Vocabulary:
- advocate – someone who publicly supports a particular policy or movement
He has been an advocate of social change for years. - interior design – the art of carrying out designs for rooms, offices, etc.
Rose took up a course in interior design. - despair – a feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will improve
She looked at her husband in despair. - philanthropic – helping people, especially by giving money to those in need
The concert was sponsored by a philanthropic organization. - endeavor – an effort or attempt to do something
Our endeavor is for the bright future of our children. - culmination – the highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time
This business is the culmination of 20 years of hard work and determination.
Steven Tyler, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, opened a home for abused girls outside Atlanta. Janie’s House is a fruition of a lifelong dream to help young, abused women. Tyler participated in the “scarf cutting” ceremony at the sanctuary at Youth Villages’ Inner Harbour campus in Douglasville, Georgia. He personally met with the residents, who became emotional greeting the rockstar. Tyler stated that witnessing a lot of victims’ despair is what led him to start this philanthrophic endeavor.
Tyler has always been an avid advocate of protecting and helping abused young women. He participated in various charities for years and even started a non-profit organization called Janie’s Fund. Thus, Janie’s House is a continuation, if not, the culmination of his advocacy. He was deeply involved in this project, even helping with the interior design. Tyler also mentioned that he has high hopes for these young women. He believes he’d be able to make their lives better through Janie’s House.
True or False:
- Steven Tyler, a famous rock star, opened Janie’s House.
- Janie’s House opened in Georgia, just outside of Atlanta.
- Steven Tyler didn’t necessarily involve himself in the project, Janie’s House.
- Tyler has always been a supporter of abused young women.
- Steven Tyler also started a charity called Janie’s Fund.
Express your opinion:
- Do you think a sanctuary such as Janie’s House is good for abused women? Please explain your answer.
- How can a sanctuary like Janie’s House help abused women?
- In some countries, domestic violence is not a crime. What do you think about that?
- What factors do you think contribute to violent behavior in men, women and children? Discuss.
- Do you think men can also be victims of domestic violence? Explain your answer.
Defend your argument:
- “One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.”- Michael J. Fox
- “You don’t have to wait for someone to treat you bad repeatedly. All it takes is once, and if they get away with it that once, if they know they can treat you like that, then it sets the pattern for the future.”- Jane Green
- “Violence is the problem, not the solution.”- Unknown