2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
2022
Beautiful people, as stated in the 2021 Update, Dora was involved in an auto accident in early May 2021, requiring her to focus her energies on healing from the injuries she sustained in it. Although Dora has made progress, she is still recovering as we enter 2022. Public and online events are being tentatively explored for October of 2022, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in the United States. Dora also hopes to finalize the development of this new, expanded website and return to working with new coaching clients in late 2022, as her recovery allows. As 2022 unfolds, updates will be added to this Timeline announcing Dora’s public and online events, as well as the opening of the new coaching season. If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings for public or online events, consulting or individual coaching for late 2022/early 2023, please email her here.
Dora will be back soon, and sends her gratitude to every person who took the time to send good wishes, prayers, and blessings since May 2021 in the aftermath of her auto accident. Thank you for your patience, support and presence. Dora continues to send love and grace to hold everyone in this ongoing, wild unfurling of our lives as we navigate the continued presence of COVID and a return to more engaged, interactive living once again.
ALL PEACE TO YOU.
2021
*****UPDATE*****
Beautiful people, Dora was involved in an auto accident in early May 2021, which requires her to focus her energies on recovering and healing from the injuries she sustained in it for the remainder of 2021. Dora’s public and online events have been necessarily cancelled, and development of this new, expanded website has been postponed until Dora has recovered enough to resume finalizing its development. Dora will return to working with new coaching clients in 2022, as her healing allows.
Dora will be back soon, and is sending her gratitude to every person who took the time to send good wishes, prayers, and blessings since May to Dora in the aftermath of her auto accident. She continues to send love and grace to hold everyone in this ongoing, wild unfurling of our lives in this extended moment of disruption and uncertainty, transformation and its many possibilities.
ALL PEACE TO YOU.
******
Beautiful people, what a moment we are all learning to navigate.
Since the global unfolding with the COVID/Corona Virus pandemic began in March of 2020, we have all been required to develop unparalleled levels of patience, flexibility and adaptability as we find our way forward through such ongoing challenge and unpredictability. Nine months ago when the pandemic began, we could not have foreseen that we would greet 2021 from the continued isolation and precautions of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, with little assurance of when we might rejoin each other in person and the world at large. As we continue to adapt to the demands of this moment, Dora will continue to work on her next book and this newly platformed and greatly expanded website, while also managing consulting and coaching commitments with private clients.
As we tentatively explore the possibilities of public events in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Dora will update this timeline with any public events the pandemic may allow, as well as with any online programs or events that she offers, either individually or in collaboration with other people and programs. If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings for online events or individual coaching, please email her here.
Please stay safe and healthy as we all learn to navigate this unprecedented moment and the unfolding forward.
ALL PEACE TO YOU. DORA
2020
Although Dora was scheduled to do a number of public events in April in honor of the combined campaigns of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Crime Victim’s Rights Awareness Week, as well in October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, all of Dora’s public events for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled as of March 13, 2020.
The global unfolding with the Corona Virus pandemic requires an unprecedented level of flexibility and ongoing adaptability in meeting the needs of everyone, including survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Dora will be working with clients to proceed with as many safe and effective Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) programs as possible to maintain the highest commitment to the well-being and safety of everyone involved. Given the social distancing and shelter-in-place orders across the majority of the United States and countries around the world, along with the increasing national rates of infection and death related to Covid-19, the Internet offers a wide array of possibilities for providing programming that safeguards everyone while maximizing the opportunities available to meet the goals of tending to survivors and their needs WHILE raising awareness of the challenges they face, the resources available to them and the ongoing coordination of efforts across communities to prevent, manage and respond to these experiences of violence and the subsequent needs for healing and empowerment.
As we adapt to this moment, Dora will update this timeline of any online programs or events that she offers, either individually or in collaboration with other people and programs. Dora will continue to work on her next book and her new, expanded website, which will launch in early 2021, while also managing consulting and coaching commitments with private clients. If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings for online events or individual coaching, please email her here.
Please stay safe and healthy as we all learn to navigate this unprecedented moment and the unfolding forward.
ALL PEACE TO EACH ONE OF YOU. DORA
2019
Dora will be available for a limited number of public events through June 2019 while she works on her next book of poems and manages consulting and coaching commitments with private clients.
If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings for events or individual coaching, please email her here.
Thank you for your patience. News about the next book will be announced soon!
2018
Dora will be available for a limited number of public events through December 2018 while she works on her next book of poems and manages consulting and coaching commitments with private clients.
If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings, please email her here.
Thank you for your patience!
THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY RUBY CELEBRATION OF CRISIS CENTER NORTH!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DORA E. MCQUAID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
6:00 – 9:00PM
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL PITTSBURGH – CRANBERRY, PA
Poetry and activism bring me back to Pennsylvania once again! I am deeply honored to have been commissioned to write an original poem commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Crisis Center North in Pittsburgh. This new poem, SANCTUARY, which I wrote to honor Crisis Center North, will be unveiled during the 40th Anniversary Celebration with my first public performance of the poem.
From the press release: “Please join us for a night of celebrating the 80,000 lives that Crisis Center North has helped to save and restore since 1978 by providing victims of domestic violence with free, life-saving advocacy, counseling, and educational services. The event will also feature a panel of past and present CCN leaders to discuss the past, present, and future of the Center and victims’ services in Allegheny County, and recognition of community members and organizations committed to the cause of domestic violence through presentation of the CCN’s annual Northern Star Awards.”
Following the unveiling of the original poem, Sanctuary, and the Northern Star awards ceremony, I will also be doing a book signing of my book, the scorched earth.
Come join us in the celebration of Crisis Center North!
FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE.
Domestic Violence Leaves An Empty Place At The Table
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DORA E. MCQUAID
October 9, 2018
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
3rd Floor, Courthouse Annex, Bellefonte, Pennsyvania
I will be returning to Centre County, Pennsylvania to serve as the Keynote Speaker for this Domestic Violence Awareness Month event sponsored by Centre Safe (formerly Centre County Women’s Resource Center) and Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. I’m honored and excited to be returning to Centre County to once again share my work with the members of the extended community and to honor local victims and survivors of domestic violence, as well as the Centre County organizations that are dedicated to assisting and supporting survivors in healing and reclaiming their lives, as I did for the many years that I taught at Penn State and made State College my home.
District Attorney Bernie Cantorna will also speak during this public event and the Centre County Commissioners will declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Anne Ard, Executive Director of Centre Safe, and Dawn McKee, Centre Safe Special Projects Coordinator, will discuss resources available for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the powerful public exhibit of the Centre County An Empty Place at The Table, honoring the Centre County community members whose lives were cut short in domestic violence-related homicides since 1998 with personalized place settings showing that “domestic violence leaves an empty place at the table”. McQuaid will do a book signing of the scorched earth following the event inside the courthouse.
Centre County is the county in which Penn State/University Park Campus is, where I did both my undergraduate and graduate programs and then served as faculty in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences from 1999 through 2006. In honor of my activism addressing domestic and sexual violence, my image replaced that of Jerry Sandusky, former Penn State football coach and convicted pedophile, in the Inspiration Mural following his conviction in 2012. Given my history at Penn State and within the State College and University Park campus communities, the opportunity to return to honor survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence is always an honor. This particular event is even more meaningful for me as it is being held in the SAME courthouse where I took my abuser to court decades ago for a Protection From Abuse order and the same courthouse where Jerry Sandusky was convicted. This is the first time I will have the opportunity to speak at this particular courthouse, and to also offer a book signing of my book, the scorched earth, which I wrote after confronting my abuser, fighting for my safety and healing from the history of violence I had known to that point in my life. To be able to return to this courthouse to honor other survivors decades after I confronted my abuser there is an honor beyond words.
Please come join us and show your support of survivors of domestic violence.
Printable PRESS RELEASE here.
Printable EVENT POSTER here.
SURVIVE AND THRIVE: Six Stories of Triumph over Violence
Dora SERVES AS the Featured Speaker for this launch event
Saturday, April 7, 2018
6:00 pm
Taos Community Auditorium
Taos, New Mexico
A Taos Youth Heartline Event to launch their month-long celebration
of Survive and Thrive, honoring April as:
National Sexual Assault Awareness Mont,
National Child Abuse Awareness Month
And National Crime Victims’ Awareness Week, April 8 – April 14, 2018
Please join us to honor six amazing survivors, spanning all demographics, who will share their inspiring stories of surviving and then thriving, as we also honor all of the survivors among us in the Northern New Mexico Community.
Speakers include: Po Chen, Taos Youth Heartline Executive Director, Wiz Allred, Taos Youth Heartline Board President, McKenzy Jackson, Rose Gordon, Stacie Waters and Dora E. McQuaid.
Dora will also be available for a book singing of the scorched earth following the event in the lobby of the Taos Community Auditorium.
Since 1991, Taos Youth Heartline’s mission is to make life better and safer for vulnerable children and families in our community. More information at Youth Heartline and the month long celebration of SURVIVE AND THRIVE.
Download a printable version of the April 7, 2018 SURVIVE AND THRIVE flyer here.
2017
Dora will be available for a limited number of public events through September of 2017 while she works on her next book of poems.
If you’d like to connect with her to explore bookings, please email her here.
Thank you for your patience. News about the next book will be announced soon!
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred
Sage Institute for Creativity and Consciousness, Taos, NM
Saturday, August 12, 2017
11:00 to 4:00 pm
Dora, as a Sage Institute Board Member, offers this daylong original workshop combining sacred and contemporary poetry, contemplative readings with experiential meditations and exercises to help you explore your connection to the Divine and offers exercises designed to deepen and sustain that connection on a daily basis. The explorations and writings that Dora will guide you through will assist you in exploring the questions deep within your heart, and, more importantly, will support you in listening to the answers, creating space for the truths leading you forward to the life that wants to live through you.
Dora has taught this original workshop nationally and it has emerged as one of her most popular programs. Participants will receive a compilation of sacred and contemporary poetry, as well as.
Download a printable document about this workshop here.
Offered as part of The Sage Institute’s 2017 Summer of Creativity and Consciousness offerings of programs. For more information and to register, please see: https://www.sagetaos.com/events2/
LISTEN UP: The Voice Of Young New Mexico
Thursday, June 1, 2017
6:30 – 8:00 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)
KTAO radio, 101.9 FM in Northern NM.
Listen to the show live anywhere in the world at: ktao.com
Dora will be joining Host Marcus Sanders and Youth Hosts Kyle Totman and Leah Epstein for a discussion of youth activism, discussing the power of the personal story in the public realm as a means of change, political engagement and social justice. Dora will share how her personal experiences of both domestic and sexual violence led to her public career of addressing the epidemic of both forms of violence through poetry and performance to create change, build community and foster healing and empowerment for other survivors.
LISTEN UP is the leader of youth radio in New Mexico, providing a platform for younger voices to be heard and considered for over ten years.
Please join us by listening in!
2016
Dora will be on tour internationally with her collection of poems, the scorched earth and the scorched earth: spoken audio disc companion during 2016.
Please check back for dates and locations or sign up for Dora’s once-monthly ENewsletter here.
the scorched earth is Dora E. McQuaid’s collection of poems about her journey from victimization to survivorship, through healing from a history of both sexual and domestic violence into empowerment and advocacy as an award-winning poet, activist, speaker and teacher.
Order your copy here!
“Startling and visionary…” – Eve Ensler, from the Foreword Eve wrote for this collection, Tony Award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues and In the Body of the World, Founder of the international V-DAY Foundation and One Billon Rising.
Dora, Prince, Rumi & 12 Bar Blues with Bob Livingston and Don Con
Dora joins master musicians Bob Livingston, bluesman and founder of the Lost Gonzo Band in Austin TX, and Don Conoscenti, multi-instrumental singer-song writer, for a new combination of 12-Bar Blues and poetry, featuring Prince and Rumi, as well as new poems of mine from my upcoming book! Bob, Don and I have done several of these sets over the years past but have never done any Prince together, but, as Prince said, we’re gonna give it a twirl, in honor of him. We’ll be joined by musician/producer Don Richmond and bassist Jim Bradley. Please join us!
Saturday April 30, 2016 at 8:00 pm at Taos Mesa Brewing
Taos, NM, for blues and poetry.
Dora Joins Volume Four of Misfits, Malcontents and Mystics
Event to benefit the Taos Men’s Homeless Shelter.
Please come join us to hear stories and poetry about this magical place that Taos is, as offered by local luminaries Paul Pascarella, Ken O’Neil, Annapurna Alisa Sydell, Simon Bell, Jack Mitchell, Bruce Katlin, Alice Zorthian and Dora.
Curated and hosted by the founder of the shelter himself, Clinton Joseph Murphy.
Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Taos Center for the Arts, Taos, NM
Empowering the Survivor’s Voice:
Writing as a Means of Healing
Date: TBA 2016
During 2016, Dora E. McQuaid will host a workshop in State College, PA, where Penn State University is located, to afford survivors of sexual violence the opportunity to gather as a group for a weeklong intensive writing workshop.
Through the Council for Hope and Healing and Happy Valley Cares, Dora will be working with Penn State University student leaders to offer this program.
The workshop has been designed to:
1. As a group, write a poem about the experience of survivorship and healing that will be incorporated into the blue ribbon woven through Dora E. McQuaid’s hair and arms in her image in Michael Pilato’s Heister Street Inspiration Mural;
2. As a group, share experiences and resources of healing, empowerment and community regarding personal history of victimization and survivorship;
3. Address current community-wide need for greater awareness, education, prevention, management and outreach services and support for victims of sexual violence;
4. Provide counseling services via local non-profits to participants of the workshop on an as-needed basis;
5. Provide participants with tools for ongoing healing that will support them after the workshop commences;
6. Create a community-wide event for the unveiling and group delivery of the final poem developed through the weeklong workshop itself as a means of raising awareness, strengthening community response and celebrating survivorship, healing and empowerment.
The group poem will be added to the blue ribbon on Dora E. McQuaid’s image on the Inspiration Mural.
Please check back for the workshop dates, which will be posted as soon as we have them determined.
For more information, see:
The Council for Hope and Healing
Happy Valley Cares
2015
Dora will be on tour with her collection of poems, the scorched earthand the scorched earth: spoken audio disc companion during 2015.
Please check back for dates and locations or sign up for Dora’s once-monthly ENewsletter here.
the scorched earth is Dora E. McQuaid’s collection of poems about her journey from victimization to survivorship, through healing from a history of both sexual and domestic violence into empowerment and advocacy as an award-winning poet, activist, speaker and teacher.
Order your copy here!
“Startling and visionary…” – Eve Ensler, from the Foreword Eve wrote for this collection, Tony Award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues and In the Body of the World, Founder of the international V-DAY Foundation and One Billon Rising.
AUTHOR EVENT: DORA E. MCQUAID PRESENTS the scorched earth
AT THE CHESTER COUNTY BOOK COMPANY
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
7:00 – 9:00 pm
967 Paoli Pike, West Goshen Center
West Chester, PA
Dora is excited to return to her hometown of West Chester and to the Chester County Book Company, where she had her first job at the age of sixteen.
This will be Dora’s ONLY event in Chester County and the LAST of her Pennsylvania book and speaking tour. Please come join us for her homecoming celebration of a reading and book signing of the scorched earth.
DORA RETURNS TO PENN STATE AND STATE COLLEGE, PA
As part of her book and speaking tour across Pennsylvania, Dora will do two public events in Centre County:
PUBLIC TALK AT THE INSPIRATION MURAL WITH MURALIST MICHAEL PILATO AND BOOK SIGNING: AT THE STUDENT BOOKSTORE
STATE COLLEGE, PA
Saturday, November 7th at 2:00pm
At the corner of Heister Street and College Avenue
Open to the Public
Dora and muralist Michael Pilato will speak in front of Dora’s image at the Inspiration Mural about Personal and Community Response to Sexual and Domestic Violence. Michael will also be placing handprints into the mural of the survivors of sexual violence who are present and would like to be included.
Following her talk, the Student Book Store will host Dora for a book signing of Dora’s book, the scorched earth at 330 E. College Avenue, State College.
Sponsored by the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, Michael Pilato, Hotel State College, Student Book Store and the Peaceful Hearts Foundation.
PUBLIC TALK:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND EMPOWERMENT: BE THE CHANGE OUR WORLD NEEDS
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY / UNIVERSITY PARK MAIN CAMPUS
Thursday, November 5th, 7:00-8:30 pm
HUB / Hetzel Union Building, Room 129C
Open to the Public
Dora will discuss student activism and empowerment, topics she taught during her time as faculty in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences between 1999 and 2006, with particular focus on the issues of both domestic and sexual violence.
Sponsored by the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, Penn State University’s Office of Student Conduct, Residence Life and the University Park Undergraduate Association and the Hotel State College.
To schedule an interview with Dora in person in State College between 11/2 and 11/9 OR to schedule a phone interview after 10/22, please contact Dora here.
CRISIS CENTER NORTH PRESENTS
AN EVENING WITH DORA E. MCQUAID:
POET. ACTIVIST. TEACHER. SPEAKER.
Thursday, October 28, 2015
6:00 – 10:00 pm
Andrew Carnegie Music Hall, Carnegie, PA
Dora will be serving as Keynote Speaker for Crisis Center North’s Annual Celebration, with the generous corporate sponsorship of Verizon’s Hopeline. Verizon’s Hopeline, which provides free cell phones and service to victims of domestic violence in the US, has requested sole sponsorship of this event in honor of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please join Dora in Pittsburgh during her Pennsylvania book and speaking tour in October as we celebrate the many years of Crisis Center North’s groundbreaking work serving survivors as they rebuild their lives. A book signing with Dora’s collection, the scorched earth, will be part of this event.
Details and tickets available at:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/crisis-center-north-presents-an-evening-with-dora-e-mcquaid-tickets-18118922184?aff=es2
More information about Crisis Center North available at
http://www.crisiscenternorth.org
DORA TRAVELS TO LOS ANGELES FOR
THE FLAME, FIST AND DANCE TOUR!
WITH PAT PAYNE, SANDRA HUNTER AKKA B.
“I have been flame, fist, dance and spin…”
From Dora’s poem, Homecoming, in her collection of poems, the scorched earth.
As part of her current book and speaking tour, Dora will be in Los Angeles for several events during the first week of October 2015. She will be performing with performance poet and performance artist, Pat Payne, aka The Velvet Hammer, award-winning fiction writer Sandra Hunter and poet, speaker and teacher Akka B. Poet.
Dora co-founded The NeoSpinsters with Pat Payne in 2002 after a fateful meeting during the Taos Poetry Circus where Pat became the Heavy Weight Bout Champion, quickly adding performance poet Reina Prado to the NeoSpinsters to tour together internationally. Sandra Hunter and Dora met at the 2011 A Room of Her Own Retreat (AROHO), when Dora won the New Mexico Woman Writer Fellowship to attend, and have waited four years to finally perform together. And Akka B. and Dora realized through social media that they share their love of both fiery living and exploring the wild.
We have several events on schedule:
THE FLAME, FIST AND DANCE SALON PARTY!
Hosted by me, Akka B., Pat Payne, and with special guest Sandra Hunter
In legendary rock photographer Guy Webster‘s Studio in Venice Beach
The Flame, Fist and Dance Tour with Dora, Pat Payne and Sandra Hunter
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Valley International Prep South, Academy of Arts and Sciences
14701 Friar Street, Van Nuys, CA 91411
Performance Space and time to be announced
For more information, please see:
Pat Payne:
http://patpaynecreatrix.com
Sandra Hunter:
http://sandrahunter.strikingly.com
Akka B.:
http://drunkloveheart.blogspot.com/p/meet-akka-b.html
The Flame, Fist and Dance Tour with Dora, Pat Payne and Sandra Hunter
Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 3pm
Moorpark College Theater, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA
Please check back, as we have more events being added to this L.A. tour leg!
Poetry Night at The Taos Inn for the 41st Annual Taos Fall Arts Festival
7:00 – 10:00 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Historic Taos Inn, Taos, NM
Dora performs solo and with award-winning poet and event curator Erin Bad Hand Kerr. An Evening of poetry, spoken word and music at the Historic Taos Inn, in conjunction with the 41st Anniversary of The Taos Fall Arts Festival!
Come celebrate the community of poets ranging ages, experiences and perspectives with live music in between readings as we honor the 41st Taos Fall Arts and our amazing community of artists of every medium.
DORA E. MCQUAID AUTHOR EVENT
Moby Dickens Bookstore
Wednesday April 29, 2015, 6:00 pm, Taos, NM
This will be Dora’s ONLY event in Taos to celebrate the release of her 2015 collection of poems, the scorched earth!
Please come join us!
THE DELTA SCHOOL,
Wilson, Arkansas
Dora travels to The Delta to speak and read from her book, the scorched earth.
Thursday May 14, 4:00 pm
In the White House at The Delta School, 5101 Hwy 61, Wilson, Arkansas
The Delta School, a newly founded school in Wilson, Arkansas, brings Dora to the Delta as part of the Delta School Speaker’s Series, designed to enliven Wilson, Arkansas with the written and spoken word.
From the press release offered by School Director, Jenifer Fox: “Dora E. McQuaid is powerful voice in contemporary literature and as an activist, who we are delighted to welcome to the series. Her message and performance are not to be missed.”
THAT BOOKSTORE IN BLYTHEVILLE,
Wilson, Arkansas
Reading and Book Signing
Wednesday, May 14, 2015, 6:00 pm
Dora travels to the Delta for a reading and book signing with her book, the scorched earth at this famous independent bookstore recently written about in the New York Times.
Wine and cheese will be served. Admission is free.
2014
Poetry Night at The Taos Inn for the 40th Annual Fall Taos Arts Festival
7:00 – 10:00 pm, Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Historic Taos Inn, Taos, NM
Dora performs solo and with poet and event curator Erin Bad Hand Kerr. An evening of poetry, spoken word and music at the Historic Taos Inn, in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of The Taos Fall Arts Festival!
Come celebrate the community of poets ranging ages, experience and perspectives with live music in between readings as we honor the 40th Taos Fall Arts and our amazing community of artists of every medium.
The Renga Poetry Project Reading and Book Launch
The Renga Poetry Project was a yearlong effort to bring together 52 poets from across New Mexico to create one group poem, stanza-by-stanza, week-by-week. Axle Contemporary Art created an instillation at the Santa Fe Railyard to display each stanza, week by week, and then created a book of the entire poem and project, including the images created to pair with each stanza that involved 52 artists from across New Mexico. The full listing of amazing poets and artists who participated can be seen at http://axleart.com/index/Renga.html Join us for the group reading and the book launch and mobile exhibition in Axle’s mobile art van!
This photo shows the installation of Dora’s stanza, which was one of three stanzas chosen for the Renga Poetry Project book cover.
June 22, 2014, noon
New Mexico Art Museum and Axle Contemporary Mobile Art, Santa Fe, NM
The Intersection Of Arts And Activism: SMU – In – Taos
Dora speaks about one of her greatest passions and pursuits:
The Intersections between the Arts and Activism
For the Summer Lecture Series at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Taos
This event if FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
7:30 pm, Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
SMU – in – Taos Campus at Fort Burgwin, Taos, NM
One Billion Rising Flash Mob Dance for Justice:
Dora serves as closing speaker of the Taos, NM Event
Taos Plaza, Taos, NM, Valentine’s Day, 2014
ONE BILLION RISING is the global effort designed by Even Ensler, playwright of The Vagina Monologues and founder of the international VDAY organization, to join one billion people in countries around the globe in a dance uprising to demand an end to violence against women and girls.
“ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME. THAT IS ONE BILLION WOMEN.”
On February 14, 2014 we are calling on women and men everywhere to harness their power and imagination to rise for justice. JOIN US! RISE. RELEASE. DANCE!
2013
Why Here, Why Now? Opening Address by Dora E. McQuaid to the DRI SEXUAL TORTS SEMINAR
November 13 – 15 2013, San Diego, CA
The Penn State scandal is the most recent high-profile example of the risk of allegations of improper sexual conduct faced by educational institutions, churches and other religious organizations, youth clubs and groups, and custodial medical facilities. That risk implicates civil liability, availability of insurance coverage, employment practices and medical professional liability. Our speaker, an internationally-known victim’s advocate and former Penn State faculty member, whose image replaced that of former Penn State coach and convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky in the mural at Penn State, will discuss the impact allegations of improper sexual conduct have on the accuser, the institution and the community to provide a broad context for the issues that defense counsel, our clients and their insurers face when confronted with such allegations.
Presented by DRI: The Voice of The Defense Bar, DRI’s Employment and Labor Law Committee, Insurance Law Committee and Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee.
12th Annual Community Against Violence Radiothon
KTAO Radio Taos, NM
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Dora again joins the Community Against Violence Annual Radiothon live, on-air at KTAO Radio Station with CAV director, Malinda Williams.
Please listen in (stream live from anywhere in the world on www.ktao.com and call in with your pledge – 575-758-8882. We depend on the generosity of people like you to provide the critical services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
AN EVENING OF POETRY
At Mosaic Restaurant, 108 South Plaza, Hotel La Fonda, Taos, NM
August 11, 2013, 6:00 pm
With featured poet Dora E. McQuaid, award-winning poet from Taos, joined by poets reading from 8 Voices, an anthology of contemporary poetry from the Southwest from Baskerville Publishers.
Dora E. McQuaid is a poet, activist, speaker and teacher whose art, emotion and service has earned numerous awards. Her activism addressing sexual and domestic violence led to her portrait replacing that of Sandusky’s in the Penn St. mural, where she taught.
Karla Morton, the 2010 Texas Poet Laureate, Tony Mares, from Albuquerque, an Albuquerque poet with a Doctorate in European History, Nathan Brown, 2013 Oklahoma Poet Laureate, Elizabeth Raby, winner of the 2010 Elmer Kelton Award, Alan Birkelbach, 2005 Texas Poet Laureate, Ronald Moore, owner of Baskerville Publishers and a 2013 Langdon Review poet.
Admission free, limited to 60.
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred
The Sage Institute For Environment, Creativity and Consciousness, Taos, NM
July 24 and July 26, 2013, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Dora, as a Sage Institute Board Member, offers a 2-part exploration of this original workshop, combining sacred and contemporary poetry, contemplative readings, experiential meditations, as well as exercises to explore our connections to the divine and writing exercises designed to deepen that connection on a daily basis. Our exploration and writings will assist you in listening to both the questions deep within your heart, and, more importantly, how to hear the answers, making space for the truths leading us forward to the life that wants to live through us.
Offered as part of The Sage Institute’s 2013 summer-long 200-hour Intensive Meditation Leaders Training Program. www.sagetaos.org
Taos Honors Remarkable Women in New Book!
Join us, including Dora who was honored as a Remarkable Woman of Taos in the Arts category, for the book launch party!
Thursday July 25th, 2013
KTAOS Solar Center, Taos NM 5-7:00 pm
Two questions– “Why are there so many remarkable women in Taos?” coupled with “What is it about Taos that attracts and sustains women?”– helped guide the profiles just published in a new “year-end report” commemorating the Remarkable Women of Taos 2012 Project, a yearlong celebration honoring outstanding historic and contemporary women of Taos.
Dora’s profile as a Remarkable Woman of Taos is available here.
The book, by Campaign Coordinator Liz Cunnigham and published by Nighthawk Press, includes profiles for 167 historic and contemporary women in 6 categories: Legends (women past), Arts, Outdoors, Business, Well-Being, and Community Profiles. Over 400 women participated in events and exhibitions throughout the 2012 Project which won the Best Campaign of 2012 TIARA Award (Tourism Industry Association Recognition Awards) at the recent 2013 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred
National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Annual National Convention Albuquerque, NM
Hotel Albuquerque, June 14, 2013 10:45 a.m.
As opening speaker for this Annual Convention of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies and representing the NM State Poetry society, Dora offers an abbreviated version of her original workshop to close to two hundred Poetry Society members from all over the United States. With the primary goal of exploring our connection to the Divine, Dora shares sacred and contemporary poetry and writing exercises designed to deepen and sustain your connection on a daily basis. Our exploration and writings will assist you in listening to both the questions deep within your heart, and, more importantly, how to hear the answers, making space for the truths leading us forward to the life that wants to live through us.
TAOS POETRY FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE SHOW: Conversing in Verse
Taos Community Auditorium, Taos, NM, Saturday June 1, 2013 7:00 pm
Dora featured the finale show of the three-day Taos Poetry Festival with nationally known poets Carlos Andrés Gómez, Oklahoma Poet Laureate Nathan Brown, as well as top rated youth poets, and special surprise guests. Hosted by James Navé.
In addition to Sponsors of the festival included Open Hearth Arts, the Harwood Museum of Art/UNM, New Mexico Arts, Indian Hills Inn, SOMOS, Moby Dickens Bookstore, KTAOS, Taos Mesa Brewery and Taos Center for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Taos Lodger’s Tax Board, and The Taos Community Foundation.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, Taos
Taos Plaza, Taos, NM, Saturday April 27, 2013, 5:00 pm
Dora joins Community Against Violence for the Taos effort to join this national movement. “Co-creating a United Gender Movement, men will be a part of the solution to ending sexualized violence. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® Events are political and performance art with public, personal and existential messages. The mission is to create a unique and powerful public experience that educates individuals and communities about the causes of sexualized violence, provides them with prevention and remediation strategies and empowers them to further develop and implement these knowledges and skills interpersonally and politically.”
Community Against Violence, serving Northern New Mexico www.cavtoas.org
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes at www.walkamileinhershoes.org
National Launch of Robby Romero’s Who’s Gonna Save You
The Harwood Museum of Art, Taos, NM, March 28, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Musician and filmmaker Robby Romero launched the Project Protect Awareness Campaign’s educational initiative tour at The Harwood Museum Of Art with co-sponsorship of THE SAGE INSTITUTE for Environment, Creativity and Consciousness, which Dora currently serves on as Board Member.
In addition to co-producing this event, Dora served as cohost with Golden-Globe nominated actress and activist Irene Bedard.
Robby Romero’s music picture “Who’s Gonna Save You” was screened following 9-year old Cruz Luhan from the Taos Pueblo offering a traditional honor song. Local eco-entrepreneur leaders then discussed their efforts to honor Mother Earth, including: KTAOS world famous solar radio founder, Brad Hockmeyer, Eco-architect Michael Reynolds, Chairman of the UNM-Taos Green Tech Program Mark Goldman, and Angelo McHorse and Hillery Duran from the Taos Pueblo Red Willow Farm.
Cosponsors included The Sage Institute, The Harwood Museum Of Art, Native Children’s Survival, UNM-Taos and KTAOS Solar Radio.
One Billion Rising Flash Mob Dance for Justice
Taos Plaza, Taos, NM Valentine’s Day, 2013
ONE BILLION RISING was the global effort designed by Even Ensler, playwright of The Vagina Monologues and founder of the international VDAY organization, to join one billion people in 207 countries in a dance uprising to demand an end to violence against women and girls on February 14, 2013. Dora participated in the ONE BILLION RISING, TAOS, NM event, as one of the 4 people interviewed for the program of music and testimony addressing violence that was played during the dance and community gathering and helped to promote the event on local radio.
Dora is pictured here at the Taos One Billion Rising, in pink, because it is her mother’s favorite color. Dora wanted to honor her mother, who is also a survivor of violence. And the red shawl is actually an Indian wedding sari lent to Dora to celebrate one billion women rising to dance together on Valentine’s Day in a joyful declaration of ending the violence that far too many of us have known.
Please see both www.VDAY.org and www.onebillionrising.org
2012
KTAO RADIO HOLIDAY PARTY
KTAO Solar Center, Taos, NM December 22, 2012
Celebrate with The Damn Band at THE holiday dance party of the season!
Dora joins the Holiday Party with a new take on the Holiday classic, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, backed by K. Bolan, Don Conoscenti and Andy Byrd, and performs one of her original poems, Elemental: The Voices I Heed.
The Holiday party includes: Mina Tank & the Damn Band, Jennifer Peterson, Don Conoscenti, Megan Yakovich & the Taos Youth Ballet and The Red River Dickens Carolers. Santa and his elves will be there! Bring the whole family. Remember, kids 12 and under are always free.
11th Annual Community Against Violence Annual Radiothon on KTAO Radio Taos, NM, Thursday, October 25th
Dora again joins the Community Against Violence Annual Radiothon live, on-air at KTAO Radio Station with CAV director, Malinda Williams.
Please listen in (stream live from anywhere in the world on www.ktao.com) and call in with your pledge – 575-758-8882. We depend on the generosity of people like you to provide the critical services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
ELEMENTS: POETS AND ARTISTS RESPOND
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, New Mexico, October 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Dora joins twenty artists and poets from across the country responding to one or more of the natural elements, including water, light, shadow and stone, with her original poem written for this event: Elemental: The Voices I Heed. These elements are not the traditional four elements, earth, air, fire, water, usually recognized. Although perhaps similar, it was not the intention to reproduce them. Rather the four elements chosen for this event create their own dynamic, interacting with their opposite (though really not opposite) and the others. It’s all quite fluid. The quaternity is a potent symbol, found in many religions and beliefs, representing wholeness.
Created by poet Tricia DuBois and sponsored by 3: A Taos Press, and its owner, Andrea Watson, is an inaugural event.
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred Original Workshop
Wise Women Ink, Mount Shasta, CA
Sunday October 7, 2012, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Dora offers a 4-hour version of her original workshop, combining sacred and contemporary poetry, contemplative readings, experiential meditations, as well as exercises to explore our connections to the divine and writing exercises designed to deepen and sustain your connection on a daily basis. Our exploration and writings will assist you in listening to both the questions deep within your heart, and, more importantly, how to hear the answers, making space for the truths leading us forward to the life that wants to live through us.
PAINTING FOR CHANGE: COMING TOGETHER TO KICK OFF THE 9/11 INSPIRATION MURAL VIGIL
Inspiration Mural: Heister Street & College Ave, State College, PA
September 10, 2012, noon
The Council for Hope and Healing
Based on incredible interest surrounding the Inspiration Mural over the past ten months, this event will serve to bring together the Penn State and State College community to learn more about the inspirational figures showcased in the Mural. There have been many individuals throughout the history of State College and Penn State who have done remarkable, world-changing things. The mural features many of these figures, and it’s your chance to learn their stories.
The event will also highlight work being done by the Women’s Resource Center to help educate and prevent sexual violence and child abuse. Additionally, it will serve as the kickoff to mural artist Michael Pilato’s annual 48-hour vigil remembering 9/11.
TAOS HOUSE CONCERT WITH BOB LIVINGSTON
Walsh Residence, Taos NM, Sunday September 9, 2012
Dora joins Bob Livingston again for an improv performance of Bob playing 8- and 12-bar blues to Dora performing her original poems and poems of the great Sufi mystical poet, Rumi. Joined by Taos’s own Don Conoscenti. Bob Livingston, who has played at events with Willie Nelson, South by Southwest, Michael Martin Murphy and many others, started the Lost Gonzo Band, which began the Austin Music scene. His 2011 release, Gypsy Alibi, won the 2011 Texas Music Award for Best Album of the Year.
DORA ASSISTS IN THE FOUNDING OF THE COUNCIL FOR HOPE AND HEALING
State College, PA and Penn State University
Dora returns to State College, PA and Penn State University to see her image in the Inspiration Mural, in the place once occupied by the image of Jerry Sandusky and works to develop The Council for Hope and Healing. The Council for Hope and Healing was formed to use interactive art to create awareness and educate society about sexual abuse and the essential need for prevention. The Council’s goal is to use art to empower and inspire individuals to take action. We are committed to promoting principles to help guide individuals and communities to protect children and are currently working with Penn State University on a number of initiatives to realize this goal.
Council Members include Council Chair Steve Garguilo, Dora E. McQuaid, Michael Pilato, Kate Wilson-Branford, Daleen Berry, Herbert Reininger, Cory Trimm.
www.councilforhopeandhealing.org
DORA’S IMAGE REPLACES THAT OF JERRY SANDUSKY IN THE INSPIRATION MURAL NEAR PENN STATE
State College, PA, June 24, 2013
Dora’s dedication to and 15 years of activism efforts addressing the issues of sexual and domestic violence through poetry, performance and activism was honored in 2012 by her image being painted into the place previously occupied by the image of former Penn State football coach and convicted sex offender Jerry Sandusky in the Inspirations Mural in State College, PA, where Penn State is located. Dora’s image was painted into the chair, which had been empty since November 2011 when the Sandusky scandal broke, after the jury convicted Sandusky of 45 of 48 charges on June 24, 2012.
Read Dora’s statement to the press responding to her image replacing Sandusky’s by clicking here.
To review the extensive international print, television, radio and Internet media coverage garnered by Dora’s image replacing Sandusky, please see the PRESS COVERAGE page.
Remark/Remarkable: Women of Words, A Festival of Taos Women Writers As part of the 2012 Remarkable Women of Taos Celebration
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, NM, April 14, 2012, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Dora joins this event showcasing over 40 of Taos’s women writers. The event opens with a welcome to the writers and audience by Liz Cunningham, coordinator of the vast array of Remarkable Women of Taos events scheduled throughout the year. Veronica Golos, the curator of the day’s festival, will host.
Award-winning poets Dora E. McQuaid, Erin Bad Hand, Veronica Golos, Sawnie Morris, Leslie Ullman and Lise Goett, notable novelists Summer Wood and Lara Santaro, young spoken-word poets from the various high schools, award-winning non-fiction writers Bonnie Lee Black and Cherie Burns, and many others, as well as music by Melissa Crabtree and Tenney Walsh.
Dora is honored and proud to headline the SHOWCASE from 11:15-12 noon with award-winning poet and dear friend, Erin Bad Hand.
Turnstyle Presents Bob Livingston And Don Conoscenti
Turnstyle Gallery, Taos, NM, January 13, 2012
Dora joins Bob Livingston and Don Conoscenti for an improv performance, with Bob and Don playing 8- and 12-bar blues to Dora performing her original poems and poems of the great Sufi mystical poet, Rumi.
Don Conoscenti is one of the most respected musicians and critically acclaimed songwriters in acoustic music. He has been added to the Library of Congress archives as a Folk Revivalist and has toured internationally, playing with Ellis Paul, John Mayer and The Indigo Girls. Bob Livingston, who has played at events with Willie Nelson, South by Southwest, Michael Martin Murphy and many others, started the Lost Gonzo Band, which began the Austin Music scene. His 2011 release, Gypsy Alibi, won the 2011 Texas Music Award for Best Album of the Year.
DORA HONORED AS ONE OF THE REMARKABLE WOMEN OF TAOS
Dora was chosen by community members as one of the women highlighted during the 2012 yearlong celebration of women whose lives and creative spirits have influenced the Northern New Mexico community in the Arts category. Dora is also included in the 2013 book, Remarkable Women of Taos, by Liz Cunningham, which celebrates the women honored in the yearlong campaign.
2011
10th Annual Community Against Violence Annual Radiothon on KTAO Radio
Taos, NM, Thursday, October 20th
Dora again joins the Community Against Violence Annual Radiothon live, on-air at KTAO Radio Station with CAV director, Malinda Williams.
Please listen in: Stream live from anywhere in the world on www.ktao.com and call in with your pledge – 575-758-8882. We depend on the generosity of people like you to provide the critical services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Fragments Ekphrasis Poetry Show: Poets and Artists of the South and Southwest
Harrington-Brown Art Gallery, Memphis TN October 7, 2011
Dora joins the poets of the Southwest in this collaborative Ekphrasis project that brought 12 poets and 12 artists together between the South and the Southwest. This project extending the possibilities of Ekphrasis poetry, charging each responding to only the briefest of fragments of each participant to respond and create based on only a small fragment of another participant’s work. Each poet was only allowed to see a piece of the artist’s creation, or the artist worked with only a very small fragment of the poet’s complete poem. Curated by Southwest artist David Hinske and Southwest poet Andrea Watson.
A Room of Her Own Foundation (AROHO) 2011 Retreat: A Dream of One’s Own: Women Writing New, Women Writing True
Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
Dora joins the 2011 AROHO Retreat as New Mexico Women Writer Fellowship Award-Winner, offering two programs to the weeklong gathering of women writers:
Writing in Times of Violence Panel presentation and discussion facilitated by Dora E. McQuaid and poet/activist Renny Golden
Wednesday August 10, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch, New Arts I
What aesthetic can match our time? How can writers resist the “death rattle” of war that tormented Virginia Wolfe’s sleep? What tension descends upon a writer who takes up the challenge of prophetic writing, as well as, attends to their own inner world? Adrienne Rich has said “poetries are no more pure and simple than human histories are pure and simple… there are colonized poetics, resilient poetics” Where are poetries that transcend the “self”? How do we find the authority to sing the “body politic” in a depoliticized, dehistorizied political and literary culture? What hope impels taking such risks? Stanley Kunitz’s poem reveals the reproach of failing to risk: When they shall paint our sockets gray And light us like a stinking fuse, Remember that we once could say, Yesterday we had a world to lose.” How can our writing light a fire of resistance or does such writing incinerate the literary voice?
New Mexico debut screening of One Woman’s Voice
The documentary short film by Kate Bogle about Dora’s combined roles as poet, activist and survivor of violence shown to all AROHO Retreat attendees.
Thursday, August 11.
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred Original Workshop
The South Florida Health Coaches Yoga and Wellness 2011 Retreat
El Monte Sagrado, Taos, NM, June 28, 2011
Dora offers a 2-hour intensive of this original workshop to over 20 participants in the weeklong Wellness Retreat. The goal of this workshop is to explore how to deepen and sustain your personal connection to the Divine in your daily life as a practice of self-care and support. This workshop will help you understand how to explore the questions deep within your heart, and more importantly how to hear the answers, providing you with exercises that you can use daily.
If I Can’t Dance, You Can Keep Your Revolution: A Reading by Six Writers of Political Engagement
The 2011 Association of Writers and Writing Programs Annual Conference
Executive Suite, Omni Hotel, Washington, D.C., February 3, 2011
Dora performed on this accepted AWP Panel with Roger Bonair-Agard, Sean Thomas Doughtery, Silvana Straw and Crystal Williams as poets addressing social change.
The AWP event description: These six artists create work steeped in the political and social realities of life in America and lean toward issues of cultural exploration and collaboration. At a time of political turmoil and disenchantment by too many, these writers use poetry to point out inequities of justice and the solidarity of people who struggle with less. But to do this they use language that is musical in its construction. Because as Emma Goldman said, “If I can’t dance you can keep your revolution.”
Bearing Witness: Three New Mexico Poets Tell The Truth – And Transform It
Bill Rane Gallery, Taos, NM, January 23, 2011
Featured reading with poet/activists Renny Golden and Veronica Golos.
Curated by author Summer Wood.
Who wields power? What constitutes real authority? To whom does the land belong? What truly happened? History, it could be said, boils down to one essential question: Whose voice speaks loudest? For these three New Mexico-based poets, Renny Golden, Veronica Golos, and Dora E. McQuaid, the more pertinent question may be: Whose voice has not been heard? The three poets will appear in a lively program of original poetry, video, and conversation.
2010
Feminism and New Social Models
Enchanted Mountain Studios, Taos, NM December 5, 2010
Combined speech on the uprising of the feminine and original poems.
With renowned classical musician Abbie Conant and best-selling author/fitness guru Susan Powter.
The Poet’s Forum
Bill Rane Gallery, Taos NM October 28, 2010
Taos poets presenting new works, curated by Andrea Watson.
Seven Wounded Angels
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos NM, June 25 2010
Featured reading with poet, scholar and Franciscan priest Father Murray Bodo, to promote Father Bodo’s 2009 Wounded Angels and Dora’s upcoming Seven: Poems of the Interim poetry collections.
With The Sage Institute for Environment, Creativity and Consciousness
TRANSBLUECENCY: Poems In The Key of Joy
Highways Performance Space, Los Angeles, CA April 29, 2010.
6th Annual Poetry Festival at Highways Performance Space with Pat Payne, Ercia Bowen and others. Danny Moynahan’s music accompanying Dora’s original poems.
Your Story as A Force for Change Original Workshop
The Sage Youth Portraits of The Sacred Program in The Stables Gallery, April 16, 2010 with The Sage Institute for Environment, Creativity and Consciousness, Taos, NM
Dora offers her 3-hour original workshop with The Sage Institute Youth Group discussing the power of the personal story in the public realm as a means of change, activism and social justice.
Wondering The West: Taos Women Writers Reading
The Mercury Café during AWP Conference, Denver, CO, April 7, 2010
Dora co-curated, with poet Erin BadHand, this reading of 11 award-winning women writers from Taos, NM as an offsite reading for the AWP Conference.
For The Daughters of Juarez, Society of the Muse of The Southwest
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, NM, March 28, 2010
Dora reads her original poem, The Mothers of The Disappeared, written specifically For the Daughters of Juarez event, created by The Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS), joining the international movement to focus attention on the over-600 victims of feminicide in the borderlands between Mexico and the United States. This event included poems, readings, presentations and music offered by Dora E. McQuaid, Mirabai Starr, Phyllis Hotch, Lorraine Ciancio, Thomas Buckley, Meredith Blis Sincoff and many others.
Rick Romancito created the following video of this event for The Taos News online. Dora’s reading the entirety of this original poem, The Mothers of The Disappeared, begins at 4:30:
2009
Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review Ekphrasis Issue Celebration
Bill Rane Art Gallery, Taos, NM, September 19, 2009
Dora joined the evening in celebration of the Ekphrasis poets of Taos, NM and the Southwest reading their poetry published in the spring/summer issue of Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review. Curated by Andrea Watson.
The Alchemical Heart: Writing Into The Sacred
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, NM, July 22 – July 23, 2009
With The Sage Institute for Creativity, Consciousness and Environment
A 2-day original intensive workshop combining contemplative readings, experiential meditations, sacred art forms and writing exercises to explore participant connections to the divine. With Diana Rico.
Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) 2009 Summer Writer’s Series
Taos, NM, August 21, 2009
Featured poet, along with poet Pat McCabe, for Women In Praise of The Sacred program.
Lasting Impressions: An Ekphrasis Event – 12 Poets Respond to The Paintings of Nancy Delpero
The Taos Gallery, Taos, NM July 18, 2009
Dora joins 11 other Taos poets writing in response to the paintings of American artist, Nancy Delpero.
Lost and Found
El Pueblito United Methodist Church, Taos, NM, March 28, 2009
Dora joins the cast of this Reader’s Theatre production of the original play by Taos playwright, Eileen Wiard, directed by David Garver.
2008
The Pagosa Springs Artist-In-Residence Exhibition and Poetry Reading
Pagosa Springs, CO, November 2008
Featured reading of poetry in collaborative exhibition of The Dreamtime of Horses series with photographer Lenny Foster and as part of residency requirement.
Interwoven Illuminations Ekphrasis Collaboration Event
The Rane Gallery, Taos, NM, October 11, 2008
Dore wrote the original poem, Between Above and Below, by invitation to bridge initial (Bill Rane) and final (Salvatore Giglio) paintings in a one-year, collaborative Ekphrasis process that involved 12 poets and 12 visual artists from the United States.
The Taos Center for The Arts Stables Gallery Summer Reading Series
The Stables Gallery, Taos, NM, August 20, 2008
Featured Poet by invitation of Taos artists, Dawn Chandler and Joan Livingston. Reading series curated by poet Thomas Buckley.
The Master’s Hand: Celebrating Bill Rane
The Rane Gallery, Taos, NM, July 14, 2008
Ekphrasis exhibition and performance for release of the book of the same name based on the original 2007 Reflections On Rane Ekphrasis event (as below). Dora’s poem, Ascending, written in response to Bill’s painting, Man, Woman, Horse is included in this book.
Equine Spirit Sanctuary Benefit Show
The Stables Gallery, Taos, NM February 2008
Original poems of Dora’s paired with photo images by Lenny Foster as fundraising benefit for Taos’s Equine Spirit Sanctuary.
Reading Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence
El Peublito Church, Taos, NM, Sunday January 20, 2008
Dora was invited to read this work of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s during service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
2007
Reflections on Rane: 11 poets respond to American painter Bill Rane
Bill Rane Gallery, Taos NM, September 2007
Invited to participate with 10 other American poets in Ekphrasis exhibition and performance honoring the work of American artist, Bill Rane. I wrote the poem Ascending in response to Bill’s painting, Man, Woman, Horse.
Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) 2007 Summer Writer’s Series
Taos, NM, August 2007
Featured poet, along with author John Nichols, for Joint Benefit for SOMOS and DreamTree Youth Shelter at The Harwood Museum of Art.
Verse-Converse, Plaza Theatre and Open Hearth Arts Poetry event
Taos Plaza, Taos, NM, September 2007
Featured poet to support performance poetry and community development in Taos, NM.
Where Spirit Dwells Exhibition
The Grand Bohemian Gallery of The El Monte Sagrado Resort, Taos, NM, July 2007
Reading of poems selected from collaborations with photographer Lenny Foster, with combined show of poems and photographs exhibited in The Grand Bohemian Gallery of the El Monte Living Resort through August of 2007.
The Youth Mentorship Program, Society of The Muse of The Southwest (SOMOS)
Taos, NM Youth and Family Center, Tuesday February 20, 2007 – 5:30pm
Dora presents her Arts and Activism Original Workshop: Exploring the use of music as a medium for social and political change, in terms of the peace movement, civil rights, gay and lesbian rights, and Native American Indian rights. Musicians to explore include Michael Franti and Spearhead, U2, Patty Griffin, Elton John and Robbie Robertson. We will also explore how your voice can positively influence your community, and a number of creative writing and poetry exercises. Offered to mentors and mentees in the Youth Mentorship Program and the general public.
2006
The 30th Anniversary Celebration of The Domestic Violence Service Center
Luzerne County Courthouse, Wilkes-Barre, PA, September 28, 2006 – 8:00pm
Keynote Speech: 30 Years – Service and Remembrance
to honor:
1. The pioneering work of the members of the Domestic Violence Service Center of Luzerne and Carbon counties, and
2. The lives of individuals lost in domestic violence homicides in both counties as exhibited by The Empty Place at The Table Display.
Religious Resources and Roadblocks to Ending Violence Against Women
Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA. September 26, 2006
From Fragmentation to Wholeness: Spiritual Practice as a Means of Healing
Concluding speaker, combining speech and performance of original poetry, presented to 130 religious and spiritual leaders from four counties in Pennsylvania identifying:
1. My healing from domestic and sexual violence as a spiritual process, and
2. The need for spiritual and religious leaders to unify efforts to address the spiritual needs of victims and survivors within their congregations.
Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) 2006 Summer Writer’s Series
The Harwood Museum, Ledoux Street, Taos, NM, July 28, 2006 – 7:00pm
Featured poet, along with singer/songwriter Susan Berman and poet Michelle Holland, for Joint Benefit for SOMOS and Community Against Violence at The Harwood Museum of Art.
Featured Poet-In-Residence of The Harwood Museum of Art Reading
The Harwood Museum, Ledoux Street, Taos, NM, July 2006 – 7:00pm
Featured poetry reading of collection of poems that I worked on during my Poet-In-Residence stay with the Harwood Museum during the months from May through November of 2006.
KTAOS Solar-Powered Radio Station
Taos, NM, July 2006
Guest poet with Magdelene Smith, Curator of Spirit of The Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) 2006 Summer Writer’s Series, to promote fundraising performance event to benefit both SOMOS and Community Against Violence.
Cultural Vibrations
KRZA Public Radio, Taos, NM, July 2006
Guest poet with Magdelene Smith, Curator of Spirit of The Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) 2006 Summer Writer’s Series, and composer/musician Paul Elwood to promote 2006 Summer Reading Series and Fundraising event.
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, April 19, 2006 – 6:00pm
Final speaker/performer during the opening rally and Concluding speaker at end of evening events
Women’s Studies Graduate Organization Annual Conference: Art and Activism
Penn State University, 10 Sparks Building, April 1, 2006 – noon
Keynote Speech: Art and Activism: Making Connections. (2006)
2005
Pennsylvania Commission On Crime and Delinquency Annual Statewide Pathways Conference
Penn Stater Conference Center, University Park, PA. December 2005
Empowering the Survivor’s Voice: Writing Programs as a Means of Healing Workshop
Original 3-hour workshop designed for outreach services individuals to develop writing workshops for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The 91st Annual National Communication Association Conference
Boston, MA. November 2005
The Health of the Discipline: The Role of Public Speaking as an Academic Course in the 21st Century
Panel presentation analyzing the direction of public speaking pedagogy in the 21st century, emphasizing public speaking as a means of civic engagement, activism and empowerment. Illness prohibited attendance.
The Barbara J. Hart Justice Center Annual Conference: Keeping Children Safe from Harm
With The Women’s Resource Center of Scranton, PA and Marywood University
Marywood University, September 25, 2005, conference begins at 8:00 am
1. One Woman’s Voice: Poetry as a Means of Healing and Activism
Speech combined with original poetry to share my development from survivor of violence to statewide domestic and sexual violence activist.
2. Participation on panel responding to one family’s encounters with the various legal and protective services systems when experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
Impact of Violence Programs in Pennsylvania Maximum Security Correctional Institutions for Men
1. Rockview Institution, Impact of Sexual Assault and Abuse.
2. Houtzdale Institution, Impact of Partner and Child Abuse, including Sexual Abuse.
A Day In The Life Of A People: Personal Narratives Of 9/11
Penn State University, Pavilion Theatre, 9/11/2005 – noon
Invited to join cast as Nurse Daisy Perkins by playwright, director, and actor Charles Dumas, in honor of 9/11
WORDSTOCK: State College’s Annual Festival of Language
All around State College this year! July 2005
Readings for a variety of events as featured poet and host – please check the website to check all events, and my schedule, as well!
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, April 19, 2005 – 6:00pm
1. Final speaker/performer during the opening rally and
2. Concluding speaker at end of evening events.
The NeoSpinsters Second Wind Headline Performance
The 11th Annual Performance Studies International Conference
Brown University, Providence, RI, April 2005
Jamnesty: Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women Campaign Benefit Reading as Featured Poet
The Hookah Lounge, College Ave, State College, PA, April 2005 – 8:00 pm
2004
Literary Legends, First Night State College
State College, PA, December 2004 – 8:00 pm
Invited to join poets and authors known locally, statewide, nationally and internationally as part of First Night State College’s Poetry and Literary Extravaganza.
Pennsylvania Commission On Crime and Delinquency Annual Statewide Pathways Conference
Penn Stater Conference Center, University Park, PA, December 2004
A String of Words and Voices Workshop. Original workshop redesigned for outreach services individuals interested in developing writing workshops for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Seeing Through The Silence: Gallery Talks
Penn State University, University Park Campus, West and East Halls Commons, November and December 2004
Gallery Talks with student photographer/artist-activist Lindsay Keiter to discuss her photography installation addressing sexual assault and rape on exhibit throughout the Penn State University Park Campus. Lindsay’s idea for this activism-oriented installation was developed, in part, in my CAS 497J class, Summer Session 2003.
The 90th Annual National Communication Association Conference
Chicago, IL. November 2004
Dora participated in two programs during the 2004 NCA Conference:
Reconciliation and Restoration as Rhetorical Action for Social Justice
Panel discussion with Stephen Hartnett, Jennifer K. Wood, Lana Marlow, and Lisa Langstraat. I will perform a segment of the poetry performance developed and performed over the last 4 years for the Impact of Violence programs in the Pennsylvania Correctional System.
Prison Communication List Service Group Pre-Conference.
Daylong pre-conference discussion of objectives and development of the Prison Care communication group for the coming year.
Ancient Mothers Celebration
Fraser Street Church, November 4, 2004, 7:00 pm
A student-developed event, I was asked to be featured speaker, combining poetry and personal experience to address activism as an activity of hope and community.
Poets In Pajamas Reading
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, 120 South Allen St, State College, PA, October 2004
Invited poet to read with Nebula Award-winning novelist Jim Morrow as part of the release party for his most recent book, The Cat’s Pajamas.
And yes, I will be in pajamas! Scottish plaid black watch! With boots!
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
PCADV Headquarters, Harrisburg, PA, September 2004
Combined poetry performance and speech to explore the current status of statewide efforts to prevent and address domestic violence with the 65-person staff of PCADV.
Poets for Peace, 9/11 Reading
State College, PA, Borough Building, September 11, 2004 – 4:00pm
Co-organized and performed during 9/11 Remembrance Reading, including poets Cecil Giscombe, Julia Kasdorf, Todd Davis, John Haag, Dave Bonta, and Lee Peterson, among others.
A Day In The Life Of A People: Personal Narratives Of 9/11 Play
Penn State University, Pavilion Theatre, 9/11/2004 – noon
Invited to join cast as Nurse Daisy Perkins by playwright, director, and actor Charles Dumas, in honor of 9/11, September 2004
Spoken word to accompany the song “Gas Well” for Erin Condo’s Leaving Songs CD Debut
Singer-Songwriter Erin Condo’s debut, Leaving Songs, includes a track called “Gas Well”, for which I wrote and performed the accompanying spoken word piece that you can hear throughout the song. This CD of Erin’s, which was produced by Bob Klotz and Bill Wilgus, offers guest appearances of many of the best musicians in State College, PA, and is a tribute to community effort and support of Erin and her talent.
Check out the song “Gas Well” at www.myspace.com/erincondo.
Check out Erin at www.erincondo.com
The Impact of Domestic Violence: Combined Speech and Performance of original poetry
Downtown Conference Center, Altoona, PA, July 2004
Invited speaker/poet to address domestic violence and my path from victim to activist. Sponsored by the Blair County Commissioners, Family Services of Blair County, the Domestic Abuse Project, and the Eighteenth Street Community Church.
5:00 PM Live News Interview
WTAJ Channel 10 News, Blair County, PA, July 2004
Live interview to discuss countywide resources for victims of domestic and sexual violence, preceding speech at Altoona Conference Center.
Altoona Talk Live Interview
Cable Access Legal Affairs Program, Blair County, PA, July 2004
Live interview to discuss legalities of domestic violence cases and countywide resources for victims, preceding speech at Altoona Conference Center.
WORDSTOCK: State College’s Annual Festival of Language
All around State College this year! July 2004
Readings for a variety of events as featured poet and host – please check the website to check all events, and my schedule, as well. I am performing, hosting, serving as Slam Master and offering workshops!
The NeoSpinsters World Premiere of Second Wind International Poetry and Sexuality Conference
Stirling University, Scotland, July 2004.
Dora, NeoSpinster co-founder Pat Payne and Neo-Spinster member Reina Prado as Santa Perversa premiere their new show Second Wind as a featured event of this international conference in Stirling, Scotland.
Impact of Violence Programs in Pennsylvania Maximum Security Correctional Institutions for Men
1. Rockview Institution, Impact of Sexual Assault and Abuse.
2. Houtzdale Institution, Impact of Partner and Child Abuse, including Sexual Abuse.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration of The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference: The Journey to End Violence Against Women: The History of Our Walk and the Path Ahead
Wilmington, DE. May 2004
1. Keynote address: The History of The Battered Women’s Movement. With Susan Kelly-Dreiss, Director and Co-founder of the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence, combining original poetry and speech.
2. Sole design and facilitation of two original 75-minute workshops:
A String of Words and Voices Workshop and
Empowering the Victim: Writing as a Means of Healing Workshop.
Both programs developed for program-facilitators interested in implementing writing workshops for victims and survivors of violence.
3. Live performance of original readings from the scorched earth during luncheon.
Dora returns to Take Note with Patty Satalia for ONE WOMAN’S VOICE television debut
WPSX-TV (channel 3 in PA)
Click to watch the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=I-dSIK5RapA
Dora returns to Take Note for a 30-minute feature interview, including the complete showing of the short film One Woman’s Voice by Kate Bogle, documenting Dora’s combined roles poet, activist, teacher and survivor, and her efforts to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. The feature will air on WPSX-TV:
Sunday April 4 – 11:30pm
Saturday April 10 – 12:30am
Sunday April 25 – 6:30pm
Wednesday April 28 – 10:30pm
The State College Local Renaissance Earth Day Community Celebration
Fraser Street Park, State College, PA, April 2004
Invited Feature Poet to perform and host community poetry reading in honor of Earth Day.
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, April 23, 2004 – 6:00pm
Final speaker/performer during the opening rally and Concluding speaker at end of evening events.
SLAM Master for the Penn State Womyn’s Concerns Slam For the March for Women’s Lives in Washington, D.C., April 25, 2004
Wednesday March 3, 9:30 pm, Penn State West Halls Study Lounge
Coalition of Pennsylvania Crime Victims Organizations (COPCVO) Annual Rally In Honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA, April 2004
Speaking with Centre County District Attorney, Ray Gricar
The NeoSpinsters Spring 2004 Tour!
Dates for shows for the all-female performance group, which I co-founded with Pat Payne, including performance artists and poets Reina Prado and Evie Shockley.
March 2004 NeoSpinsters Tour:
HOUSEWORKS! with Laura Myers, Brooklyn, NY
Feature Poets at Bowery Poetry Club/Team Urbana, New York City, NY.
Feature Poets at Bar 13! Union Square Slam Team, New York City, NY.
Featured Artists, Celebration of Women in The Arts Showcase, Penn State University, March 2004
Spring Creek Slam Team, at Zenos’ Pub
Corner of Allen St and College Ave, Sunday February 8 – 4:30pm sign-ups
2003
Live on Take Note with Patty Satalia: The Scorched Earth Interview
WPSX-TV (channel 3 in PA), December 2003
Dora discusses her efforts to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence through poetry and performance, and previews Kate Bogle’s documentary film, One Woman’s Voice, about Dora and her work, including her first collection of poems, the scorched earth and its compact disc companion, the scorched earth: spoken.
Click to watch the show: http://streams.wpsx.psu.edu/THE_SCORCHED_EARTH12082.html
First Night State College Poetry and Literature Extravaganza
State College, PA, December 2003
FIRST NIGHT POETRY SLAM! – December 31, 2003 8:00pm
Dora serves as Slam Master yet again!
SPONTANEOUS POETRY BOOTHS – Come join Dora and other local artists as they write on the spot when given a word or phrase and $1.00 from you! Your $1.00 helps buy children’s books at the Centre County Women’s Resource Center and you get to keep the poem!
Live on Take Note with Patty Satalia: The Scorched Earth Interview
WPSX-TV (channel 3 in PA), Monday December 8 – 5:45 pm
Dora’s first live interview with Patty to discuss her efforts to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence through poetry and performance, and previews Kate Bogle’s documentary film, One Woman’s Voice, about Dora and her work, including Dora’s first collection of poems, the scorched earth and its compact disc companion, the scorched earth: spoken.
Click to watch the show: http://streams.wpsx.psu.edu/THE_SCORCHED_EARTH12082.html
Pennsylvania Commission On Crime And Delinquency Annual Statewide Pathways Conference
Penn Stater Conference Center, University Park, PA, November 19-21, 2003
This week was one of the highlights of Dora’s career. Her efforts were highlighted during this statewide conference in the following ways:
1. Honored with the Fifth Annual PA Governor’s Pathfinder Award for Survivor/Activist for my activism on behalf of victims of domestic and sexual violence.
2. Honored with a Citation of Congratulations from the Pennsylvania Senate for my activism and community development efforts that benefit PA residents.
3. Honored with the world premiere of One Woman’s Voice of Kate Bogle’s documentary short film about Dora’s combined roles of poet, activist, and performer.
4. Honored to address the entire conference attendance with her keynote presentation: From Survivorship to Leadership, integrating the address of domestic and sexual violence efforts with performance of her original poems from her first collection, the scorched earth. Followed by a book, compact disc, poster and documentary signing.
Emergency Sexual Assault Forum
Penn State University, HUB, November 21, 2003, 7:00pm
Invited speaker to address the necessity of victim and survivor dialogue with outreach resource service providers within the public sphere of the Penn State and State College communities.
The 89th Annual National Communication Association Conference
Miami, FL. November 2003
Women Who Made a Difference: Five Voices
Panel Performance
I was unable to attend as I was awarded the Pennsylvania Governor’s Pathfinder Award, and the Awards Ceremony coincided with conference presentation.
The Social Justice Action Month Poetry Slam to benefit Amnesty International
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, State College, PA, October 8, 2003 – 7:30 pm
Dora serves as SLAM Master yet again in support of the Penn State student leaders efforts to address Social Justice during a month long array of programming.
The Emergency Rally Against Sexual Assault
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, October 3, 2003, noon
Invited to speak and perform original poetry to address recent increase in sexual violence on Penn State Campus and within Downtown State College Community.
14th Annual National Poetry Slam Championship Finals Show
Chicago, IL, August 2003
Invited to join performance and Slam poets from around the country in the opening segment of the National Poetry SLAM Finals show to honor the father of Slam, Marc Kelly Smith, at Navy Pier, Chicago, IL.
Race Matters, WORDSTOCK: State College, PA’s Annual Festival of Language
Webster’s Warehouse, South Allen Street, July 6 2003 – 6:00 pm
Co-organized and developed a 2-hour community interaction event to explore race, identity and dialogue, including a performance of composite pieces including poetry, statistics, newspaper accounts, and writing with performance artist Gabriel Washington.
Impact of Violence Rehabilitation Programs in Pennsylvania Maximum Security Correctional Institutions for Men
June 2003
Houtzdale Institution, Impact of Partner, Child, and Sexual Abuse
Dora returns to Houtzdale men’s prison to address the issues of partner and child abuse and sexual assault by performing original poetry of survivorship and healing.
The World Poetry Circus
Taos, New Mexico, June 6-14, 2003
Community Against Violence
Taos, NM, June 2003
Guest poet reading for the staff of the domestic and sexual violence center offering services to northern New Mexico’s survivors and victims.
KTAO Solar-Powered Radio Station
Taos, NM, June 2003
Guest poet radio feature with members of the staff of Community Against Violence to discuss domestic and sexual violence and read original poetry of survivorship and healing with KTAO founder, Brad Hockmeyer.
Domestic Violence Task Force of Centre County, PA, 10th Anniversary Celebration
Centre Community Hospital Community Room, State College, PA, May 2003
Dora offered the keynote speech: Public Effort, Private Effect to honor the efforts of the members of the Task Force during its 10 years of history in working to improve domestic and sexual violence outreach services in Centre County, PA.
Poems in Response to War: A Community Reading
State College, PA, May 2003
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, April 2003 – 6:00pm
Final speaker/performer during the opening rally and Concluding speaker at end of evening events.
The 94th Annual Eastern Communication Association Conference
Washington, DC April 2003
Dora presented two programs during this NCA Conference:
1. The Intersections of Domestic/Partnership Violence and Public Health. Roundtable Discussion. April 24, 2004
2. Civic Engagement on Campus: Building a Center for the Public Good. Short Course developed and presented with Dr. Rosa Eberly. April 27, 2003.
The 2nd Annual Women’s Studies Graduate Organization Conference
Penn State University, University Park, PA, Thomas Building, April 12, 2003
Dora offered an integrated Speech and performance of original poems: The Private as Political: The Power of the Personal Survival Story in the Public Sphere.
Celebration of Women in the Arts Showcase
Penn State University, March 2003
Featured poet during this two-day festival with co-founder of the NeoSpinsters and performance artist, Pat Payne.
National Walk-Out in Protest of the War
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, March 5, 2003
Guest speaker/poet presenting the efforts of Poets Against The War.
The Vagina Monologues
Penn State University’s Production, Shwab Auditorium, February 2003
Dora joins the cast this year with her rendition of the Monologue on Female Genital Mutilation/Female Circumcision.
2002
The Batterer’s Intervention Program Centre County
Bellefonte, PA, December 2002
Featured speaker/poet to address 30 men convicted of domestic violence offenses and mandated by the Centre County, PA Judicial System to participate in this 20-week intervention program.
Project Growth: Breaking the Silence, Creating Hope Program
Penn State University, North Halls Dining Commons, December 2002
Featured speaker/poet during educational program on sexual violence.
Stop the War on Women: Repeal the Global Gag Rule Rally
State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA, November 1, 2002 – noon
Featured speaker/poet during rally to repeal the Global Gag Rule. Sponsored by Choice USA, PSU Womyn’s Concerns, Black Womyn’s Concerns, and The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
Penn State Students Declare October Social Justice/Activism Month
Penn State University, 112 Kern Building, October 28 – 8:00 pm
Dora was invited by student leaders to present as a featured speaker during the month-long array of student-organized programs on Social Justice. Dora presented her speech: Domestic Violence as Domestic Terrorism
Poems from the Heart: Community Poetry Reading
Borough Building, South Allen Street, State College, PA, October 2002
National Young Women’s Day of Action Rally
Penn State University Campus and State College, PA, October 2002
Join Dora at The Spontaneous Poetry Booth to benefit The Centre County Women’s Resource Center! Wear a purple ribbon! And for her reading during ìVoices: The Speak Outî Poetry Reading.
Organized by the Penn State University Chapter of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
At Dawn’s Early Light: A Common Ground – Readings about War
Borough Building, South Allen Street, State College, PA, October 2002
Invited poet for reading highlighting community response to war.
Penn State Students Declare October Social Justice/Activism Month
Penn State University, University Park HUB Lawn, October 4, 2002
Featured faculty poet during Social Justice Block Party, a daylong student fair to raise awareness for social change and individual involvement. With performance poet Saul Williams.
The Second Annual WORDSTOCK: State College’s Festival of Language!
An array of locations throughout State College and Penn State’s Campus! July 2002
We are EVERYWHERE around town this year, so check out the website and program guide for all events, slams, performances, and community events!
I am hosting Language as Activism and Social Justice, which showcases local artists, and activists using language to change the world!
I am also offering two workshops this year so check out the schedule.
And I am serving as SLAM Master again, hosting the series of Slams leading up to the FINALS, as scheduled on the website.
Impact of Violence Rehabilitation Programs in Pennsylvania Maximum Security Correctional Institutions for Men
Houtzdale Institution, June 2003
Impact of Partner, Child, and Sexual Abuse,
Dora returns to Houtzdale men’s prison to address the issues of partner and child abuse and sexual assault by performing original poetry of survivorship and healing.
The Chester County Domestic Violence Services, Inc., 25th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser
Chester County, PA, Radley Run Country Club, April 26, 2002 – 6:00 pm
Dora presented the evening’s Keynote Speech: CCDVS: 25 Years of Service to Chester County, PA
To honor the efforts and 25 years of service of the members of CCDVS to assist victims and survivors of violence in my hometown.
For more information, contact DVCCC at (800) 711-6270
Evening Of Courage
State College, PA Webster’s Bookstore, 120 S. Allen Street, April 2002
As Director of The Women of Courage of Centre County, PA (formerly the Centre County Survivor’s Council), Dora served as organizer, co-host, and opening and closing speaker/poet for The Women of Courage of Centre County’s Evening of Courage events to honor:
1. April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and
2. Centre County survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main
April 2002 – 6:00 pm
Final speaker/performer during the opening rally and Concluding speaker at end of evening events.
Afternoon of The Arts: Local Writers In Our Midst
Leadership Centre County, State College, PA, Borough Building, April 2002
Invited poet to address 2002 program participants about my experiences as a local writer and the impact of writing on community development and needs.
The Conference on Women’s Health and Wellness
Penn State University, University Park, PA, Thomas Building, March 2002
Dora presented Claiming Voice: Empowerment after the Violence, her original 2-hour workshop exploring creative writing and speaking as means of healing and empowerment. Solo, featured poet and book signing during conference.
The Vagina Monologues
Penn State University’s Production, Thomas Building Auditorium
Valentine’s Weekend, February 2002
Solo featured poet, invited by student organizations to read original poems from my first collection, the scorched earth, as opening act to play.
2001
Robert Pinsky’s Favorite Poem Project
State College, PA, Borough Building, November 2001
Invited to read Elizabeth Bishop’s poem, One Art and present the essay I wrote celebrating the poem and Bishop’s successes as a female poet.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in The Justice System
Centre County Public Hearings
State College, PA, Borough Meeting Room, October 2001
Invited by Investigative Committee to present testimony pertaining to racial, gender, class, victim, and firearm bias in domestic and sexual violence court proceedings within the judicial system of Centre County, PA, as Director of The Women of Courage of Centre County. My testimony resulted in changes in judge management of Protection From Abuse requests in Centre County, PA, and this speech was televised state-wide on The Pennsylvania Cable Network.
Evening Of Courage
State College, PA, Webster’s Bookstore, 120 S. Allen Street, October 2001
As Director of The Women of Courage of Centre County, PA (formerly the Centre County Survivor’s Council), Dora served as organizer, co-host, and opening and closing speaker/poet for The Women of Courage of Centre County’s Evening of Courage events to honor:
1. October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and
2. Centre County survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence 25th Anniversary Commemorative Luncheon
Harrisburg, PA, October 3, 2001
Invited speaker/poet to present to the founding members and former presidents of The Coalition my original poem Around This Table, commissioned by the Coalition to commemorate the history and spirit of the founders, and to discuss the impact of the Coalition’s 25 years of activism.
Allegheny College, in Association with Women’s Services, Inc.
Meadville, PA, October 2001
Featured poet in observation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Pennsylvania State Maximum Security Correctional Institution for Women at Muncy
October 2001
1. Invited to speak on the issues of domestic and sexual violence and read original poetry from my first collection of poems, the scorched earth, to an audience of 200 female inmates.
2. Held a one-hour discussion on the healing power of the written and spoken word with 26 inmates involved in House of Hope program, which is designed for prisoners with severe abuse histories poetry reading.
The Butler County Annual Hestia Awards
Butler County, PA, October 2001
Dora presented the evening’s Keynote Speech: Celebration of Service for the Victim’s Outreach Intervention Coalition Awards Ceremony.
National Young Women’s Day of Action Rally
State College, PA, Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, October 2001
Invited by Penn State student leaders to speak and perform original poetry as address of feminist activism, community development and individual empowerment.
Impact of Violence Rehabilitation Programs in Pennsylvania Maximum Security Correctional Institutions for Men
Houtzdale Institution, Impact of Partner, Child, and Sexual Abuse
Dora returns to Houtzdale men’s prison to address the issues of partner and child abuse and sexual assault by performing original poetry of survivorship and healing.
Annual Association of Workers’ Compensation Professionals’ Claims Management National Conference
Island, FL, May 2001
Invited speaker to present my original speech: The New Age of Communication
Take Back The Night Rally and March
Penn State University, Steps of Old Main, April 2001 – 6:00 pm
Dora represented The Women of Courage of Centre County Final as Speaker/performer during the opening rally and Concluding speaker at end of evening events
The Battered/Formerly Battered Women’s Caucus of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Vigil for Homicide Victims of Domestic Violence
The Penn Stater Conference Center, Penn State University Campus, March 2001
Hosted, by invitation of the Conference organizers, the 3-hour program to honor domestic violence homicide victims during statewide conference, speaking about domestic violence and incorporating original poetry.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
Penn State University, March 2001
Invited speaker/poet to present original speech: Domestic Violence, Literacy, and Community.
American Association of University Women
State College, PA, Autoport Restaurant, February 2001
Speech/performance: The Intersections of Domestic Violence, Literacy, and Empowerment for the AAUW’s program: A Rage To Read.