Crowsaroo! CAC at this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

For three days, between acts as diverse as Kendrick Lamar, Florence and the Machine, and My Morning Jacket, our awesome crew of volunteers engaged thousands of fans about women's rights and had an amazing time on the farm! This year's Bonnaroo was a first time for many of us, but we quickly fell in with our community at Planet Roo.

Dave, Danielle, Scott, Phillip, Jenni, Murphy, and Karah, battled the heat, dust, and humidity, to raise awareness about women's rights issues including equal pay, women's health, and the International Violence Against Women Act. We are so excited to report that in just three days at this year's Bonnaroo, nearly 2,000 fans took action in support of issues. We also (temporarily) inked up hundreds of attendees with our "I'm with her" message of gender equality.

Already itching to head back to Manchester for next year's festival!

Music & Lecture: That familiar place where people are ready to learn and engage

As spring has faded into summer, both the lessons from the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) and the music from Full Service, have stayed ringing in Dave's head since our June 1 event.

The night began with some seriously memorable words from Chad, words that brought together the group that had convened in his living room and deepened the meaning of what we were about to hear from our BARCC representatives, Megan and Stephanie. Noticing that the majority of those present were men, Chad made it a point to explain how important, how positive, it was to have so many men present for a discussion about sexual violence. He talked about how issues that affect more women than men are not simply “women’s issues,” and how exposure to people's stories and BARCC's work can push us to seek changes to the systems that propagate our society’s need for their work.

Issues that affect more women than men are not simply “women’s issues,” and exposure to people's stories and BARCC's work can push us to seek changes to the systems that propagate our society’s need for their work.

Talking about rape and sexual violence is never easy, but knowing about these hidden yet commonplace scars that exist throughout our communities is the first step in helping to remedy them. It might sound odd, but after Chad spoke, it truly felt as if there was a new openness and receptiveness in the room—it once again became that familiar place where people were ready to learn and engage.   

Megan and Stephanie talked about some of the staggering statistics of rape: how 1 in 6 men, 1 in 4 women, and 1 and 2 transgender people will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. These numbers quickly broke down that everyone, whether they know it or not, knows someone who has experienced sexual violence. This is why BARCC exists. It is not just a resource for survivors (the word they use in lieu of “victims”), but also for their loved ones and friends who wish to help. Their website offers resources, like role-playing instructions to use when memories of a past rape or attempted rape come up, and how to support and help as best as one can when learning of the painful experiences of another.

They explained how their work aims to provoke societal intervention, like educating children and teenagers about the ways people treat one another, and encouraging people to explore ways we can improve our relationships with those in the world around us while breaking down harmful gender stereotypes (Stephanie remarked how she wasn’t there to play drums, as she had been told as a child that it wasn’t something girls did, despite her deep wish to rock out). It was clear that their work wasn’t only to help survivors, but also to show the community ways to grow that might ultimately prevent any sexual violence from occurring. The value of BARCC’s work is immeasurable, and their ability to teach and explain just how insidious the culture of sexism, stereotyping, and by-standing is brought me to a vastly more inclusive understanding of my responsibility in preventing sexual violence.

Our friends at BARCC then cleared out so the band could to take over. Having not heard of Full Service before that night, and entering to find that their merch included some neon sunglasses and branded kazoos, and their high-hat was a rusted and folded license plate, I didn’t really know what to expect. Well I can safely say now that if you haven’t heard Full Service’s music before, and better yet, if you haven’t seen them live, stop what you’re doing immediately and go fix that.

Simply put, they rocked. Their harmonies were gorgeous, their rhythm was tight and yet still breathed easily, and their songs were playful, fun, and imaginative. They were there to have fun, and boy, did they do it. It was reportedly the most complete setup that has played a MLS at Chad’s, featuring a full kit (of sorts… we’re counting the bongo/license-plate setup here because it just sounded awesome), an electric bass, guitar, and melodophone/auxiliary percussion. True to their name, it was a Full Service experience, and it will stay in my mind as one of my absolute favorite Music and Lectures to date. 

Meet May intern Shane Woolley!

Hi, Crows! My name is Shane Woolley, and I’m psyched to be interning with Calling All Crows for the month of May. I’m coming up from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where I’ll also be graduating from Rocky Hill School in June. In the meantime, I’m taking the T up to the office most mornings, which has been an exciting and somewhat claustrophobic experience. Yet I’m willing have someone spill their coffee over me on the Green Line in order to be here in Brookline working with Calling All Crows.

 I first heard of this organization in 2012, soon after I discovered Dispatch and State Radio through Pandora. The socially-conscious, raw lyrics of the bands’ music made them stand out amidst the shuffle of Red Hot Chili Peppers and White Stripes, and soon I knew most of the words by heart. It wasn’t long until I found out about Chad and Sybil’s non-profit through the tight-knit network they and their fans have cultivated.

Since then, I’ve followed the developments and events of the organization, and have been lucky enough to attend the Northampton Halloween 5K, Annual Benefit Weekend, and Farm Jam (which is a must for any CAC fan and/or BBQ lover). When it came time for me to pick a place to intern at for my senior project, Calling All Crows was the natural choice. The community of people involved with the organization feels like home, even though I couldn’t ever possibly know all of its members, and the mission deeply resonates with my passions of music and political activism.

I believe deeply in the power of free speech and giving voice to those whose have been muted, and CAC amplifies this power not only with guitars and mics, but also with its unique approach to grassroots fan engagement.

Music is something seemingly built into all people, a rare unifying element of being human in a divided world. By tapping into this core link, Calling All Crows is able to emotionally connect us to important social causes, about which other groups can only send us statistical pamphlets and maps.

Another advantage CAC has in its mission to raise awareness is that music is catchy. Since I’ve discovered the organization, I’ve become “that guy” at my school who’s always sharing new bands and songs I’ve discovered through the Crows’ network, and these bands and songs are almost always attached to a cause or campaign. In this way, awareness for the songs’ issues spreads with them, and the model Calling All Crows is built on is uniquely able to harness the viral nature of music in its mission of activism.

During my time here, I hope to be able to contribute my passion to this mission, and make meaningful connections with the community of people who champion its cause in their lives. The first step toward positive change is reaching out and engaging people in activism, broadening their worldviews to issues that might not affect their own lives. Whether raising awareness about the crisis in Syria, hunger in America, or feminism and women’s rights, Calling All Crows is at the front lines of that effort, and I’m excited and honored to be taking a place with them in their movement.

What I’ve been listening to:

• Shakey Graves - “Late July”

• Lake Street Dive - “You Go Down Smooth,” Bad Self Portraits

• Paolo Nutini - “Iron Sky,” Caustic Love

• The House on Cliff - “All Over Again,” The House on Cliff EP

• And of course...Chadwick Stokes - “Our Lives Our Time”

Mom's the best

Maybe you’re already feeling guilty about what you did or did not send your mom. Maybe you’re reading this post right now wondering what I’m talking about. Consider this your last minute reminder: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, folks. 

Doesn't your mom deserve to be as excited as Lucille?

Depending on where you live (you lucky West Coasters have time on your side!), there is still time to drop something in the mail, call a florist, or send something through the internets that can show your mom how much you love and appreciate her. If you’re looking for ideas or need some extra inspiration, here are some ideas.

Strong Families is a home for the 4 out of 5 people living in the US who do not live behind the picket fence—whose lives fall outside outdated notions of family, with a mom at home and a dad at work. Their vision is that every family have the rights, recognition and resources it needs to thrive. Join them in celebrating Mamas Day 2015 by sending a free e-card designed to recognize anyone who has been an inspiration to you. 

Oxfam America, a nonprofit organization, who you may have heard of before, committed to creating lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice, and they have multiple ways that you can say Happy Mother’s Day with a donation to support moms living in poverty, and in particular, those affected by the recent earthquake in Nepal.

Heifer International works with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. They have several gift options under $100 that help to directly empower women by supporting women's groups, training in gender equality and providing the means to send girls to school.

Or, consider making a donation in their honor to these organizations, which support working moms, and families, maternal health, and women’s rights generally through research, advocacy, and service:

• Ibis Reproductive Health is an international nonprofit organization with a mission to improve women’s reproductive autonomy, choices, and health worldwide through clinical and social science research.
• Global Fund for Women advances the rights of women and girls worldwide by increasing the resources for and investing in women-led organizations and women’s collective leadership for change.
• MADRE, an international women's human rights organization, partners with community-based women's groups worldwide facing war and disaster.
• Since 1972, the National Women’s Law Center has expanded the possibilities for women and girls in this country by getting new laws on the books and enforced; litigating ground-breaking cases all the way to the Supreme Court, and educating the public about ways to make laws and public policies work for women and their families. 

Whatever you do, don't forget to take a moment and tell the moms in your life how that they are appreciated this Sunday. I know I've got some calls to make to my own! 

Introducing Dave

Hello! My name is Dave Lishansky and I’m currently fortunate enough to be interning with Calling All Crows for a semester. Just a bit about me: I’m currently finishing my last couple of semesters at Northeastern University, studying Music Industry with focuses in recording and ethnomusicology. A few of my favorite things include walking my dog/best friend Toby in the woods of Concord (my hometown), playing music with people who love to sing their hearts out, and dancing late into the night using mostly my wrists and elbows (a move that’s been lovingly dubbed “the Dave” by those closest and most embarrassed for me).

I came upon Calling All Crows’ work via some friends on Facebook and, after doing a bit of research, realized that Chad and Sybil’s vision to channel the positive energy and goodwill surrounding live music into social activism was a cause I simply had to be a part of. After attending the Music and Lecture Series at this past year’s Annual Benefit Weekend, I knew there was no turning back.

Both at ABW7 and our most recent Music and Lecture Series event celebrating International Women’s Day, I understood exactly how the work that Calling All Crows does is supremely important. Watching the intimate gathering of people totally absorbed in conversation, music, and one another, I realized that the most profound result of the work being done is the community that is produced when people interested in changing the world gather. This community comprises new and old crows—family, friends, and, at this last lecture series, freshly edified advocates for reproductive justice armed with information from All* Above All and the sweet spirit of Chadwick Stokes and Darren Buck’s songs.

Groups just like this connect at every Calling All Crows event. Those who give, volunteer, fundraise, and join in for our causes are simultaneously strengthening the bonds and spreading the virtues of this community every day, and anywhere that crows come together, the wonderful rewards of these necessary labors are enjoyed.

While the problems of the world might not be solved by raising funds for a few winter kits for Syrian refugee camps or educating people on reproductive justice alone, I strongly believe that when communities’ foundations are structured around mutual appreciation for art and compassion for humanity, the world is strengthened in a positive way. Communities that care for one another, that accept and include all who wish to join, and respect and recognize those that don’t, whose harmony is palpable at every gathering, and who’s gatherings are built on the sharing of music and education—these communities can and do help heal the world. Calling All Crows is an enthusiastic, growing, and full-hearted example of such a community that I am truly proud and incredibly lucky to share a part in.

"Communities that care for one another, that accept and include all who wish to join, and respect and recognize those that don’t, whose harmony is palpable at every gathering, and who’s gatherings are built on the sharing of music and education—these communities can and do help heal the world."

My greatest hope for my work over the next few months is to help more and more musicians and fans realize their power to take action for change in whatever causes move them. The work of Calling All Crows has proven that the excitement of a show and love of music is a regenerative source of energy that, when channeled into the right outlets, can lead to tangible progress and sustainable solutions to any issue. The warmth and wholeness we receive from the music we care about is ours to put back into the world however we can, whether it be to create change through volunteerism, self-education, awareness building, or whatever we are moved to do—this is our gift as music lovers, and our defiant answer to anyone who says that some problems are simply too big to tackle.

What I’m listening to:

• Toe. (For Long Tomorrow – “Goodbye”)
• Otis Brown III (The Thought of You – “You’re Still the One”)
• Kiah Victoria (Gravitate – “Aurora”)