawyers, Accountant / Bookkeeper

• Analyze existing Greater Vancouver Statistics

• Determine “gaps in services”, or “existing services” which could take on referrals

• Draft Operations Plan and Budget

• Create a Strategic Plan and Forecast

• Apply for charity status

• Write grant proposals for further assistance from funding sources

• Contact business suppliers for possible donations of presentation equipment.

• Begin establishing relationships with schools, colleges and universities to set a presentation schedule

• Identify commercial space for offices, as funding becomes available

• Install toll-free numbers on move –in.

• Initially staffed by volunteers, we are anticipating the need for paid professional staff in early 2005.

Tiger's Eye Society's goal is to have the new nonprofit operational by the end of January 2005. Tentative services will include:

• Crisis and referral line with a toll-free number and separate line for teens

• A Convoy - Advocacy referral for support providing help for a man to leave his home safely, and / or assist with going to the RCMP or police, a social worker, or school officials, or to family members

• Voucher program for men in crisis who have left

• Support groups to be run by male abuse survivors as trained volunteers

• Community Information Sessions: web site plus public seminars and talks

• Dating Violence School Program for students (age 9 through university) with both a ‘support' and educational' component. Seminars / Workshops on “warning signs of unhealthy relationships”

• A Legal Referral and Advocacy Program to provide advocacy, information, support and limited court accompaniment to men going through the justice system

For more information on the Convoy Project – to become a sponsor, or volunteer,

call Tiger's Eye Society at 604-583-8729

Additional information and stats - please click below for the pdf:

FULL SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION (6 PAGES)

includes everything below, and two pages of additional information

SPONSORSHIP AND / OR MEMBERSHIP FORM (1 PAGE)

CANADIAN STATISTICS ON MALE PARTNERS AS VICTIMS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (1 PAGE)

SIGNS AN ADULT OR TEEN MALE IS A VICTIM OF ABUSE (1 PAGE)

SIGNS A BOY IS A VICTIM OF CHILD ABUSE (1 PAGE)

Become a Sponsor: (you will receive a tax receipt for advertising)

By becoming a Convoy Project Sponsor, I understand my company name (or my name) will be listed as a sponsor on all media events during 2005, and any grant proposals written. I understand I have the option of joining Tiger's Eye Society , which provides services to: adults with permanent physical disabilities, immigrants, students, seniors, strata property owners, as well as promotes support for Arts and Entertainment in BC through its Rave! Entertainment reviews program, and Rave! Rolling Billboard Cars. Through Tiger's Eye Society's Tiger Watch Community Intelligence Research (CIR), socio-economic, and poli-sci trends as well as legislation are monitored which impact certain demographic groups of communities.

Sponsorships can also be FAXED into Tiger's Eye Society at: (604) 583-8739 OR mailed to:

Tiger's Eye Society - Ste. 1903-13383 108 th Avenue - Surrey-Gateway, BC V3T 5T6

Cheques should be made out to Tiger's Eye Society.

Thank you for your support on such an important program .

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