What did O Porrajmos Education Society accomplish in 2012? Where will we go in 2013? What are our long-term goals? It's time to consider the past and look to the future; to learn from our victories as well as from our mistakes. After all, we are historians.
This past year brought the "Gypsy" Wagon Museum Display to new venues in Iowa as well as to visit old friends. The Wagon made its second appearance at the Summer of the Arts Global Village, a children's event held in Iowa City in June. This event holds a special place in our history, as it was the debut for the Wagon in 2011. Over 400 children and their parents had the opportunity to visit and explore the information on the Wagon and offer their support.
In July and August, the Wagon made numerous appearances at the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Raids, Iowa, where dozens of people joined the Society on our email list. The Farmers Market draws people in from may surrounding communities, so it is a welcome opportunity to share current events and talk with visitors about the Romani people.
The Wagon was scheduled to appear at Imagination Square in July as part of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, but the threat of rain prevented set up. While we did have activities for the youngsters, we hope to return to Imagination Square in 2013 with the Wagon.
The Wagon also returned to the Linn County Fair in Central City this past July, surviving setup during a terrible storm that did some damage to the fair grounds. While it was a limited showing, the Wagon received more visitors this year than its appearance at the fair last year.
Ciuin Ferrin spoke at new venues this year as well as more familiar places. Besides lecturing at schools around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, she had the opportunity to teach at the Linn County Genealogical Society, Beyond Rubies at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, and at the Midwest Open Air Museums Coordinating Council Conference hosted by Ushers Ferry in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
2012 also allowed Ciuin the opportunity to go to the University of Texas in Austin to work on a research project at the Romani Archive and Documentation Center run by Dr. Ian Hancock. Please keep your eyes on the blog as more posts are to come on the results of this trip.
Working with a graduate student at the University of Iowa, we were able to translate one DVD out of a set of 20. These DVDs hold as of yet unheard testimony from O Baro Porrajmos survivors. The rest of the DVDs should arrive soon and we will begin translation work immediately. Our goal is to create a documentary on the testimonies, the interviewer, and publish a book on the process of translation. Again, watch this blog in 2013 for updates.
So what does the New Year bring? More opportunities to share at venues around the Midwest.
We have expanded our outreach to include Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois in hopes of taking the Wagon or lectures to new academic venues. We would like to thank Rapids Reproduction of Cedar Rapids Iowa for their assistance in this endeavor.
The translation project is an exciting work that has been in the making for over two years. We hope to have the DVDs soon so work on translation and transcription may begin. This is a momentous project and we are honored to be a part of it.
O Porrajmos Education Society is glad you have taken interest in our work. We thank you for your support. If Ciuin or the Wagon will be in your area, please stop by and say hello. We look forward to meeting you.
May you and yours have a joyous and prosperous New Year!
Showing posts with label Wagon Display. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wagon Display. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Friday, December 30, 2011
Time for new beginnings
This is the last post for 2011. That is so amazing to me. 2011 has been a momentous year.
O Porrajmos Education Society was born this year with a mission to "serve as historians on the Rromani (“Gypsy”) nation, as a reliable resource on the current state of Rromani affairs, and as an advocate for the future prosperity of all Rromani. We seek to educate children and adults on these marginalized peoples, and work to be an active force for Rromani rights worldwide".
We took many steps this year, ones I was anticipating would be very difficult. We faced these obsticles as team and made headway that surprised even me, the optimist of the group.
We set our charter on January 17, 2011 and then established some long and short term goals. Our goals for this year were based on three categories: education outside of the Society, creating a usable archive for researchers and students, and fundraising for events and educational materials. Two of these goals, the archive as well as fundraising, are long term goals and will never be complete. The other, education, was to begin immediately and within that goal we determined the steps we would need to take.
The design would be interesting to Americans and draw them in. But how do you tear it apart for storage? Using a simple slot and grove design, we were able to create a box that would sit on top of another smaller support box. Where the windows of the wagon were to go, we would have photo panels with text panels below. The panels would stay in place using Velcro tabs, allowing them to be removed and even changed at will. We built small doors into both ends of the wagon allowing for a portable CD player to sit inside, adding the dimension of sound through music.
When the plans were drawn out, we set out to find sponsors. The Wright Touch Bake Shoppe and Rapids Reproduction, both of Cedar Rapids, signed on without hesitation. Rapids Reproduction printed the text and photo panels and The Wright Touch Bake Shoppe gave us the funding to purchase the materials. Kevin Notestine volunteered to build it, so construction began in late March.
During construction, the Society was approached by The Iowa Summer of the Arts Campaign to present at an event called 'The Global Village.' Children would be given 'passports' with every country participating that day. Countries had to come up with a craft or activity for the children to do in order to get a stamp in their passport. We decided this would be the perfect opportunity to debut the wagon. Our new deadline for its completion was June 17 for delivery to the Global Village on the 18th.
Weather conditions made construction slow and we had a team of volunteers painting via flashlight past midnight the night of the 17th. We prayed everything would be dry that morning and prepared to drive 30 miles to Iowa City with a display that had never been assembled before. This was an act of faith. The following morning the paint was dry so we loaded up and headed to Iowa City.
It took longer to assemble than we'd planned, but we did get it set up and spent the day talking with families. We had coloring sheets of the Rromani flag for the little ones and parents seemed fascinated with the wagon. Our efforts were successful.
Throughout the summer, requests came in about the wagon. Since its debut in June, it has been shown at seven events over the summer and early fall. The wagon has always been a work in progress and has a much more finished presentation than you see to the left. Currently the wagon is awaiting some touch up paint and a few repairs.
We are currently working on our goal of getting ourselves established in the local and now surrounding school districts. We've been sending information to the various districts in the area and now have two classes set up for this spring term and are expecting to book more in January.
Our third goal, to look for family events as venues for education, has also been successful. The wagon has been very popular and I have spoken at 3 different public venues, ones in which I was very surprised to be asked to participate. We are currently creating a mailing as well as an email newsletter to create more interest in speaking engagements, both in public venues as well as clubs and schools.
Next year looks bright. Between January and March I will be speaking to two local genealogical societies in the spring and will also be speaking at Beyond Rubies, a women's conference held annually at Kirkwood Community College here in Cedar Rapids. We have other opportunities we are working on and hopefully negotiations will continue in a positive manner.
We should also be able to apply for tax exempt status in 2012, which will make fundraising much easier.
We look forward to 2012 and anticipate it as a time for growth with opportunities to make a difference in the world. I am reminded this holiday season of a song by TSO. "If you want to arrange it/ this world, you can change it/ by helping a neighbor/or even a stranger/you know who needs help/you need only just ask." Together, we can change the world. I pray for your continued support thoughout the new year and that you will have a Happy New Year, Baxtalo Nevo Bersh, but baxt thaj sastipe!
Baxt,
Ciuin
Oleg
Ron
Debbie
O Porrajmos Education Society was born this year with a mission to "serve as historians on the Rromani (“Gypsy”) nation, as a reliable resource on the current state of Rromani affairs, and as an advocate for the future prosperity of all Rromani. We seek to educate children and adults on these marginalized peoples, and work to be an active force for Rromani rights worldwide".
We took many steps this year, ones I was anticipating would be very difficult. We faced these obsticles as team and made headway that surprised even me, the optimist of the group.
 |
| O Porrajmos Education Society |
- Plan and create a museum display that was portable and flexible.
- Establish ourselves within the local school system as a credible organization.
- Seek out public family events were we could educate through entertainment.
 |
| The 'topper' |
 |
| The base |
During construction, the Society was approached by The Iowa Summer of the Arts Campaign to present at an event called 'The Global Village.' Children would be given 'passports' with every country participating that day. Countries had to come up with a craft or activity for the children to do in order to get a stamp in their passport. We decided this would be the perfect opportunity to debut the wagon. Our new deadline for its completion was June 17 for delivery to the Global Village on the 18th.
Weather conditions made construction slow and we had a team of volunteers painting via flashlight past midnight the night of the 17th. We prayed everything would be dry that morning and prepared to drive 30 miles to Iowa City with a display that had never been assembled before. This was an act of faith. The following morning the paint was dry so we loaded up and headed to Iowa City.
 |
| At the Global Village, June 18, 2011 |
Throughout the summer, requests came in about the wagon. Since its debut in June, it has been shown at seven events over the summer and early fall. The wagon has always been a work in progress and has a much more finished presentation than you see to the left. Currently the wagon is awaiting some touch up paint and a few repairs.
We are currently working on our goal of getting ourselves established in the local and now surrounding school districts. We've been sending information to the various districts in the area and now have two classes set up for this spring term and are expecting to book more in January.
Our third goal, to look for family events as venues for education, has also been successful. The wagon has been very popular and I have spoken at 3 different public venues, ones in which I was very surprised to be asked to participate. We are currently creating a mailing as well as an email newsletter to create more interest in speaking engagements, both in public venues as well as clubs and schools.
Next year looks bright. Between January and March I will be speaking to two local genealogical societies in the spring and will also be speaking at Beyond Rubies, a women's conference held annually at Kirkwood Community College here in Cedar Rapids. We have other opportunities we are working on and hopefully negotiations will continue in a positive manner.
We should also be able to apply for tax exempt status in 2012, which will make fundraising much easier.
We look forward to 2012 and anticipate it as a time for growth with opportunities to make a difference in the world. I am reminded this holiday season of a song by TSO. "If you want to arrange it/ this world, you can change it/ by helping a neighbor/or even a stranger/you know who needs help/you need only just ask." Together, we can change the world. I pray for your continued support thoughout the new year and that you will have a Happy New Year, Baxtalo Nevo Bersh, but baxt thaj sastipe!
Baxt,
Ciuin
Oleg
Ron
Debbie
Monday, October 17, 2011
The latest museum visit
OPES staff were very busy this weekend. The Wagon Display, along side an old fashioned tent, went on display at the Cedar County Historical Society in Iowa on Saturday. The Wagon was fitted with two new text panels explaining the history of the Rromani in Iowa, including one panel on how the Rromani were often vilified in the newspapers. The tent is a replica of tents that could have been used by Rromani in America and is furnished with items from 1890-1915.
Educational Director Ciuin Ferrin spent the day cooking for 75 people over a fire pit, taking the opportunity to talk to guests not only about Rromani in Iowa but around the world. Most visitors were surprised to learn Rromani currently live in the United States and that to be "Gypsy" was not a choice, that someone cannot wake up in the morning and decide they are now Rromani.
The standard thought among most guests was that one chose to be "Gypsy" and that "Gypsies" were people who didn't want to settle down, to work, or to take on normal responsibilities any other citizen would have to take on. Most were eager to learn the truth about the Rromani, and not just in Iowa, but around the world. A few asked what could be done and how they could help. Some even donated financially.
It was a successful and rewarding day and we hope eyes were opened to the condition of the Rromani not only locally, but world wide.
Educational Director Ciuin Ferrin spent the day cooking for 75 people over a fire pit, taking the opportunity to talk to guests not only about Rromani in Iowa but around the world. Most visitors were surprised to learn Rromani currently live in the United States and that to be "Gypsy" was not a choice, that someone cannot wake up in the morning and decide they are now Rromani.
The standard thought among most guests was that one chose to be "Gypsy" and that "Gypsies" were people who didn't want to settle down, to work, or to take on normal responsibilities any other citizen would have to take on. Most were eager to learn the truth about the Rromani, and not just in Iowa, but around the world. A few asked what could be done and how they could help. Some even donated financially.
It was a successful and rewarding day and we hope eyes were opened to the condition of the Rromani not only locally, but world wide.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
An update on the Wagon Display
The Wagon Display has been very busy the past two months. Its latest adventure took it to the Rromani concert hosted by the International Academy for Russian Music, Arts, and Culture. Saturday, October 8th, the Wagon went on display during a concert in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Attendees enjoyed the music from the wagon and the information given.
We are creating two more panels for the history section, relating the Rromani to the State of Iowa to help locals understand the need for further education about the Rromani in the US. The two panels are being printed free of charge by one of the wagon's sponsors, Rapids Reproduction. We are grateful for their help.
The Wagon is in need of some repair, however. It has been shown four times in four weeks and has some chips and marks along its hinges. We need to repaint two sides and replace one section of molding and then clear treat the entire wagon to prevent further damage.
Once our application for a 501(c)3 status is approved, we plan t raise funds to recreate the Wagon using gator board, a sturdy material that will allow the wagon to be moved without extensive damage.
Thank you for your interest in our project.
We are creating two more panels for the history section, relating the Rromani to the State of Iowa to help locals understand the need for further education about the Rromani in the US. The two panels are being printed free of charge by one of the wagon's sponsors, Rapids Reproduction. We are grateful for their help.
The Wagon is in need of some repair, however. It has been shown four times in four weeks and has some chips and marks along its hinges. We need to repaint two sides and replace one section of molding and then clear treat the entire wagon to prevent further damage.
Once our application for a 501(c)3 status is approved, we plan t raise funds to recreate the Wagon using gator board, a sturdy material that will allow the wagon to be moved without extensive damage.
Thank you for your interest in our project.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Wagon Display in Cedar Rapids
Today the Display Wagon was at the Multicultural Festival at Ushers Ferry here in Cedar Rapids and was well received by the small crowd. I did hear one negative comment from a man from Hungary, but he was quick to apologize, though he followed the apology with a racial joke. His wife beat me to the punch when she smacked his shoulder. Par for the course, he claimed to have no idea what he had done to deserve such treatment.
We gained another five signatures in the guest book and several new emails to the list, meaning we have educated more people who are interested in continuing our work, helping promote the organization and the Wagon.
Our next display date is October 8th at the International Russian Guitar Festival at Cedar Valley Bible Church in Cedar Rapids. Educational Director Ciuin Ferrin will be giving a brief lecture on the history of the Romani and an overview of the current conditions in Europe. After, there will be a concert with Dr. Oleg Timofeyev, Vadim Kolpakov, and others.
We hope you can join us.
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