Merriam - Webster's Online Dictionary offers these definitions for the word QUALIFY. It means to : to give (someone) the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity, to have the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity, to have the qualifications to do something, and or to pass an exam or complete a course of study that is required in order to do something.
Recently, I was asked what qualifies Bonnie and I to create a docudrama addressing men's sexual violence and assault of women from prehistory to the present. As many of you who read me on occasion know, I live for great questions. This time was no different.
Bonnie and I taught our children when they were young, they could always tell us anything or ask us anything. They took us at our word and brought us many conversations that it made it necessary to keep our poker faces on.
We have had to maintain the same kind of face when women have told us horrendous stories of violence at the hands of their fathers, brothers, other members of their families, friends of their families, and others. Over the years, we have developed the ability to within five minutes of meeting a woman know whether or not, she has been a victim of sexual assault.
Women who experienced sexual assault as children, teens and adults sought us out to share their stories. We have never advertised our work, run an ad, or passed out a business card. Something about us and our work as licensed social workers in the State of Ohio, our work formally serving the church in offices and roles of ministry, and our expertise in the field of human relations seem to have placed an invisible marquee running around us that said, "It is safe to tell Oscar and Bonnie. They can help."
To that end we served thousands of women from every continent except Antarctica. It was first one on one either in person or by phone. Women shared with their friends and group work developed. The coming of the Internet made the international outreach possible.
One final note before credentials and degrees. We have never asked for or charged any woman a fee for service.
Bonnie earned an Associate Degree from the Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio in Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Chemical Dependency. She graduate magna cum laude with a perfect 4.0. Side Note: She convinced her faculty that I would prove to be an asset. I would serve Columbus State as Adjunct Faculty.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Capital University, an historic Lutheran institution. Again, she graduated with academic honors and selected for the University Honor Society. She was awarded the License to Practice Social Work after successfully complete the state exam.
She pursued graduate studies in Chemical Dependency Counseling at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio in Delaware, Ohio.
After completing service in the United States Air Force, I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kentucky State University, an HBCU in French with minors in Spanish and Sociology. Immediately following undergraduate school, I was ordained to ministry and served a mainstream church until I would return to graduate school.
Fifteen years after completing undergraduate, I earned a Master of Divinity from the Methodist theological School in Ohio in Delaware, Ohio. The emphases for study were pastoral service, counseling, and community service. Fifteen years later, I earned a Master of Science in Justice from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
As professionals with earned degrees and retired from primary vocations, there is work yet for us to do for which we are competent by education, experience, purpose and passion.
If further details should prove of interest or if you share our purpose and passion to make a difference in the lives or women, we invite you to communicate. Email us your questions, thoughts or comments to projectimalive@gmail.com.
Oscar and Bonnie Crawford
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