History and Philosophy
Breaking Free is the brainchild of Nadia Telsey, consultant and expert on self-defense and founder of Self Defense from the Inside Out (SDIO), and Phyllis Barkhurst, long-time activist and administrator in the movement to end violence against women. Formed in 2000, this non-profit organization is the result of years of conversations about how to disseminate projects that transform women from feelings of pain, helplessness or fear into feelings of power.
Nadia Telsey has taught feminist self defense workshops (cross ref) and courses since 1975. In 1997 she was asked by Oregon's Adult and Family Services (AFS) to create a course to accompany her workbook, Self Defense from the Inside Out. This course was subsequently attended by 86 women throughout the state and was given rave reviews (cross ref).Under AFS, Nadia then developed a training course and a Leader's Guide to SDIO to certify women to facilitate groups. Breaking Free was formed to support and disseminate this a related work, independent of AFS.
Mission
To empower women and girls and promote healing by providing information and developing skills to break free from the fear and effects of violence against women.
Projects
Breaking Free is developing specific projects for Latinas, survivors of domestic violence, incarcerated women, and for girls of all ages. The current work of Breaking Free is to continue to develop the Self Defense from the Inside Out project including:
Self Defense from the Inside Out consists of 21 hours of closed group sessions in which participants take part in activities and discussions that transform the way we live in this violent world. At its heart is the workbook entitled Self Defense from the Inside Out that explores ways women have been set up as victims and how to change that role.
There have been more than 1,000 women and girls who have participated in SDIO workshops and classes. The words most often used to describe the experience are "transforming," "empowering," and "life-changing."
News
Three people recently completed the facilitator training course. Congratulations to Steffany Rault, Ellen Rifken, and Brenda Webber!!
Nadia Telsey will be teaching at two national self-defense conferences this summer: the National Women's Martial Arts Federation Special Training (July 17-20) and the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists 2003 Training Camp (August 1-4).
Publications
SDIO Workbook is avaible in English. A new edition is in the works and is expected to be out in 2003. A Spanish version of the SDIO workbook is also planned. Click Here for workbook order information.