Comments

The greatest defence a person has is knowledge. This project will be a great learning tool to empower our kids. We need more projects like this.

I just wanted to say that what you're doing is an absolutely AMAZING thing. I am one of the Managers at the Build a Bear Workshop in Annapolis MD and I discovered your organization after flipping through a preview of our upcoming Huggable Heroes calendar. While it's always great to see kids helping other kids, in 6 years a BABW, none of the organizations ever REALLY hit home with me...but your's definitely did. I am 23 now, but when I was 16...I had a boyfriend that brutally attacked me. I feel like knowing more about how to fight back might've not only prevented the first incident, but things I went through for two and a half years with this boy after the fact. A film like your film would've really been a great thing to see in school...or anywhere really. So, while this isn't a strong enough word by any stretch of the imagination, kudos on what you've done and continue to do here!!!

This is a comment sent in to our trainers Leila Rae Sommerfeld and Valerie Mainridge of Gresham, OR

Thank you again from our entire team! You and Valerie did such a fabulous job. Several of our volunteers commented at the end that your traiing was the best self-defense class they had ever taken - and several had attended classes in the past. you adapted your presentation to fit perfectly into our time constraints and skill level. You and Valerie brought such great energy and enthusiasm to our class. We especially appreciate you taking time on a Sunday. We feel empowered to continue to advocate for sexually exploited women in and around Portland.

We are so pleased to know you and your work. I hope this is only the beginning of our partnership.

Hello! I have donated to your organization, Just Yell Fire...having stumbled across it during a search for information on how to teach my daughter to protect herself from assault. I have to say that your organization is fantastic and I only wish what you teach would be mandated and required curriculum in EVERY SCHOOL!

I am a 13 year girl who attends middle school, and does ride the bus. My bus stop has one other girl, the same build and age as me. I am very weak, and don't play any sports whatsoever. For the past year, I have heard of many girls who were older and stronger than me get raped and taken away. Needless to say, I was frightened. What could happen to me?

My mom showed me and my little brother this video. After watching it, I emailed it to all my female friends and watched it over and over again to practice the actions used against a sexual offender. Thank you so much for letting everyone see this. Now I know that I have a chance against a 200 pound man or woman who tries to touch me. By the way, I thought the hair combing thing was brilliant, and the scoop kick was as well.

I was so impressed with the Just Yell Fire video that a few weeks ago I brought it to the attention of one of the guidance counselors at our local high school, Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale, Illinois. I got word from him today that he had shared the video with the school's physical education and health teachers. They thought it was great and they have decided to use it in their classes.

You are to be commended for your efforts in helping women and young girls to be better prepared when faced with the potential of being a victim of a violent attack! As a police officer of 34 years and a martial artist since 1962, I will encourage all of my students that I train to watch your DVD. Thank you.

I saw your segment today on Montel, and it touched me. My husband and I work for a state Dept of Corrections and deal with some of these offenders on a daily basis. I am always left wondering how their victims are coping. I was so excited to see a project of this magnitude from the next generation. We have four young children of our own and want to get the DVD to have to show to them on a regular basis. More than anything I just want to thank you for having the courage to step up and help other young people protect themselves. Thank you and congratulations on being such fine young women.

Thanks alot. You should be really proud of your daughter (I'm sure you are). She and her friend have probably saved lives of girls everywhere. I am going to show all my friends the dvd (I'm a mini distributor, LOL). It's very important to know how to defend yourself! I hope you can pass on my thanks to them and say I really admire what they are doing!

I attended the 2009 International Student Leadership Conference, at which Dallas Jessup spoke to everyone and then conducted a workshop to teach us how to defend ourselves, which I also attended. Since her speech, I have become increasingly passionate in the fight against domestic violence. I have helped with projects and fundraisers for the past two years, and this year, I am trying to start a club at my school that focuses on raising awareness and raising money to help fight against domestic violence. I was wondering if there would be any possible way that Dallas Jessup could come and speak to our school briefly about the warning signs of a dangerous situation, and how to defend ourselves if ever caught in one. Also to talk about how she has changed the world with her film and book, and anything else she wishes to speak to the student body about. I am sure that our school would be honored to have her speak to us.