When Melody Pilotte contacted me about doing an interview a few weeks ago she mentioned that she does work with RAINN.org. I knew I had to do a second interview with her about this vastly important organization and the ways that we can all help to support their cause.

Carmine Magazine: For the readers that are not familiar with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) can you describe what it is, what it does and why it’s such an important organization?
Melody Pilotte: RAINN is an amazing charity, that pledges itself to helping victims of incest and sexual violence. They have services dedicated to helping victims, their families and friends, with twenty-four-hour hotlines, online help, and resources. It’s just marvelous. It is beyond important: it is integral. Every two minutes, someone in the United State is the victim of sexual assault. One in six women and one in thirty-three men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. That’s a disgusting amount of people. Most women know their assailants and these people don’t often spend the time they should be in prison. American Indian women are the most likely to be raped. RAINN is so unique in the work that it does. It’s so important because sexual assault, rape, incest, domestic violence–are such unseen crimes. They hurt everyone, not just the victims–their friends, their families, their teachers, co-workers-who love them and might not be able to help them, or even know what‘s wrong. Everyone is affected by it; it creates an intergenerational soul wound, trauma and self-hatred. The work that RAINN does is long overdue in the world and I am so happy a really wonderful group of people have dedicated their lives to doing it.

CM: What kind of work do you do for RAINN?
MP: I’m doing a series of prints of Tori Amos (one of the founders) that I am donating for them. When I free some more time up on my hands, I want to volunteer some real time to help with their hotline.

CM: How did you start working with them and how can others do work with them?
MP: I’ve been dying to help out for years, but was too shy to do so. There is a section on their website where you can volunteer. I sent an email in letting them know I wanted to donate art and got a prompt response. They’ve been amazing ever since.
This is their volunteer section: Volunteer for RAINN

CM: What is the best part of working with RAINN? And the worst?
MP: There isn’t worst part about working for RAINN, because I really find everything I do to be a labour of love. I totally feel like this is the best thing I’ve ever done with my art. I know that I am giving something that will raise money for people who need it, those who have been needing this kind of help for too long. Knowing that you might be part of helping someone out, especially with such a monumental impact on their life, it worth more than anything.

CM: What made you decide to work with RAINN instead of other charities that are out there?
MP: As an incest survivor, I cannot think of another charity I would rather work for. As a mixed blooded Native person, we suffer the most from sexual abuse, domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. It shouldn’t be that way. No one should have to suffer something like that, but it does happen. When you’re a survivor, it is your duty to help others. Sexual abuse survivors don’t always help each other and it shouldn’t be like that. It’s our turn to help those who aren’t in the recovery space yet. That hurt/ scared/ frightened person used to be you, and you have to remember that. I decided to help RAINN and give them something they would be able to use to help others because RAINN helped me, so much. It’s my turn to help them, and to give back, and to give to others who aren’t as far along recovered as me. If my prints help at least one person, one Native or mixed blood person who has suffered from incest or sexual violence, or anyone else for that matter, know that there is hope, so much hope, and to know that it isn’t they’re fault and that it does get better–then that would be enough for me.

CM: How can our readers donate their time, money or artwork to RAINN?
MP: They can check out the volunteers, support and donation sections of the RAINN website. [Ed.'s note: Here is the link for the donate by mail or phone section.] I highly recommend it. Also, one of the most important ways to help is to educate others and bring about awareness. You can order informational cards to pass out from them, too. It’s all on their website. (RAINN.org) I highly recommend it.

CM: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
MP: The details about the prints are still up in their air. I think there is going to be 50 or more of each (I’m still scoping out to see what my budget’s going to look like.) Each one is going to be signed and numbered by me, some will be individualized even more. All of them, but a couple of originals, will be available from RAINN. I would suggest to keep tuned in.

For more information about RAINN please check out these important links:
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Get Information
Search for a Local Crisis Center
Volunteer

Here is some of the artwork Melody has created for RAINN:

Do you work with a valuable charity? Do you create artwork that is auctioned off or sold for the benefit of a charity? Do you know of a charity that sells artwork to benefit their cause? Please contact us with the details and we’ll try to do a piece on the charity!