Ferris Robinson
Have you read the Hunger Games? Or seen the movie?
Just in case you are one of the few people who don't know, it takes place in an apocalyptic North America consisting of a shining Capitol and twelve outlying districts, some better than others. Each year two representatives (tributes) are selected by lottery from each district, and the stakes (kill or be killed) are high. Somehow all of the tributes are televised most of the time and watched by all the people in the districts as well as the Capitol. The main character actually takes the place of her little sister, adding drama and interest to the story, and raising the stakes considerably. Our main character, Katniss Everdeen, must look her best and behave perfectly because the support of the sponsors are crucial to her survival. It is only with the help of these so-called sponsors that the tributes will live to tell the tale, and so the goal is to get as many good ones as possible.
I'm reading The Hunger Games right now, a fact that is ironic because I identify with Katniss Everdeen. And not in a small way.
Her ordeal is not unlike my current situation: I am Dancing with the Chattanooga Stars in June, and I am absolutely terrified. I have moments of wishing I could trade places with Katniss. She may be fighting for her life, but least she doesn't have to dance.
She's a much better person than I am. That much was clear in the first chapter. When her little sister's name was called, signifying her place as a tribute, Katniss didn't hesitate. She threw herself in front of the officials, begging them to take her instead. I wouldn't have done this. In fact, I would have clapped enthusiastically if my sister had been asked to dance instead of me. Maybe poked at her with a stick or something as she made her way to the stage.
Like Katniss, I am in dire need of sponsors. Sponsors are the only thing that can save me, make actually dancing in front of lots of people worthwhile. I stare at my phone the same way Katniss stares up at the sky, hoping for medicine or food or a bottle of water to drop into her hands. I just want someone to say, "Don't worry! We'll take out an ad in the Dancing with the Stars Program! You won't be the only tribute without a sponsor!"
Unlike Katniss, my cause makes sense. The seven other tributes, I mean dancers, are all in the same situation I am in; we are desperately trying to raise money for the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. Like the tributes, we are 'forced' to compete against each other, but unlike them, it is by shaking our booty and soliciting donations.
Unlike the Capital, the Partnership is good. Very, very good. Their mission is to empower people to build better lives. They don't hand out band-aids to problems, or provide temporary solutions. The staff and volunteers work hard to empower people to be their own solutions, and the programs the Partnership has established reflect this.
Katniss represented District 12. I represent the Family Violence Center.
The difference is, District 12 is fictional.
And as high as the stakes were in The Hunger Games, they're higher at the Family Violence Center.
If you'd like to sponsor me in any way, please contact me
HERE or
VOTE here. Checks can be made to PARTNERSHIP and send to 1800 McCallie Ave, 37404 with FERRIS in the memo. And thanks for breaking the cycle of violence.