RISE News #2
Resources Information Socialization Education
We want to wish everyone a very Merry Xmas and New Year! Our hope is that this coming year RISE International will be able to build on the foundation that has been laid in the past months. RISE International is a Community Interest Company that was formed on June 1, 2007, shortly before the book release of 'Not Without My Sister' (available on amazon.co.uk).
As set out in our mission statement, RISE International works to protect children from abuse in cults. We advocate for children's human rights and support those who seek justice for crimes committed against them as minors in these groups. Please see our About Us page for more information.
Following is an update on what we have accomplished so far.
Fundraiser In Tucson
On November 11th, 2007 Rise International held a fundraising event in Tucson, Arizona. The fundraiser included a screening of a British documentary Cult Killer which first aired on Channel 4 in the UK in August 2006 and later on ABC News in the United States as well as on television networks in a number of other countries. The documentary explored the tragic events that surrounded and led up to the murder/suicide of Ricky Rodriguez, son of cult leader Karen Zerby.
After the screening, Don Lattin and Juliana Buhring gave a short talk about their recently published books, Jesus Freaks – Murder and Madness on the Evangelical Edge, and Not Without My Sister. This was followed by a book signing and wine reception. We would like to thank everyone who attended. Through this event we were able to raise $1000 for Rise International. Articles about the event were published in the Tucson Citizen and the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tucson Citizen "Graham : Authors try to repair The Family's circle of despair" - November 29, 2007
- Arizona Daily Star - "New book calls cult practices madness" - November 11, 2007
Here are some pictures from the event.
More photographs from the event can be found in our photo album.
INFORM Conference
On November 24th, one of our directors, Juliana, represented RISE at the INFORM conference in London on "Adults who grew up in NRMs." She was able to network with social workers, academics, and children born and raised in other cults, and present the perspective that was under represented - the damage that child abuse and extreme beliefs can have on children.
Incorporating RISE in the United States
RISE was registered first in the UK and now we are in the final process of registering RISE International as a charity in New York, which should be completed early next year. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP has agreed to represent RISE on a pro bono basis to assist us with the incorporation, bylaws drafting and tax exemption application process. We want to give a special thank you to Yoo-Kyeong Kwon, Victoria Manoushagian and Eileen Bannon of Dewey & LeBoeuf for their help.
Networking
In early September, directors Dermot and Juliana teamed up to network and raise the profile of RISE in the US. They met some influential lawyers and child rights campaigners, and made some useful contacts for future projects.
Update On 'The Lost Children Memorial Day'
As mentioned in the last newsletter, our preparations to hold an international memorial day in the summer next year are ongoing. For those who did not receive the last newsletter, this memorial will not only be for second generation of The Family, but the many second and even third generation from other cults that have lost their brother or sister or close friend through suicide, physical/mental abuse and medical neglect, drug overdose and cultish fighting groups such as the LRA in Northern Uganda. The name of the event will be 'The Lost Children Memorial Day.' RISE International will be working with Safe Passage Foundation to organize this event.
A web designer is assisting us to create a virtual memorial website which will honour the memory of second generation children and adults who have died in cults around the world. We plan to set up a live webcast of the event so those not able to attend can participate online. We will post the URL as soon as the site is completed, and the exact date of the memorial day will be announced in our next newsletter. If you have a deceased relative, friend or loved one who was born into and/or raised in a cult, please send us their information (name, biographical information, pictures, eulogies, dedications, etc) so we can honor their memory at the event and add them to the memorial website.
Thanks for your support
We would like to thank all of those who have contributed to RISE over the past few months. Your support is greatly appreciated.
In order to carry out the many projects we have planned for next year, we are looking for supporters who are able to give regularly, even if it's only 5 or 10 pounds/dollars a month. If you would like to become a regular supporter or give a one time donation, please refer to the Contribute page.
Thank you.
Rise International C.I.C. is a community interest company registered in England and Wales, Company number 6266210.
How to contact us
By post:
RISE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
Lyddons Nailsbourne
Taunton Somerset TA2 8AF
UNITED KINGDOM
email: contact at riseinternationalcic.org
Telephone numbers
United Kingdom: +44 115 871 4370
United States: +1 202 640 5501
