Are you preoccupied with food, weight, or body image? You may be struggling with an eating disorder. Eating disorders can cause extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues that start to control your life, and can have life-threatening consequences. Dave Drajkowski, an experienced eating disorders therapist facilitates this ongoing support group for UWM women students. Students are able to join anytime. Sponsored by the UWM Women's Resource Center.

For more information or to participate, contact Sue McCarthy-UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852 or suzimac@uwm.edu.

Based in the principles of Parenting with Love & Logic and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, this program offers a realistic and practical approach to meeting the challenges of raising children today. Class participants will learn communication skills, positive discipline techniques, ways to build self-esteem, strategies for raising responsible children who can grow into adults capable of living meaningful, happy lives, and more. Effective Parenting is taught by a trained parent educator with 20 years of experience working to strengthen families. Sponsored by the UWM Women’s Resource Center, and supported by the UWM Children’s Center, UWM Life Impact Program, and UWM Life Impact Extension Project.

To register or for more information, contact Sue McCarthy-UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852 or suzimac@uwm.edu.

Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. Different from martial arts, RAD is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. This class for UWM women-identified students and employees is taught by UWM Police Department staff who are nationally certified RAD Instructors. Participants receive a workbook/manual and there is a free return and practice policy for RAD graduates. Sponsored by the UWM Police Department and the UWM Women's Resource Center.

To register, contact rad-police@uwm.edu. For information about the class, contact the UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852. For information about RAD, go to www.rad-systems.com.

Recently back from 3 weeks in Cuba, Karen Wald, editor of Cuba Inside Out, talks about Cuba's struggles against sexism, machismo and homophobia in a nation that has made free and universal education and health care top priorities. Ms. Wald has co-authored an extensive article on AIDS in Cuba for POZ magazine's September 2009 issue, online at: www.poz.com/articles/Cuba_HIV_Rate_2363_17096.shtml. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Coalition to Normalize Relations With Cuba Coalition, Latin America Solidarity Committee, Progressive Students of Milwaukee, and the UWM Women’s Resource Center.

For more information, contact the WI Coalition to Normalize Relations With Cuba Coalition at 414-273-1040 ext. 12 or cubawifriends@mindspring.com.

Hey student parents… looking for some fun, family-friendly activity on a Saturday afternoon? Connect with UWM classmates who, like you, juggle school responsibilities with parenting. This event was initially scheduled for Saturday, November 7th, 2009 but due to a scheduling conflict with a free day at the zoo outing organized by the UWM Student Parent Association, a new date is being sought for this Family Bowling event.  Sponsored by the UWM Union Recreation Center, UWM Women’s Resource Center, UWM Life Impact Program, and the UWM Life Impact Expansion Project.

For more information, contact the UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852.

A wry personal perspective on polyamory and other relationships outside of mainstream monogamy, this documentary film (David Finch & Marueen Marovitch, 2002, 90min) takes viewers on an intimate road trip across North America - from a polyamory conference in the Catskills and a swingers' convention in Las Vegas, to long-term multipartner families in California. Along the way, the filmmakers try to learn from these relationship veterans, while navigating their own fledgling polyamorous relationships. Young Milwaukee Poly Group members will facilitate a discussion following the film screening. Sponsored by Peer Health Advocates at UWM, Union Activities Board at UWM, and UWM: First Year Center, Women’s Resource Center, Union Programming, Union Sociocultural Programming, Black Cultural Center, Norris Health Center, University Housing, and LGBT Resource Center.

For more information, contact the UWM LGBT Resource Center at 414-229-4116.

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 5-8pm, UWM Union Art Gallery.
This group exhibition explores different facets of masculine identity and challenges stereotypes through what traditionally may be considered "womens' work". Thread Bearing: A Portrayal of Masculinity One Stitch at a Time, aims to be a challenge to preconceptions and a play on the presentation of masculinity in textiles. For years, women have enjoyed the catharsis of gathering together to knit, sew or quilt together whilst putting the world to rights – and these men benefited accordingly. Sponsored by the UWM Union Art Gallery, UWM Women’s Resource Center, and the UWM LGBT Resource Center.

For more information, contact Andrea Avery-UWM Union Art Gallery at 414-229-5830.

Join exhibiting artist, Adam Parker Smith for an introduction to the show that’s up in the UWM Union Art Gallery, Thread Baring: A Portrayal of Masculinity One Stitch at a Time, and a discussion about different facets of masculine identity. Also consider joining Adam Parker Smith for a master workshop on Saturday, November 21st from Noon-4pm. Sponsored by the UWM Union Art Gallery, UWM Women’s Resource Center, and the UWM LGBT Resource Center.

For more information, contact Andrea Avery-UWM Union Art Gallery at 414-229-5830.

Join us for an evening with award winning author, Edwidge Danticat. Danticat is a Haitian-born author who’s written several books including her latest, Brother, I'm Dying, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2007. She won a Granta Regional Award for the Best Young American Novelists for her first book, Breath, Eyes, Memory, which was a selection in Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club. Named “One of 20 people in their twenties who will make a difference” by Harper's Bazaar, and featured in New York Times Magazine as one of "30 Under 30" creative people to watch, Danticat has also taught at New York University and the University of Miami. A sign language interpreter will be provided, and a reception and book signing will follow the lecture. Sponsored by UWM Union Programming, UWM Union Sociocultural Programming, UWM Bookstore, UWM Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, UWM Women’s Resource Center, and other campus departments and community organizations.

For more information, contact Carla Cadet-UWM Union Sociocultural Programming at 414-229-6998 or visit the Distinguished Lecture Series webpage at www.unionprogramming.uwm.edu.

These films are being screened as part of UWM’s recognition of World AIDS Day. On this day, we honor the lives of those affected by and living with AIDS around the globe. Join our efforts to educate on the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS-related conditions.  More details to come! Sponsored by Peer Health Advocates at UWM, Union Activities Board at UWM, UWM First Year Center, UWM Women’s Resource Center, UWM Union Programming, UWM Union Sociocultural Programming, UWM Black Cultural Center, UWM Norris Health Center, UWM University Housing, and the UWM LGBT Resource Center.

For more information, contact Carla Cadet-UWM Union Sociocultural Programming at 414-229-6998.

Join UWM Women’s Resource Center staff for free bowling, as an end-of-the-semester stress-buster! Sponsored by the UWM Women’s Resource Center and UWM Union Recreation Center.

For more information, contact the UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852.

In 2009, singer Chris Brown's alleged assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna sparked conversations, articles, and increased awareness about partner abuse.  With Domestic Violence, master documentarian and cinematic legend, Frederick Wiseman (High School, Titicut Follies) turns his unflinching eye on the issue of intimate relationship violence - a topic that society has ignored for far too long. As each new victim bravely shares her tale of horror in the film, it becomes painfully clear just how convoluted and troubling a problem domestic violence is. Named one of the 10 Best Films of 2002 by The Boston Globe, The Village Voice, Slate Magazine, The New York Free Press, and National Public Radio's 'Fresh Air'. Sponsored by the UWM Women’s Resource Center. (Frederick Wiseman, 2001).

For more information, contact the UWM Women’s Resource Center at 414-229-2852.

Last season's top two runners placed as all-league first team honorees and led the Panthers to a very close runner-up finish. Come see what this season holds for UWM's Cross-Country women runners!  The Women’s Cross-Country Team doesn't compete here in Milwaukee, but consider taking a road trip to Chicago or Kenosha to see our runners in action!
     9/5         UIC Home Opener                      Chicago, IL
     9/19       Parkside Invitational                   Kenosha, WI
     10/3       Loyola Lakefront Invitational     Chicago, IL

For more information, go to uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/w-xc/wiml-w-xc-body.html.

The UWM Women’s Volleyball team seeks their seventh-straight Horizon League regular season title this year. The team has 6 of 7 returning starters and all but one letter winner from a season ago, so come support them in what promises to be another great season!
UWM Women's Volleyball Team Home Games:
         09/11/09 vs. South Dakota, 1:30pm
         09/11/09 vs. Western Michigan, 7:30pm
         09/12/09 vs. Marquette, 1:30pm
         09/12/09 vs. Ohio State, 7:30pm
         10/02/09 vs. Youngstown State, 7pm
         10/16/09 vs. UIC, 7pm
         10/17/09 vs. Loyola, 4pm (Pink Out game!)
         10/23/09 vs. Green Bay, 7pm
         11/06/09 vs. Wright State, 7pm
         11/07/09 vs. Cleveland State, 2pm
         11/13/09 vs. Valparaiso, 7pm

For information about the team, go to uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/wiml-w-volley-body.html. For group tickets, contact Brian Morgan-UWM Athletic Department at 414-229-2958 or brianm@uwm.edu.

Last year the UWM’s Women’s and Men’s Swimming & Diving Teams were once again named to the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Team Scholar All-American list for their simultaneous athletic and academic achievements. Come show your continued support of our strong and dedicated swimming and diving teams at their home meets:
         11/21     UWM vs. Valparaiso
         2/6          UWM vs. Green Bay

For information about the team, go to uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/w-swim/spec-rel/052107aaa.html. For ticket information, call the UWM Athletic Department Ticket Office at 414-229-5886 or go to uwmtix@uwm.edu.

Women’s basketball at UWM rocks! The team has five new recruits this season. Come show your support as the team kicks off with what promises to be a great season with new faces! 
    11/09/09  vs. UW-Parkside (Exhibition)
    11/05/09  vs. Steven's Point (Exhibition)
    11/19/09  vs. Wisconsin, 7pm
    11/25/09  vs. Northern Illinois, 7pm
    12/13/09  vs. Chicago State, 4pm
    12/15/09  vs. Illinois State, 7pm
    12/29/09  vs. Marquette, 8pm
    01/07/10  vs. Detroit, 7pm
    01/09/10  vs. Wright State, 6pm
    01/16/10  vs. Green Bay, 2pm
    01/28/10  vs. Valparaiso, 7pm
    01/30/10  vs. Butler, 2pm
    02/20/10  vs. Illinois-Chicago, TBA
    03/04/10  vs. Cleveland State, 7pm
    03/06/10  vs. Youngstown State, 2pm

For information about the team, go to uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/wiml-w-baskbl-body.html. For ticket information, call the UWM Athletic Department Ticket Office at 414-229-5886 or go to uwmtix@uwm.edu.

From Alverno's website: "I have a confession to make: I didn't quite get Toshi Reagon when I first heard her recordings. The videos helped. But I was told that I needed the live experience to get it. So on a cold, slushy January night in lower Manhattan, I trudged into a club, with admittedly not the best of attitudes. And then she obliterated the cold and the wet and the fatigue with the first notes out of her mouth. I felt like I stuck my forefinger into an electrical outlet and kept it there, with joy, throughout her entire set. Gospel, blues, rock and R&B – it's all there, and the distinctions are made meaningless as Toshi mashes genre into genre, making the most glorious and jubilant music this side of heaven. As Zippy the Pinhead says, "Enlightenment doesn't care how you get there"."

For more information, go to http://alvernopresents.alverno.edu.

The Healing Center's services are confidential and all groups and support sessions are facilitated by people who are experienced with the issue of sexual abuse. Ask about transportation and child services if needed. Closed groups run in 14-16 week cycles and once started, close to new participants. Weekly attendance is strongly encouraged. Current groups include:
     Adult Rape/Sexual Assault Support Group:
A 12-week support group for survivors who were assaulted/raped as adults.  The group explores a variety of healing components and spsecifically shapes its focus to each cycle of participants.
     Adults Molested as Children (AMAC):
A 16-week structured support group designed for female participants who are interested in exploring how their childhood sexual abuse experince has and is affecting their life.
     Sexual Wholeness:
A 12-week information and support group that addresses the ways sexual abuse has affected one's ability to enjoy intimacy and sexuality. 
     Open Group:
An on-going weekly information and support group for women survivors of any type of sexual trauma.  The open group is a resource for survivors new to support groups or who are unable to make a weekly commitment to attend one of our other support groups.
     Entre Mujueres (Spanish-speaking survivors):
An on-going twice-a-month support group for Spanish-speaking women who have been sexually abused/assaulted.  The group is open to new participants every session and covers issues unique to Latinas.
     Survivors Towards Recovery:
A 12-week group for survivors who also struggle with alcohol and/or substance use.  The group explores and builds other means of coping with strong thoughts and feelings associated with one's sexual abulse without the use of substances.
     Creative Healing Series
An 8-10 week support group for survivors who would like to incorporate creative expression into their healing journey.  Participants utilize a variety of methods, such as collage, creative writing and drawing, to promote self-discovery and healing.
     Alumni:
A twice-a-month support group for survivors who have completed Adults Molested as Children group (AMAC).

For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, contact The Healing Center at 414-671-4325. For up-to-date group information go to www.thehealingcenter.org/aboutus/services.

With three new recruits and three seniors rounding out the strong ten-person roster, the Panthers look forward to a new and promising season. Support them in their efforts!  The Women's Fall Schedule included the Ball State and Western Illinois Invitationals.  Check back soon for updates on the Women’s Tennis Team's Home Spring Schedule.

For information, go to www.uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/w-tennis/wiml-w-tennis-body.html.

This is an ongoing therapy group for women who are experiencing anxiety or depression as a result of a divorce. Women may join the group at any time. Services are insurance billable.

For more information, contact Sandra Pratt-Lopez at 414-773-4312.

This support group will provide opportunity for women to identify their own strengths and personal resources; address steps to help solve difficult problems experienced by women with cancer; and, assist with adapting and coping.

For more information, contact the Aurora Women's Pavillion at 414-454-6549.

Come join us for a once a month drop-in group modeled after Silver Space/Open Space meetings. This meeting is a social gathering for any women who like to discuss "issues" that are affecting our lives. Come to share, sing, celebrate, eat (bring a treat) or just listen and get to know each other. All women welcome!

For more information, conatact SAGE at 414-224-0517.

Some women find group therapy is a format in which they can deal with issues related to self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness, career changes, unresolved, family issues, relationships with others and recovery from depression, anxiety and abuse. This therapy group offers both support and challenge, enabling members to make important changes in their lives. This is an on-going group that meets twice a month on Monday evenings.

For more information, call 414-389-5657 or contact Sharon Thyne at 414-329-5963. Registration is required; call 414-773-4312 to schedule an appointment.

A social and educational group for female-identified UWM students looking to connect with other female-identified students (open to allies).  Sponsored by the UWM LGBT Resource Center.

For more information, contact Kirsten at joranli2@uwm.edu or Bridgette at blovrek@uwm.edu .

This support group is open to patients, survivors, and family members/friends (don't have to be related to group members).

For more information, call 414-777-7495.

This group reads lesbian written fiction and non-fiction. Books that the group have read include, A Sea Horse Year by Stacy D'Erasmo, and Turning Tides by A.K. Naten. All lesbians are welcome, as is anyone interested in the growing and diverse field of lesbian literature.

For more information,  and to find out about this month's reading selection, contact Outwords Bookstore at 414-963-9089.

In the spirit of Kay Gardner we meet to sing as a circle of women. Kay believed that music and sound were untapped sources of great healing. It is not necessary to have prior experience or to be a "great" singer. Simply come with the intent to sing for healing and celebration of life-for oneself, others near and far, and for the world. Drums and other instruments (especially rhythm instruments) are welcomed, though singing together is the main activity. Most songs are easily learned; chant-like and repetitive, and they provide the opportunity for a meditative experience. The sacred aspect belongs to no particular religion, but arises from our emphasis on woman-spirit and nature themes.

For more information, including dates and directions to the next meeting, contact Marcia at 414-442-1882 or mmiracle@wi.rr.com, Debbie at 414-962-4782 or debere01@gmail.com, or join the The Milwaukee Women's Singing in Sacred Circle Group at meetup.com.

Women meet to sing in a setting where participants are encouraged to simply come with the intent to sing for healing and celebration of life -- for oneself, others near and far, and for the world. Drums and other instruments are welcomed, though singing together is the main activity. Most songs are easily learned, chant-like and repetitive, providing the opportunity for a meditative experience. The sacred aspect belongs to no particular religion, but arises from the group's emphasis on woman-spirit and nature themes. New participants are always welcome, and participants don't need any prior experience or be a "great" singer.

For more information, contact Marcia at 414-442-1882 or Debbie at 414-962-4782, or go to The Milwaukee Women's Singing in Sacred Circle Group at www.meetup.com.

Take some time to relax and share some food and good conversation. Bring your favorite board or card game and a dish to pass!

For more information, contact 414-272-9442 or go to www.lesbianalliance.org.

A womyn's only drop-in event. A place to meet other women and join in good conversation. Even numbered months (April, June, etc) have a games/chat agenda while odd numbered months are different each month with crafts, dance lessons and other things. Attendees' ideas are always welcome. Bring a snack to share.

For more information, contact 414-224-0517.

A Woman's Touch is a woman-owned and operated sexuality boutique started in Madison, Wisconsin. The store focuses on women's perspectives on sex and sexuality, specifically in the Midwest. It offers a number of workshops as well as a unique combination of expertise in sexual health and pleasure.

For more information or to register e-mail awt.milwaukee2@gmail.com or call 414-221-0400.

Women of all ages are invited to join this monthly series for spiritual reflection and discussion in response to readings in Joyce Rupp's book, May I Have This Dance?.  Sponsored by the The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist's Parish Health Ministry, in collaboration with CALL (Cathedral Adult Lifelong Learning).  A continental breakfast will be provided at each session.

For more information, contact Teresa Flaherty at 414-347-1959 or tersa@core.com,  or Pat Wisialowski at 414-276-9814 x3119 or patwisialowski@stjohncathedral.org.

Women of all walks of life gather to discuss articles related to spirituality and keep each other company during lunch once a month.  Articles are distributed in advance and lunch is ordered from Jimmy John's Gourmet Subs.

For more information, to indicate attendance and to receive a copy of the article for the month, contact  Rachel at 414-276-9814 x3102 or rachelegarczynski@stjohncathedral.org.

Since Broad Vocabulary closed, we are moving Broad's regular Femiknits group to the Tool Shed!  All needle arts, all genders, and all skill levels welcome. Bring your current project and any treats/snacks you'd like to share and look forward to some good conversation.  Always open to newcomers.

For more information, contact 414-906-5304 or go to www.toolshedtoys.com.

Out to Brunch is an informal gathering of lesbians that has been meeting, and mostly eating, for over 17 years. It came to fruition in Milwaukee from a long standing group out of Minneapolis. The Milwaukee area Out to Brunch has over 300 households on the mailing list from as far north as Sheboygan, as far south as Bristol (Kenosha County), and beyond. Each month a changing group of women gather over Sunday brunch for conversation and connection. Average gatherings run about 35 women. The gathering makes the rounds of different homes – whoever volunteers to host. The hosts provide coffee, paper plates, plastic ware, cups, napkins, and nametags. Women who come to the brunch bring a dish to pass. It can be something bought at the store or homemade. There are no dues and no rules. Just bring a dish to pass!

For more information, search Facebook for Out to Brunch Milwaukee.