http://mobile.f2bb.com/bbs/show_last_reply/973055#msg_7593141

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540903&forum_id=2#25363489)

http://lizburch.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/4.jpg

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540903&forum_id=2#25364789)

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540227&mc=235&forum_id=2

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540903&forum_id=2#25365213)

Carey Hanlin (UNC), Irene Newman (UNC)

Frankie Barrett (UNC)

Natalie Dunlop (UNC)

Sarah Pederson (UNC)

Katelyn Blanchard (UNC)

Madiha Bhatti (UNC)

April Grossi (UNC)

Caroline Pittman (UNC)

Aya Avishai (UNC)

Kelly Rae (UNC)

Allison Turner (UNC)

Hussein Kesvani (UNC)

Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk

Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk

Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk

Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk

Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk Liz Hawryluk

Terry Hawryluk Terry Hawryluk Terry Hawryluk Terry Hawryluk

John E. Hawryluk, Terry Hawryluk, Kathleen Hawryluk and Kate Hawryluk

John E. Hawryluk, Terry Hawryluk, Kathleen Hawryluk and Kate Hawryluk

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540227&mc=226&forum_id=2

Jennifer Waldkirch Sarah Pederson, Wilson Hood, Mars Earle

Christa Hawryluk Collins

Middlebury

Terry Hawryluk

Raleigh, North Carolina

Kathleen Hawryluk

John Hawryluk

Raleigh, North Carolina

Kate Hawryluk

Old Dominion · Norfolk Collegiate

People Who Like This

Close

Nikhil Umesh

UNC

Anastasia Karklina

Durham, North Carolina

Nicholas Montoni

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lydia Potts

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Jennifer Waldkirch

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Megan Elise Rutherford

Costume Designer and Supervisor at Kenan Theatre Company - ktc

Evan Griffith

UNC

Jane Harper

UNC Chapel Hill

Margo Anne Balboni

UNC

Elizabeth Brown

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jack Witty

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Caroline O'Neill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Wilson Hood

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Trevor Dougherty

DJ/Producer at Good ratio

http://encyclopediadramatica.es/Liz_Hawryluk

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540973&mc=13&forum_id=2

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540227&mc=240&forum_id=2

http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540227&mc=240&forum_id=2

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540792&mc=1&forum_id=2

http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540792&mc=1&forum_id=2

http://collegiateacb.com/schools/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=56536

http://boston.barstoolsports.com/m/random-thoughts/and-the-pussification-of-america-continues-north-carolina-bar-fitzgeralds-irish-pub-forced-to-apologize-after-feminist-makes-a-stink-about-the-dj-playing-blurred-lines/

http://anonboard.com/bbs/show_topic/973055

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540441&mc=1&forum_id=1

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540438&mc=1&forum_id=2

http://anonboard.com/bbs/show_topic/973055/2

http://collegiateacb.com/schools/viewtopic.php?f=102&t=56537&p=272098

http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540814&mc=6&forum_id=2

http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540814&mc=6&forum_id=2

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540903&forum_id=2#25365552)

’m exhausted.

Today one of my closest friends told me she was raped last night. She did not lay claim to the term, nor did I when I was with her, but it took all of 45 seconds for her to start victim blaming herself, rather than holding the man accountable who responded to her statement I don’t want to have sex with “okay” then proceeded to do otherwise.

It didn’t help, either, that her claim was minimized by friends who said “Wow, what a jerk. Want to start a rumor about him?” as if what he did was not a felony offense nor immeasurably damaging to her life-long physical and emotional health.

I’m exhausted.

Tonight I was contacted for the first time in five months by my emotionally abusive ex. What started off as an unhealthy relationship spiraled downward when I finally reclaimed control and ended things. What started off as a minimalizing claim “…I happened to be filtering through old texts and I’m pretty sure I didn’t mean to send this to you” to disregard a drunk text he accidentally sent back in September turned into him, once again, telling me how I felt: “And I’m sure it doesn’t make sense to you.”

I felt frozen, once again.

Then things took a turn for the better. He made another minimalist claim: “And yes, I have realised I was a bit of a nob.” His drunk texts somehow started to reveal that yes, he did claim that he was “Maybe more than a bit of a nob” and then apologized, wishing me well, saying he was sorry that he was wrong and “never had the balls to admit I was wrong.”

After pausing for thought, I simply responded with I appreciate that.

Instantly, the tone changed.

“Okay, you did get all my bad side,” he claimed. And went on to say that he was not a bad person, just “didn’t conduct my business appropriately.”

So, I was minimized to a transaction.

I’m exhausted of being told how to feel. Yes, as to be expected, he went on to further degrade me.

I’m exhausted of being told that emotional abuse was simply deriding properly conducted business, and of having close friends say “Well, he was just being a jerk.”

No. He was being emotionally abusive and that is distinctly damaging to one’s psyche, but also to structural issues of male entitlement.

I’m exhausted.

Of victim blaming. Of abuse. Of a criminal justice system that less than 15% of survivors feel comfortable in reporting to, and in which an estimated 3% of rapists will ever be held accountable. Of close friends from high school saying “I’m very disappointed” in the feminist satire I post. Of some men instantly dubbing feminists as “man-haters” as the easiest possible means of disregarding their all together too pertinent points. Of being derided as politically incorrect and insensitive for daring to offend those who actively participate in systems of oppression — as if calling attention to the dangers of their actions is somehow impermissible, while their actions are not.

I’m tired of it being called radical for women to expect equality. For articles, such as Tomi’s and mine to be derided as twisted man-hating ideologues rather than taken for what they are: reclaiming safe spaces for survivors.

I’m exhausted of privilege. Of ignorance. Of rape culture. Of hurtful, hateful verbatim rather than taking the time to sit down and listen. To read. To educate. For a call to act.

I’m exhausted of men like one who messaged me two weeks ago and said, “So, what bad thing happened to you?” as if my story is any of his business, as if that question isn’t phenomenally privileged in nature, as if his later claim to “not be the type” to get involved in that type of work somehow made his question palatable. No. It was triggering, problematic and deeply offensive.

I’ve worked on human rights issues for more than seven years. For three, I’ve spoken clearly and often about the necessity of ending the death penalty, of recognizing the structural injustices and deeply permeating discrimination which demarcates its utilization. Never have I been so regularly degraded and personally attacked for calling for human rights as I have been since working in a rape crisis center, speaking against interpersonal violence, and openly identifying as a feminist – something I never experienced when working with rehabilitation and death penalty abolition. Nothing separates feminism from a call for the recognition of human rights. Instead, the degradation of feminists it is the knee jerk reaction of privilege, pride and self-defense. That doesn’t make it right. It makes it pervasive and exhausting for those who speak against it.

I’m exhausted of a reality comprised of 1 in 3 women experiencing abuse in their lifetime, of 66 million girls globally out of school, of 80% of human trafficking victims of being female-identified and an estimated 150 million girls being subjected to sexual abuse each year. I’m tired of claims that feminism is antiquated, its goals have been met. Anyone who takes a moment to research these issues, even if not feminine-identified and living the manifestations of these oppressions each day, will recognize that feminism is necessary, timely and immeasurably important.

I’m inspired.

Contrarily, I’m inspired by this beautiful feminist community I’ve found. For the solidarity it provides. For being taught the tools to deconstruct my own oppression. To recognize how my own thoughts have been silenced. How being called a man-hater for arguing for equality is a defense mechanism for the privilege for others. For Bell Hook’s articulation of what love really is. For organizations like the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. For One Act training and other community education models which articulate that interpersonal violence includes emotional, physical and verbal abuse. For the feminist theories which breathe life into the everyday. For beautiful publications like this. Of days of remembrance like this. By photos projects like this. For the words of Jackson Katz, who asserts that violence against women is a men’s issue: because men perpetuate 95% of violence against both women and other men; the responsibility does not lie with the survivor, but with the men who commit the offenses. Last, I’m inspired by the beautiful community that has welcomed me as one of its own.

ImageImage

Image

I hope.

That one day, each and every one of you feels compelled to get involved. To join the feminist movement and interpersonal violence prevention effort because it touches each and every one of our lives. Men, boys, girls, women, and all of those fitting outside that gender binary are influenced by constrained constructions of masculinity, of the predominance of men’s violence (against other men and women), and by the fear that this violence creates in our lives. I hope for a day free of this violence. I hope for a day in which gender equality is realized.

And in honor of the immeasurably inspiring recently passed Nelson Mandela, and for all of you standing up for equality but also having an incredibly difficult time, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Image

Filed under Uncategorized | 2 Comments

NOV

12

Flashes

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Liz H.

Standard

Yesterday was a flash of inspiration. Inspiration to write, to reflect, yes. But even a day to reflect the meaning of activism - not only as an identity, but moreover as a way of living that has come to feel like home.

This semester has been a beautiful, albeit chaotic one. Days are filled with classes / the internship / my job / working with the fabulous co-chairs of the Coalition for Human Rights / supporting the campus y / seeing friends / having chill Carrboro moments / biking at all hours / procrastinating real work by applying to all/any international fellowships.

But days like yesterday are worth documenting.

A few weeks ago, the Coalition for Human Rights had our first huge event: the Human Rights Festival. After weeks of stress, it all came together. Twenty social justice organizations – ranging from CAST (Carolina Against Slavery & Trafficking) , the Carolina Women’s Center, Project Dinah’s Dear Assaulter Photo Project, SWAG (an organization for Gender Equality), SUIE (for immigration reform), the Duke Human Rights Center, Immunization Ambassadors, Globe Med and many, many others – eight performances, ranging from moving spoken poetry, the Guitar Heels, the Carolina Ukelele Ensemble, the amazing Morning Brigade performance, and a variety of acappella groups, joined the event. It was a space for collaboration, activism, energy and #HumanRightsHappiness.

1

2

At the event, Emily, who works with the Duke Human Rights Center, and I ended up chatting and sharing ideas. She invited CHR members out to a talk this evening with John Prendergast. John is exactly the sort of person I want to be — a background with the UN, Human Rights Watch, UNICEF, co-founder of the NGO Enough, but also former Director of African Affairs for the National Security Council, part of the Clinton Administration, with substantial work with the State Department, he has managed to seamlessly flow between the government, politics, policy and activism — casually name dropping my idol, Samantha Power, as his best friend.

Yep, so you better bet I took Emily up on her offer.

This evening, two lovely members of the Campus Y & CHR joined me for the trek over to Duke. We somehow managed to arrive to the reception right as it started. Emily sweetly nudged us in the direction of John, right as he emerged from an interview. We managed to have a small group chat with him for 20 minutes. Including photos. We had to work hard to downplay the enthusiasm. It was incredible.

3

He spent the evening’s discussion on the role of activism, how to make it effective, and his own route. His talk ranged from forming a team, means of staying inspired, how to engage in meaningful work. It was just the spark I think we all needed in the audience.

4

So excited. This week is full of incredible human rights oriented events, as well as entirely too much work / class facilitation planning / an incredibly large application. But Wednesday will hopefully be marked by talking to John with a few other activists. #SoMuchHappiness.

More soon. Over & out.

Lots of love,

Liz

P.S. – These songs: +1 +2. This +blog. This +moment. This +news article. This +activist. This +description. This +quote. This +piece.

Filed under Uncategorized and tagged Carolina Against Slavery & Trafficking, Coalition for Human Rights, Duke Human Rights Center, Human Rights Festival, Human Rights Watch, John Prendergast | Leave a comment

SEP

11

The Valleys Where We Hid

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Liz H.

Standard

The days grow long and challenging. The stress comes in waves. The passion, activism and enthusiasm drives me onward. But every now and again – evenings are spent just like this. Sipping white wine in my favorite cafe, in the nearby presence of friends, writing my first (attempted to be published) piece of travel writing. Of course about Rwanda. Late this afternoon, as we wrapped up our teach-in, dialogue regarding Syria at the Coalition for Human Rights, another Campus Y member mentioned the notion of having our very own commemoration of Rwanda’s 20th anniversary.

I couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospect. Until later, then. Much love.

Liz

The Afternoons We Spent Broken Down: When communities came together to fetch us from the hills in which our van fell into disrepair. Games ensued.

A Figure of Strength: Jackson, our host, guide and beloved friend – spending a day with us touring Rwanda’s most notorious killing sites. Photo Cred: Sarah Collman.

The Valleys Where We Hid: The moment when a valley, so graceful in its peace, came alive for us when we realized it was only through its murky marsh waters that many found their survival.

Filed under Uncategorized | Leave a comment

AUG

19

Balance

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Liz H.

Standard

One of my favorite things about this past year has been searching for this balance. It practically reeks of the ultimate chick flick that I shamelessly watch (and indulgently read before jetting off for India a few summers back) Eat, Pray, Love when protagonist Liz (yes, Liz) who is galabanting through India, Indonesia and Italy to find herself (among other things; yes, we can discuss the levels of disconcerting parallels later) articulates:

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.”

It’s good to be back. But also a slippery slope of over commitment / being told you aren’t committed enough / lots of scary applications / surprise deadlines / syllabi that run 15 pages long / 10 minute meetings where you are made to feel really, really small.

It’s difficult. Scary. Challenging. Unsettling. Unbalanced.

So, here’s to a challenge: chasing happiness and a personal sense of fulfillment/worth. Now that the Peace Corps application is off, I’m going to carry on with the flippant notion of trying to be happy and do what I can, but not succumb to the frenzied state of being that has marked my, admittedly, very few (and for this reason) semesters at UNC. Instead, here’s to wishing / learning / growing / nerding out/ listening to others / loving / adventuring / dreaming.

Song of the day: here.

Image

All my love & happiness / excitement for reunion & the new academic year to you all!

Besos,

Liz

Filed under Uncategorized | Leave a comment

AUG

18

Glass Half Full

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Liz H.

Standard

There is nothing quite like a rainy day, steaming cup of Open Eye coffee and a good life chat to make me think of the UK.

london eye view

Song of the morning: here.

Back in “Hippie-town” (i.e. Carrboro) as dubbed by a Mr. Matthew Hotham, the grad student who many a time amused the 25 crazy kids of the SEAS (Carolina Southeast Asia Summer) program as we galabanted through Singapore back in 2011.

Moved in last night to what I can only describe as the perfect room (thank you Anna for making it feel like home), tucked away right around the corner from Weaver Street market / down the street from Open Eye café / and fully immersed in Carrboro culture. Could not love it more.

But finally facing a bit of that reverse culture shock as the burden of applications, ordering textbooks, checking schedules for classes, recruiting the incoming “kiddies” as I internally think of them (in other words, first years) for the nifty Coalition for Human Rights at Campus Kickoff (Warning: shameless plug coming. We like human rights, do you? check us out at the Campus Y on Tuesdays this upcoming fall.) and applying for errrrything under the sun.

Trying to evade the stress of it all with beautiful reunions and some much needed perspective. Received kind of a damning email from a former professor the other day as he tried to explain the caliber of former recipients of a particular scholarship I’m being ridiculous and applying for. He noted these candidates have already changed the world. This lent itself to his not so subtle point – so what have you done? [ps - the phrase "changed the world" just sounds so white-man's-burden and imperialistic to me these days; as well as an extremely short-sited notion of global development. just throwing that out there]

Which brings me to the point of this post. Many of you have become acclimated to me dropping off the face of the planet in the blogging sphere as I … re-appear stateside. But every now and again, discussing pertinent points like reassessing value and determining worth are certainly things that deserve a post and some reflection. Because at its core — it’s arbitrary. What defines what drives you? What makes you worthwhile? It’s easy to lose sight of your unique traits when filling out forms like the one I’m attempting to power through now which essentially asks which big name scholarships I’ve gotten in the past / if I’m working on an honors thesis etc. Mind you, this is the cover page. I’m a little afraid that they won’t look past it.

But as all of us dive into that ever so lovely pool of applicants for scholarships / grad school / med school / jobs and perpetually hear the line, “So, what can you do for me?” or feel the pressure of proving our worth to a particular committee with members on board that have more letters behind their name than you have in the spelling of yours, just take a deep breath, have a bit of faith, give a smile and just be you.

Because you’re enough. [in the much beloved phrase of one of my closest friends, Lizz]

xx

Liz

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2540903&forum_id=2#25367561)