January 14, 2025 • 32 mins
Episode 48 of “These Are Your Neighbors” features Kris Mount. Kris is known for impacting people through his work at the Abused Adult Resource Center. Through multiple leadership roles in our Bismarck, Kris continues to serve others, making him a changemaker in the community.
Kris Mount works for the Abused Adult Resource Center as the Coordinator of The Family Safety Center which oversees supervised visitation and exchanges for parents and their children. He also Coordinates and facilitates the SAVE Program (Solutions to Alleviate Violent Encounters) which is a 24-week program for men who have been convicted of domestic violence and other charges related to partner abuse.Kris is a member of the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, the Board of Directors of Dakota West Arts Council, the Board of the North Dakota Kennedy Center, and enjoys spending 3 weeks each Summer operating the box office for Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park.Kris has been active politically as an Election Judge, the Chairperson of District 35 Democratic-NPL and in 2022 ran for a seat in the North Dakota House of Representatives. He plans to run again in 2026.Kris returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Minot State University in 2021.
Kris Mount works for the Abused Adult Resource Center as the Coordinator of The Family Safety Center which oversees supervised visitation and exchanges for parents and their children. He also Coordinates and facilitates the SAVE Program (Solutions to Alleviate Violent Encounters) which is a 24-week program for men who have been convicted of domestic violence and other charges related to partner abuse.Kris is a member of the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, the Board of Directors of Dakota West Arts Council, the Board of the North Dakota Kennedy Center, and enjoys spending 3 weeks each Summer operating the box office for Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park.Kris has been active politically as an Election Judge, the Chairperson of District 35 Democratic-NPL and in 2022 ran for a seat in the North Dakota House of Representatives. He plans to run again in 2026.Kris returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Minot State University in 2021.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to These Are Your Neighbors? A podcast hosted by
the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee and produced by
Dakota Media Access. The purpose of the podcast is to
show the diversity of your neighbors and to encourage inclusivity
among the Bismarck community.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Welcome to These Your Neighbors a podcast hosted by Tia
Jorgensen and Sargana Witsky, both members of the City of
Bismarck's Human Relations Committee. Thank you for joining us as
we interview our neighbors who are subject matter experts and diversity, inclusion, accessibility,
and equality.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Our guest today is Chris Mont. Chris firks for the
Abuse Adult Resource Center as the coordinator of the Family
Safety Center, which oversees supervised visitation and exchanges for parents
and their children. Chris also coordinates and facilitates the Save Program,
which is a twenty four week program for men who
have been convicted of domestic violence and other charges related
(00:59):
to partner abuse. Chris is a member of the Bismarck
mand and Civic Chorus. He is on the board of
directors of the Dakota West Arts Council, also a board
member of the North Dakota Kennedy Center. Chris also enjoys
spending three weeks each summer operating the box office for
Sleepy Hollow. Chris has been actively politically involved as an
(01:20):
election judge, the chairperson of the District thirty five Democratic MPL,
and in twenty twenty two, ran for a seat in
the North Dakota House of Representatives. Chris returned to school
and graduated with a bachelor's of Social work from Minor
State University in twenty twenty one. Welcome Chris, Thank.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
You, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So why is Bismarck home for you?
Speaker 5 (01:41):
You know, I grew up in Bismarck. I went to
North through j Elementary, Who's Junior High, Century High School.
I left for about fifteen years and returned in twenty
fourteen when my dad passed away. I stayed here a
little longer than I had anticipated, and then was going
(02:02):
to move on to the next adventure. And once I
got to that destination, realized that Bismarck is where I
needed to be, and so I came back here in
twenty fifteen and haven't looked back since.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
So what made you go into social work then? Especially
later in life?
Speaker 4 (02:20):
So when I was younger.
Speaker 5 (02:21):
I had started at Bismarck State College and received an
associate's degree, and my intention was to go into social
work at that time. But life just started happening and
I started working and further education got put on the shelf.
And so when I returned to Bismarck, I went back
to Mint State University. Who was the time and just
(02:43):
wanted to complete that part that I had left behind.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
And what specifically drew you to the field of social work.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Just you know, a lot of people will say like
helping people, but I think that we really meet people
where they're at, you know what I mean, and help
them discover the needs that they need.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Yeah, that's actually a really good way of looking at that.
So one thing that I kind of resonated with was
going back to school later in life.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
What has been or what.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Did you find to be the most challenging part of that?
Speaker 5 (03:20):
Probably the fear of the unknown and thinking I'm going
to be the oldest person in the class when I
certainly wasn't. There's certainly a lot of older students that return,
so that fear subsided a fear of you know, new technology,
things that are a lot different now than they were
(03:40):
back in nineteen ninety four.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
And then just the balance of life.
Speaker 5 (03:47):
You know, when I was in school before, I was
living in my parents' basement. You know, I was able
to hold a part time job, you know, and just
kind of live life. And when you're an older student,
you have commitments, you have a career, you have other things.
So finding that balance was particularly interesting.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
I know the fear was the first few weeks, because
I just went back last semester. I thought I was
going to just completely lose it. But the further you
get along in this semester, you realize being older actually
has some advantages. We know how to punctuate, we know
you know how to capitalize and things like that. So
I do think there are some advantages to it as well.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
Absolutely, and we're paying for it.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
So well, I'm not National Guard pace for mine, so
I guess, but yes, we understand that a little bit more. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
So when you went back, did you go back actually
in person or did you do virtually?
Speaker 4 (04:39):
It was a combination of things.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
So I went through BSc into Minor State's social work program.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
So there were a number of classes that were required.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
In person, and then quite a few that were online
and then when I graduated, COVID had just started, so
everything shifted online at that point.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
So how do you use that degree then with what
you do at I've used Adult Resource Center, you.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
Know, I think the social work degree covers so many
different things, and in the work that we do at
the Abused Adult Resource Center, there's no two days that
are the same, you know.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
What I mean.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
So you could be helping somebody just get their basic
needs met one day, you could be helping somebody get
parental supervision supervision for their children. Another day, you could
be helping somebody with a sexual assault the following day.
So it just covers such a broad spectrum, and so
it's very helpful in the work that we do.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
And part of that involves working with children. I guess,
you know, if you could let our listeners know why,
it's important that during these challenging times, the consistency for
children is important.
Speaker 5 (05:51):
Sure, you know, there's a couple of things that come
to mind. Oftentimes children are the witness to violence in
the home, and so what we provide at the Safety
Center is a safe place for them because obviously, you know,
kids and parents love each other, but they need to
be away from that violence, you know, And kind of
(06:13):
an offshoot from that is kids feel very safe there.
They feel safe to express their emotions and what they're
feeling about that parent or about the situation, whereas if
they were at home or somewhere else, they might think
that there's going to be repercussions of that. So definitely
in that sense, and then sometimes kids are definitely the
(06:36):
victims of abuse, you know, so to be in their
homes is not the safest place. So if they can
come to the safety center and spend time with their
parents and have a good time and keep that relationship going,
it's healthy for everybody.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
I don't know if you know this answer, so I'm
kind of putting you on the spot, But in you know,
you think of partner and partner domestic violence, if it's
if it's common between partner and partner, is it do
you are you often seeing it then with the children
being abused as well or is it kind of just
vary it varies.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
What you see is that when a partner is abusing
another partner, the children witness that, and it can be twofold,
it could be you know, your next on one side
of it, and then the other side of it is
that's what they learn.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
You know, so they're learning that violence is okay.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
So we also talked about that you coordinate the SAVE program,
can you kind of first of all, tell us what
that stands for, and then can you tell us about
that exactly and what impact it has on the participants
in the program.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
Absolutely, So SAVE stands for Solutions to Alleviate and violent
Encounters and it's a twenty four week program for men.
There's also a women's program as well, but it's for
men who've been convicted of domestic violence or other partner
abuse type issues. And you know, there's a number of
(08:07):
programs out there that you know, it could be a
weekend session, you know, or an online session.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
But ours is twenty four weeks.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
And what we find is that, you know, domestic violence
and partner abuse just doesn't come out of the blue.
You know, it's something that is learned, something that's ingrained.
And so we really strive to get to the beliefs
of the people that are involved in our group, why
they think abuse is okay, how they grew up with
(08:38):
abuse perhaps, and to like show what equality looks like
and a partnership looks like because sometimes that's not what
they grew up with, so that's that's kind of all
that they know.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
And one of the.
Speaker 5 (08:55):
Best parts about it is that the Abuse Adult Resource
Center I had so many different things to survivors of abuse. However,
they're not the ones causing the abuse. So while we
provide these things and find them shelter and basic needs,
the person that's causing the abuse can just find another
(09:19):
partner and that abuse continues. So what our point is
is to stop the abuse, you know, and learn some
new behaviors. So that directly affects what the Abused Adult
Resource Center then does because there's going to be less
survivors if there's less perpetrators.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
So for the people that are in the program, is
it something that they choose to be in or are
sometimes they court ordered to be in this program?
Speaker 5 (09:46):
Ninety five percent of the time they are court ordered,
But it is a group that is open to people
that if they feel like they're on the verge of
that or feel like they need help.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
It is available to them as well.
Speaker 5 (10:01):
And one thing that I'm particularly proud of is that
we continue the group for men even after they've completed,
so we always keep the door open, because again, you know,
this isn't something that's just going to go away in
six months, you know, and so oftentimes we see men
(10:21):
that come back and say, you know, I just like
to be a part of the group, or this is
where I can let my feelings out so that it
doesn't come out at home in ways that I don't
want it or my partner doesn't want it. And I
think that's a really wonderful benefit of this program as well.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
I'm really glad you explained that because just in full transparency,
when we were kind of prepping our conversation with you,
I told Sergie and I could not ask this question
just based on my experience in the past, and it's
very interesting to look at it from that perspective of
it might be the norm for the abuser, it might
be all they know, and so giving them that opportunity
(10:58):
to kind of I'm really glad you explained that, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Is it really frequent then that the people that abuse
have been abused in their past.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Very much so?
Speaker 3 (11:09):
And then you might not know this, but do you
guys do any type of data after the fact what
the recipative rate is of people then once they've gone
through the program them again going back into abusing their partner.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
Yes and no. Unfortunately we don't know what happens at home.
We only know what happens if they get charged.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
So besides the SAVE program, what are some other programs
that individuals can receive from the AARC.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
There's too many to count really, which is a wonderful thing.
But a couple that I wanted to highlight was we
have the Seeds of Hope thrift store. A lot of
people may not know that that's connected to the Abused
Adult Resource Center, but that provides funds for our resources.
(12:06):
We also provide clothing for people if they're going for
a new job interview, and as people are coming out
of our shelters, if they're moving into a new apartment,
we can provide the things that they need to get
back on their feet again. ARC also has support groups
for survivors of domestic violence or people who are living
(12:27):
with a violent partner. And then we also have a
support group that's for people who are over the age
of fifty because sometimes those types of abuse can look different,
could be financial abuse, elder abuse, or different things like that,
but everybody still needs that kind of support. People can
get help with protection orders, there's help after sexual assaults,
(12:52):
we help victims of human trafficking, We help with housing,
just pretty much anything that we can help, and if
we can't directly provide it, we'll find the resources to
do that.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
And I know Michelle the executive director, pretty well, but
there's been some misconceptions that have came across in regards
to that people need to be at a certain poverty
level to receive your services.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Can you talk about.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
That everybody is eligible for our services. Yeah, we don't
turn anyone away.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
I didn't know. I've never heard that.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
I've heard it numerous times lately, and Michelle has had
many conversations with me that that's not the case.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
So I just wanted to make sure that people know
that absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I want to just for our listeners in case anyone
wants to hear my opinion. You talked about support groups,
and this has been years ago for me, and it
was up and mine not but I was encouraged to
go to a support group to really help us, you know,
establish also the process for getting a protection order as
well as for my well being. And I truly sat
there for I don't even know how many weeks thinking
(13:56):
I don't need to be here, this is not for me.
And then one day I was driving there and I
was just so full of rage, and I got there
and they're like, Okay, you're finally dealing with this. So
you may not think a support group is what you need,
but there's so much value that you don't even know
when you're walking in those doors.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
So, then what are some common misconceptions of people that
remain in abusive situations?
Speaker 5 (14:22):
I think the first one is that they can just leave.
You know, people just say we'll just leave, you know,
and that's just not as easy as it sounds.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
You know.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Oftentimes people that cause abuse, they will do different things,
such as alienate their partners from their friends and families, so.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
If they were to leave, where would they go.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
They will also perpetuate economic abuse where they may give
their partner an allowance, or they might not allow them
to have a credit card, or they'll take out loans
in the other partner's names. So you can't leave because
now you're fine, actually strapped. There could be children involved,
and you know, I think that's the number one misconception,
(15:08):
is that a person could just leave.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So then like to me.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
I look at it, and it's very common sense what
the benefit organizations like the ARC provide. But how would
you explain the value of that to somebody who's been
fortunate enough to never need the services that you guys offer.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
It's it's it's invaluable really.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
As I said before, you know, people who cause abuse,
uh make the world of their partners so small.
Speaker 4 (15:44):
That you know.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
There seems like there's nowhere to go, you know, but
when you talk with one of our advocates, there's somebody
at the Abused Adult Resource Center.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
Just knowing that you're.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
Supported could could mean that next step in doing something differently.
You know, when I talked about Seeds of Hope. You know,
if somebody's in their new apartment for the first time,
you know, and they don't have any pots and pants,
and we can provide that for them, you know, like that.
(16:19):
You know, I just can't even stress how important that is,
you know, and other things. You know, somebody may just
have to leave, you know, and when you leave, you
don't you don't take your personal goods, you don't take
your shampoo, you don't take your socks and underwear.
Speaker 4 (16:39):
You just go and we have those things available.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
So and that's I think you kind of it reminds
me of another point that this happens way more often
than people realize, because as you said, you know, we
had to fly my sister out of her home in
Ohio in the middle of the night with her two kids. Well,
she can only take one suitcase if she's caring two kids.
So I think two people don't realize how just those
(17:05):
minor things shampoo. You know, We're fortunate that she had
family that could offer her a place to stay, but
not everybody has that. So, as you said, the services
are invaluable.
Speaker 5 (17:16):
There's one other thing I want to say too that
I think is a misconception. Domestic violence does not discriminate.
You know, There's there's no no one that's immune from it,
you know, and I think sometimes people will paint a
picture of what a survivor of abuses or also what
(17:39):
a perpetrator of abuses, you know, and that's not the case.
You know, there's no economic status that discriminates. You know,
there's no job that discriminates from that. You know, everybody is.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
In some way or another could be involved with domestic abuse.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
So if someone or to need to access your service, says,
what is the process. Do they just call Abused Adult
Resource Center and talk to an advocate about what's going
on or what do they need to do?
Speaker 5 (18:07):
Yep, they can call the Abused Adult Resource Center. Our
office hours are eight to five Monday through Thursday, eight
to four on Fridays. But then we also have a
twenty four hour helpline, which I think is another one
of those wonderful services because again, you know, domestic violence
does not happen between eight the hours of eight and five.
(18:28):
It happens when it happens, you know, So we have
those services available at all times, and then it'll get
directed to the person who's most appropriate to deal with it.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
And then what about if a community member would like
to help and donate.
Speaker 5 (18:42):
Items, So a couple ways to do that. Obviously, financial
donations are always great because then we can disperse those
where they're needed. But things like shampoo, toilet trees, socks, underwear, blankets,
those could come to the Abused Adult Resource Center directly.
(19:02):
But then the beautiful part about Seeds of Hope is
we can take donations of all kinds that we then
sell and then again those come back to us.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Okay, so we talked a little bit about in your
bio that you're involved in politics, So we're going to
switch to other roles that you hold. Can you tell
us exactly what an election judges and how does that
role play in elections?
Speaker 4 (19:26):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (19:28):
So, during an election, both parties have election judges at
each precinct, and so it depends on the amount of
people that are in that precinct, but they'll be at
least one Republican and one Democrat, And basically it's just
to make sure that there's no shenan against happening, you
know what I mean. It keeps everyone accountable. But one
(19:48):
of the most beautiful things that I see is sometimes
if someone needs help with a ballot, let's say that
they have a vision impairment or something like that, then
both judges will sit and help that person fill out
their ballot, so that again there's nothing going on that
doesn't need to be and everybody stays accountable.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
So I was an observer for the first time this
past election, and I noticed that whether it was even
the set as side ballots, you know, watching people kind
of just walk them through the process. It was just
really cool to see the whole process unfold.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And that leads me to my next question. Why do
you think it's important for people to get involved, not
just by voting, but in the actual process of election day.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
Well, I think for a number of things. So a
few years ago, we heard so many things about, you know,
voting being rigged and you know, problems with voting, and those.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Are all not true.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
You know, it's what people hear and then turn into stories.
So when you're actually a part of it, you see
how the process works, from way before election day throughout
the day, everything that goes on, all the checks and
balances to know that we continue to have free and
fair elections, And I think that's something that people take
(21:12):
for granted, and once you do take part in it,
you see how important it really is.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
And that's you know, just as the observer. So my
whole reason for being there was to just sit back
and take notes on what we would like what we
were seeing, and I think I filled almost half of
a little notebook. Just when your whole job is to
just observe, you get to really see the process from
them walking in the door to I mean we were
(21:40):
far away from when they actually cast their balance, but
you could see a person come in and then watch
them come out, and it was just the interaction the
people that were working at two that the where I
was at. They just seem to genuinely want to be
there enjoy it. It was super fun to be a
part of.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
So you're the chairperson for just a thirty five and
pl what does that entail and how did you get
elected to that?
Speaker 5 (22:05):
We basically run the business for the district and let
our constituents know things that are going on.
Speaker 4 (22:13):
I got involved in it by starting.
Speaker 5 (22:15):
As an election judge and then just getting a little
bit more involved in the process. And every couple of
years the districts do a reorganization and I just ended
up getting elected by the body that was there.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
So how long do you stay in that role for them?
Speaker 4 (22:32):
It depends on a number of things.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
A person could stay in that role indefinitely, but then
also a lot of times people that find themselves in
those roles will also run for office as well, So
when you're running for office, it could be a lot
to take on both, so you'll step back and maybe
take on a different role. But then also it's nice
to get different people involved because you know everybody should
(22:58):
be afforded that opportunity.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
How long have you been in the role.
Speaker 5 (23:02):
Let's see for two years now.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yep, So kind of on those lines, you ran for house.
I don't remember what year it was, but that in
and of itself is challenging. What was it like to
be the minority part partner excuse me, minority party running?
And why do you continue to run even though knowing
(23:26):
is an uphill challenge?
Speaker 5 (23:29):
It was incredibly interesting. So a couple of parts to
that question. So I continue to run for a number
of reasons. One to keep the other party accountable, because
when you don't have anyone running, you get what you get,
you know, and I had told you earlier the last
(23:49):
time I was here was for a debate for that
exact purpose, you know what I mean. And so when
you have multiple parties running, you get you get a debate,
you get different insights, you get to hold people accountable
for things, and so I think that's a big part
of it.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
And I recall when I was running, I.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Was at a function where a bunch of candidates were
asked to be there and somebody introduced themselves and said
their name, what district they were from, and then they
said I'm running out an opposed so I don't have
to do any work, And.
Speaker 4 (24:27):
I thought, okay, inside voices.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
And while that may be true, like that just you know,
left a bad taste in my mouth, you know.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
And the other reason I run, too is that I
really want to be.
Speaker 5 (24:43):
A voice for the voiceless because it would be very
easy for me to leave North Dakota again, go live
somewhere else in a more diverse population and community and
things like that, but then there wouldn't be people to
to be that voice for those who can't leave and
those who you know, don't have that voice.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
I don't think people realize how many districts run unopposed
where there's only Republican candidates. Last election, I looked into it.
It was crazy to me, how many districts that are
just one candidate.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Yeah, and that's to me, it doesn't matter which way
you align, like, there's a reason we have multiple parties.
It's so that everyone has a voice in what's going on.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
So what was the most surprising thing to you when
you run?
Speaker 5 (25:35):
So there was a fall Fest parade and I had
a couple of different T shirts and they were both,
you know, my campaign T shirts, but I am an
openly gay man and I had a Pride T shirt
which was one of the options, and so everybody that
(25:55):
marched with me, I said, you know, take whichever you
feel comfortable with. I I really don't care, but whatever
you want, and so people took what they felt comfortable in.
But as we were marching down the street, I recall
a number of people walking up to my friends and saying,
I'm really glad you're wearing that T shirt, or that
(26:16):
means so much to me to see a Pride flag
in Bismarck during a parade, and that really really surprised
me and touched me as well.
Speaker 4 (26:25):
I think it's.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
Easy for some of us who really work with diversity
and inclusion in the city. There's at least I had
that misconception that pretty much nobody other than the few
people we knew working in the same area believed in
diversity inclusion being welcoming. But I do think when you
kind of take a step back, Bismarck is a lot
(26:46):
more welcoming that, at least I initially thought. So that
story really doesn't surprise me, but I'm really glad that
they were able to feel comfortable enough to approach you guys.
I'm very excited that we are ahead of schedule because
before we started recording, Chris and I were talking about
(27:07):
our love for New York City and Broadway. But it
did make me think I would really like you to
talk about the Bismarck mand and Civic Course if you
don't mind.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 5 (27:17):
The Bismark Man and Civic Course has been around for
almost fifty years. We perform two major concerts each year,
a holiday concert obviously in December, and then a spring
concert in April May, and then every year we do
now we do a Valentine's Cabaret, which is a wonderful
(27:38):
fundraiser and cabaret for the Bismark Manda and Civic Course,
and it's just great because everybody auditions and picks their
own music, so it's the music that we love to sing,
and then we get to share that with everyone on
a night that's special, and we do different things.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
We do music trivia, we'll do.
Speaker 5 (27:58):
Serenades, and we've had it at sixteen oh three events
the last few years, so that's really wonderful.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
And then the other thing in May.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
On May twenty fourth, the Bismark Man and Civic chorus
will be singing at Carnegie Hall. And that isn't just
an I mean, it's one of the most wonderful opportunities
that anyone could have. When I lived in New York,
I say, in a chorus that have performed at Carnegie Hall,
and it is just you know, to know the number
of great performers that have stood on that stage and
(28:31):
now you're one of those as well, is really incredible.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
Yeah, I think it's amazing that a community like Bismarck
has those art opportunities like Sleepy Hollow, which you're a
part of, like the Bisman's Civic Chorus, to Cold to
pro Music Hall, all of them we can participate in here.
I have an awful singing voice, but I love hearing
people that have great ones.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
And I think that's a good point too, because it's
you know, Chris and I were talking about New York,
and it's easy to sit here and be like, well,
in New York, you can do this in New York.
Well if you just kind of pay attention. And I'm
probably talking to myself here, we have a lot of
those opportunities here as well, just maybe not quite as known. Yeah,
(29:11):
So we still have a few minutes. What's your favorite
Broadway show?
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Chris, Oh boy, it's hard to say. Phantom of the
Opera was the first one that I saw, and then
I was lucky enough to see it before it closed
one last time, and so that that's kind of always
had a special place. And when I go back, I
try to see the newer things or the less popular
(29:39):
ones before they leave, you know, so you never know.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
So you don't go to the same one four or
five nights.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
It's only that's only a tia thing. We all know
this well.
Speaker 5 (29:47):
Our obsessions really want to, you know, but then it's like, oh,
there's this new stuff, and sometimes the new shows don't
get the support and then they close early.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
And so, yeah, have.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
You been to I know we've been talking. I've been
talking about New York a lot, but have you been
to other cities where you really just feel that, you know,
like whether it's music, Broadway, theater, any other cities that
really kind of draw you in.
Speaker 5 (30:10):
I typically grow pump Springs every Easter, so that's my
other getaway place for sure.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Fun fact, Aaron Tavia just had a concert that way
not too long ago.
Speaker 4 (30:19):
It's a nice place to throw two days ago after.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
You know, it's all things hands and all things Eron.
I didn't even know how to pronounce his name until today.
Speaker 2 (30:27):
So but we are finally there to the last question
that we ask everyone, and that's how would you encourage
your neighbor to create an atmosphere of inclusion, equality, diversity
and accessibility.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
I would say to just say hi to your neighbor,
ask them about themselves, because I think sometimes we can
paint a picture of who we think our neighbors are
and we have no idea who they really are, you know,
and I can, you know, take that back to the
work that we do at the Abused Adult Resource Center.
(31:01):
You might see your neighbor and not know that they
might be a survivor of domestic violence. You might see
your neighbor and not know that their children, you know,
have been abused or anything like that. So, you know,
the more we talk to our neighbors and get to
know them and who they are, the more that we
can open up that conversation and have some more diversity.
(31:24):
Because you know, there's things that we see that we
know that we're diverse about, but there's things that we
don't see and until we start talking we'll never know.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
A secret answer. Well, thank you so much Chris for
joining us, and thanks to everyone for tuning in to
these your neighbors. Thank you for wanting to get to
know your neighbors as we hold these important and necessary conversations.
If you found this conversation as important as we do,
please make sure to share it with your neighbors.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Thank you for tuning into these or your neighbors. The
podcast hosted by the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee
and produced by Dakota Media Access. The purpose of the
Bismarck Human Relations Committee is to create an atmosphere of inclusion, equality,
and accessibility through education and outreach to recognize the value
(32:18):
of a diverse community. For more information about the Human
Relations Committee, visit bismarckand dot gov.
Welcome to These Are Your Neighbors? A podcast hosted by
the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee and produced by
Dakota Media Access. The purpose of the podcast is to
show the diversity of your neighbors and to encourage inclusivity
among the Bismarck community.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Welcome to These Your Neighbors a podcast hosted by Tia
Jorgensen and Sargana Witsky, both members of the City of
Bismarck's Human Relations Committee. Thank you for joining us as
we interview our neighbors who are subject matter experts and diversity, inclusion, accessibility,
and equality.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Our guest today is Chris Mont. Chris firks for the
Abuse Adult Resource Center as the coordinator of the Family
Safety Center, which oversees supervised visitation and exchanges for parents
and their children. Chris also coordinates and facilitates the Save Program,
which is a twenty four week program for men who
have been convicted of domestic violence and other charges related
(00:59):
to partner abuse. Chris is a member of the Bismarck
mand and Civic Chorus. He is on the board of
directors of the Dakota West Arts Council, also a board
member of the North Dakota Kennedy Center. Chris also enjoys
spending three weeks each summer operating the box office for
Sleepy Hollow. Chris has been actively politically involved as an
(01:20):
election judge, the chairperson of the District thirty five Democratic MPL,
and in twenty twenty two, ran for a seat in
the North Dakota House of Representatives. Chris returned to school
and graduated with a bachelor's of Social work from Minor
State University in twenty twenty one. Welcome Chris, Thank.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
You, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So why is Bismarck home for you?
Speaker 5 (01:41):
You know, I grew up in Bismarck. I went to
North through j Elementary, Who's Junior High, Century High School.
I left for about fifteen years and returned in twenty
fourteen when my dad passed away. I stayed here a
little longer than I had anticipated, and then was going
(02:02):
to move on to the next adventure. And once I
got to that destination, realized that Bismarck is where I
needed to be, and so I came back here in
twenty fifteen and haven't looked back since.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
So what made you go into social work then? Especially
later in life?
Speaker 4 (02:20):
So when I was younger.
Speaker 5 (02:21):
I had started at Bismarck State College and received an
associate's degree, and my intention was to go into social
work at that time. But life just started happening and
I started working and further education got put on the shelf.
And so when I returned to Bismarck, I went back
to Mint State University. Who was the time and just
(02:43):
wanted to complete that part that I had left behind.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
And what specifically drew you to the field of social work.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Just you know, a lot of people will say like
helping people, but I think that we really meet people
where they're at, you know what I mean, and help
them discover the needs that they need.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Yeah, that's actually a really good way of looking at that.
So one thing that I kind of resonated with was
going back to school later in life.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
What has been or what.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Did you find to be the most challenging part of that?
Speaker 5 (03:20):
Probably the fear of the unknown and thinking I'm going
to be the oldest person in the class when I
certainly wasn't. There's certainly a lot of older students that return,
so that fear subsided a fear of you know, new technology,
things that are a lot different now than they were
(03:40):
back in nineteen ninety four.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
And then just the balance of life.
Speaker 5 (03:47):
You know, when I was in school before, I was
living in my parents' basement. You know, I was able
to hold a part time job, you know, and just
kind of live life. And when you're an older student,
you have commitments, you have a career, you have other things.
So finding that balance was particularly interesting.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
I know the fear was the first few weeks, because
I just went back last semester. I thought I was
going to just completely lose it. But the further you
get along in this semester, you realize being older actually
has some advantages. We know how to punctuate, we know
you know how to capitalize and things like that. So
I do think there are some advantages to it as well.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
Absolutely, and we're paying for it.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
So well, I'm not National Guard pace for mine, so
I guess, but yes, we understand that a little bit more. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
So when you went back, did you go back actually
in person or did you do virtually?
Speaker 4 (04:39):
It was a combination of things.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
So I went through BSc into Minor State's social work program.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
So there were a number of classes that were required.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
In person, and then quite a few that were online
and then when I graduated, COVID had just started, so
everything shifted online at that point.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
So how do you use that degree then with what
you do at I've used Adult Resource Center, you.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
Know, I think the social work degree covers so many
different things, and in the work that we do at
the Abused Adult Resource Center, there's no two days that
are the same, you know.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
What I mean.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
So you could be helping somebody just get their basic
needs met one day, you could be helping somebody get
parental supervision supervision for their children. Another day, you could
be helping somebody with a sexual assault the following day.
So it just covers such a broad spectrum, and so
it's very helpful in the work that we do.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
And part of that involves working with children. I guess,
you know, if you could let our listeners know why,
it's important that during these challenging times, the consistency for
children is important.
Speaker 5 (05:51):
Sure, you know, there's a couple of things that come
to mind. Oftentimes children are the witness to violence in
the home, and so what we provide at the Safety
Center is a safe place for them because obviously, you know,
kids and parents love each other, but they need to
be away from that violence, you know, And kind of
(06:13):
an offshoot from that is kids feel very safe there.
They feel safe to express their emotions and what they're
feeling about that parent or about the situation, whereas if
they were at home or somewhere else, they might think
that there's going to be repercussions of that. So definitely
in that sense, and then sometimes kids are definitely the
(06:36):
victims of abuse, you know, so to be in their
homes is not the safest place. So if they can
come to the safety center and spend time with their
parents and have a good time and keep that relationship going,
it's healthy for everybody.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
I don't know if you know this answer, so I'm
kind of putting you on the spot, But in you know,
you think of partner and partner domestic violence, if it's
if it's common between partner and partner, is it do
you are you often seeing it then with the children
being abused as well or is it kind of just
vary it varies.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
What you see is that when a partner is abusing
another partner, the children witness that, and it can be twofold,
it could be you know, your next on one side
of it, and then the other side of it is
that's what they learn.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
You know, so they're learning that violence is okay.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
So we also talked about that you coordinate the SAVE program,
can you kind of first of all, tell us what
that stands for, and then can you tell us about
that exactly and what impact it has on the participants
in the program.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
Absolutely, So SAVE stands for Solutions to Alleviate and violent
Encounters and it's a twenty four week program for men.
There's also a women's program as well, but it's for
men who've been convicted of domestic violence or other partner
abuse type issues. And you know, there's a number of
(08:07):
programs out there that you know, it could be a
weekend session, you know, or an online session.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
But ours is twenty four weeks.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
And what we find is that, you know, domestic violence
and partner abuse just doesn't come out of the blue.
You know, it's something that is learned, something that's ingrained.
And so we really strive to get to the beliefs
of the people that are involved in our group, why
they think abuse is okay, how they grew up with
(08:38):
abuse perhaps, and to like show what equality looks like
and a partnership looks like because sometimes that's not what
they grew up with, so that's that's kind of all
that they know.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
And one of the.
Speaker 5 (08:55):
Best parts about it is that the Abuse Adult Resource
Center I had so many different things to survivors of abuse. However,
they're not the ones causing the abuse. So while we
provide these things and find them shelter and basic needs,
the person that's causing the abuse can just find another
(09:19):
partner and that abuse continues. So what our point is
is to stop the abuse, you know, and learn some
new behaviors. So that directly affects what the Abused Adult
Resource Center then does because there's going to be less
survivors if there's less perpetrators.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
So for the people that are in the program, is
it something that they choose to be in or are
sometimes they court ordered to be in this program?
Speaker 5 (09:46):
Ninety five percent of the time they are court ordered,
But it is a group that is open to people
that if they feel like they're on the verge of
that or feel like they need help.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
It is available to them as well.
Speaker 5 (10:01):
And one thing that I'm particularly proud of is that
we continue the group for men even after they've completed,
so we always keep the door open, because again, you know,
this isn't something that's just going to go away in
six months, you know, and so oftentimes we see men
(10:21):
that come back and say, you know, I just like
to be a part of the group, or this is
where I can let my feelings out so that it
doesn't come out at home in ways that I don't
want it or my partner doesn't want it. And I
think that's a really wonderful benefit of this program as well.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
I'm really glad you explained that because just in full transparency,
when we were kind of prepping our conversation with you,
I told Sergie and I could not ask this question
just based on my experience in the past, and it's
very interesting to look at it from that perspective of
it might be the norm for the abuser, it might
be all they know, and so giving them that opportunity
(10:58):
to kind of I'm really glad you explained that, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Is it really frequent then that the people that abuse
have been abused in their past.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Very much so?
Speaker 3 (11:09):
And then you might not know this, but do you
guys do any type of data after the fact what
the recipative rate is of people then once they've gone
through the program them again going back into abusing their partner.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
Yes and no. Unfortunately we don't know what happens at home.
We only know what happens if they get charged.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
So besides the SAVE program, what are some other programs
that individuals can receive from the AARC.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
There's too many to count really, which is a wonderful thing.
But a couple that I wanted to highlight was we
have the Seeds of Hope thrift store. A lot of
people may not know that that's connected to the Abused
Adult Resource Center, but that provides funds for our resources.
(12:06):
We also provide clothing for people if they're going for
a new job interview, and as people are coming out
of our shelters, if they're moving into a new apartment,
we can provide the things that they need to get
back on their feet again. ARC also has support groups
for survivors of domestic violence or people who are living
(12:27):
with a violent partner. And then we also have a
support group that's for people who are over the age
of fifty because sometimes those types of abuse can look different,
could be financial abuse, elder abuse, or different things like that,
but everybody still needs that kind of support. People can
get help with protection orders, there's help after sexual assaults,
(12:52):
we help victims of human trafficking, We help with housing,
just pretty much anything that we can help, and if
we can't directly provide it, we'll find the resources to
do that.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
And I know Michelle the executive director, pretty well, but
there's been some misconceptions that have came across in regards
to that people need to be at a certain poverty
level to receive your services.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Can you talk about.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
That everybody is eligible for our services. Yeah, we don't
turn anyone away.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
I didn't know. I've never heard that.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
I've heard it numerous times lately, and Michelle has had
many conversations with me that that's not the case.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
So I just wanted to make sure that people know
that absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I want to just for our listeners in case anyone
wants to hear my opinion. You talked about support groups,
and this has been years ago for me, and it
was up and mine not but I was encouraged to
go to a support group to really help us, you know,
establish also the process for getting a protection order as
well as for my well being. And I truly sat
there for I don't even know how many weeks thinking
(13:56):
I don't need to be here, this is not for me.
And then one day I was driving there and I
was just so full of rage, and I got there
and they're like, Okay, you're finally dealing with this. So
you may not think a support group is what you need,
but there's so much value that you don't even know
when you're walking in those doors.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
So, then what are some common misconceptions of people that
remain in abusive situations?
Speaker 5 (14:22):
I think the first one is that they can just leave.
You know, people just say we'll just leave, you know,
and that's just not as easy as it sounds.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
You know.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Oftentimes people that cause abuse, they will do different things,
such as alienate their partners from their friends and families, so.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
If they were to leave, where would they go.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
They will also perpetuate economic abuse where they may give
their partner an allowance, or they might not allow them
to have a credit card, or they'll take out loans
in the other partner's names. So you can't leave because
now you're fine, actually strapped. There could be children involved,
and you know, I think that's the number one misconception,
(15:08):
is that a person could just leave.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So then like to me.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
I look at it, and it's very common sense what
the benefit organizations like the ARC provide. But how would
you explain the value of that to somebody who's been
fortunate enough to never need the services that you guys offer.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
It's it's it's invaluable really.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
As I said before, you know, people who cause abuse,
uh make the world of their partners so small.
Speaker 4 (15:44):
That you know.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
There seems like there's nowhere to go, you know, but
when you talk with one of our advocates, there's somebody
at the Abused Adult Resource Center.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
Just knowing that you're.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
Supported could could mean that next step in doing something differently.
You know, when I talked about Seeds of Hope. You know,
if somebody's in their new apartment for the first time,
you know, and they don't have any pots and pants,
and we can provide that for them, you know, like that.
(16:19):
You know, I just can't even stress how important that is,
you know, and other things. You know, somebody may just
have to leave, you know, and when you leave, you
don't you don't take your personal goods, you don't take
your shampoo, you don't take your socks and underwear.
Speaker 4 (16:39):
You just go and we have those things available.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
So and that's I think you kind of it reminds
me of another point that this happens way more often
than people realize, because as you said, you know, we
had to fly my sister out of her home in
Ohio in the middle of the night with her two kids. Well,
she can only take one suitcase if she's caring two kids.
So I think two people don't realize how just those
(17:05):
minor things shampoo. You know, We're fortunate that she had
family that could offer her a place to stay, but
not everybody has that. So, as you said, the services
are invaluable.
Speaker 5 (17:16):
There's one other thing I want to say too that
I think is a misconception. Domestic violence does not discriminate.
You know, There's there's no no one that's immune from it,
you know, and I think sometimes people will paint a
picture of what a survivor of abuses or also what
(17:39):
a perpetrator of abuses, you know, and that's not the case.
You know, there's no economic status that discriminates. You know,
there's no job that discriminates from that. You know, everybody is.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
In some way or another could be involved with domestic abuse.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
So if someone or to need to access your service, says,
what is the process. Do they just call Abused Adult
Resource Center and talk to an advocate about what's going
on or what do they need to do?
Speaker 5 (18:07):
Yep, they can call the Abused Adult Resource Center. Our
office hours are eight to five Monday through Thursday, eight
to four on Fridays. But then we also have a
twenty four hour helpline, which I think is another one
of those wonderful services because again, you know, domestic violence
does not happen between eight the hours of eight and five.
(18:28):
It happens when it happens, you know, So we have
those services available at all times, and then it'll get
directed to the person who's most appropriate to deal with it.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
And then what about if a community member would like
to help and donate.
Speaker 5 (18:42):
Items, So a couple ways to do that. Obviously, financial
donations are always great because then we can disperse those
where they're needed. But things like shampoo, toilet trees, socks, underwear, blankets,
those could come to the Abused Adult Resource Center directly.
(19:02):
But then the beautiful part about Seeds of Hope is
we can take donations of all kinds that we then
sell and then again those come back to us.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Okay, so we talked a little bit about in your
bio that you're involved in politics, So we're going to
switch to other roles that you hold. Can you tell
us exactly what an election judges and how does that
role play in elections?
Speaker 4 (19:26):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (19:28):
So, during an election, both parties have election judges at
each precinct, and so it depends on the amount of
people that are in that precinct, but they'll be at
least one Republican and one Democrat, And basically it's just
to make sure that there's no shenan against happening, you
know what I mean. It keeps everyone accountable. But one
(19:48):
of the most beautiful things that I see is sometimes
if someone needs help with a ballot, let's say that
they have a vision impairment or something like that, then
both judges will sit and help that person fill out
their ballot, so that again there's nothing going on that
doesn't need to be and everybody stays accountable.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
So I was an observer for the first time this
past election, and I noticed that whether it was even
the set as side ballots, you know, watching people kind
of just walk them through the process. It was just
really cool to see the whole process unfold.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And that leads me to my next question. Why do
you think it's important for people to get involved, not
just by voting, but in the actual process of election day.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
Well, I think for a number of things. So a
few years ago, we heard so many things about, you know,
voting being rigged and you know, problems with voting, and those.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Are all not true.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
You know, it's what people hear and then turn into stories.
So when you're actually a part of it, you see
how the process works, from way before election day throughout
the day, everything that goes on, all the checks and
balances to know that we continue to have free and
fair elections, And I think that's something that people take
(21:12):
for granted, and once you do take part in it,
you see how important it really is.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
And that's you know, just as the observer. So my
whole reason for being there was to just sit back
and take notes on what we would like what we
were seeing, and I think I filled almost half of
a little notebook. Just when your whole job is to
just observe, you get to really see the process from
them walking in the door to I mean we were
(21:40):
far away from when they actually cast their balance, but
you could see a person come in and then watch
them come out, and it was just the interaction the
people that were working at two that the where I
was at. They just seem to genuinely want to be
there enjoy it. It was super fun to be a
part of.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
So you're the chairperson for just a thirty five and
pl what does that entail and how did you get
elected to that?
Speaker 5 (22:05):
We basically run the business for the district and let
our constituents know things that are going on.
Speaker 4 (22:13):
I got involved in it by starting.
Speaker 5 (22:15):
As an election judge and then just getting a little
bit more involved in the process. And every couple of
years the districts do a reorganization and I just ended
up getting elected by the body that was there.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
So how long do you stay in that role for them?
Speaker 4 (22:32):
It depends on a number of things.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
A person could stay in that role indefinitely, but then
also a lot of times people that find themselves in
those roles will also run for office as well, So
when you're running for office, it could be a lot
to take on both, so you'll step back and maybe
take on a different role. But then also it's nice
to get different people involved because you know everybody should
(22:58):
be afforded that opportunity.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
How long have you been in the role.
Speaker 5 (23:02):
Let's see for two years now.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yep, So kind of on those lines, you ran for house.
I don't remember what year it was, but that in
and of itself is challenging. What was it like to
be the minority part partner excuse me, minority party running?
And why do you continue to run even though knowing
(23:26):
is an uphill challenge?
Speaker 5 (23:29):
It was incredibly interesting. So a couple of parts to
that question. So I continue to run for a number
of reasons. One to keep the other party accountable, because
when you don't have anyone running, you get what you get,
you know, and I had told you earlier the last
(23:49):
time I was here was for a debate for that
exact purpose, you know what I mean. And so when
you have multiple parties running, you get you get a debate,
you get different insights, you get to hold people accountable
for things, and so I think that's a big part
of it.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
And I recall when I was running, I.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Was at a function where a bunch of candidates were
asked to be there and somebody introduced themselves and said
their name, what district they were from, and then they
said I'm running out an opposed so I don't have
to do any work, And.
Speaker 4 (24:27):
I thought, okay, inside voices.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
And while that may be true, like that just you know,
left a bad taste in my mouth, you know.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
And the other reason I run, too is that I
really want to be.
Speaker 5 (24:43):
A voice for the voiceless because it would be very
easy for me to leave North Dakota again, go live
somewhere else in a more diverse population and community and
things like that, but then there wouldn't be people to
to be that voice for those who can't leave and
those who you know, don't have that voice.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
I don't think people realize how many districts run unopposed
where there's only Republican candidates. Last election, I looked into it.
It was crazy to me, how many districts that are
just one candidate.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Yeah, and that's to me, it doesn't matter which way
you align, like, there's a reason we have multiple parties.
It's so that everyone has a voice in what's going on.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
So what was the most surprising thing to you when
you run?
Speaker 5 (25:35):
So there was a fall Fest parade and I had
a couple of different T shirts and they were both,
you know, my campaign T shirts, but I am an
openly gay man and I had a Pride T shirt
which was one of the options, and so everybody that
(25:55):
marched with me, I said, you know, take whichever you
feel comfortable with. I I really don't care, but whatever
you want, and so people took what they felt comfortable in.
But as we were marching down the street, I recall
a number of people walking up to my friends and saying,
I'm really glad you're wearing that T shirt, or that
(26:16):
means so much to me to see a Pride flag
in Bismarck during a parade, and that really really surprised
me and touched me as well.
Speaker 4 (26:25):
I think it's.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
Easy for some of us who really work with diversity
and inclusion in the city. There's at least I had
that misconception that pretty much nobody other than the few
people we knew working in the same area believed in
diversity inclusion being welcoming. But I do think when you
kind of take a step back, Bismarck is a lot
(26:46):
more welcoming that, at least I initially thought. So that
story really doesn't surprise me, but I'm really glad that
they were able to feel comfortable enough to approach you guys.
I'm very excited that we are ahead of schedule because
before we started recording, Chris and I were talking about
(27:07):
our love for New York City and Broadway. But it
did make me think I would really like you to
talk about the Bismarck mand and Civic Course if you
don't mind.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 5 (27:17):
The Bismark Man and Civic Course has been around for
almost fifty years. We perform two major concerts each year,
a holiday concert obviously in December, and then a spring
concert in April May, and then every year we do
now we do a Valentine's Cabaret, which is a wonderful
(27:38):
fundraiser and cabaret for the Bismark Manda and Civic Course,
and it's just great because everybody auditions and picks their
own music, so it's the music that we love to sing,
and then we get to share that with everyone on
a night that's special, and we do different things.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
We do music trivia, we'll do.
Speaker 5 (27:58):
Serenades, and we've had it at sixteen oh three events
the last few years, so that's really wonderful.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
And then the other thing in May.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
On May twenty fourth, the Bismark Man and Civic chorus
will be singing at Carnegie Hall. And that isn't just
an I mean, it's one of the most wonderful opportunities
that anyone could have. When I lived in New York,
I say, in a chorus that have performed at Carnegie Hall,
and it is just you know, to know the number
of great performers that have stood on that stage and
(28:31):
now you're one of those as well, is really incredible.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
Yeah, I think it's amazing that a community like Bismarck
has those art opportunities like Sleepy Hollow, which you're a
part of, like the Bisman's Civic Chorus, to Cold to
pro Music Hall, all of them we can participate in here.
I have an awful singing voice, but I love hearing
people that have great ones.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
And I think that's a good point too, because it's
you know, Chris and I were talking about New York,
and it's easy to sit here and be like, well,
in New York, you can do this in New York.
Well if you just kind of pay attention. And I'm
probably talking to myself here, we have a lot of
those opportunities here as well, just maybe not quite as known. Yeah,
(29:11):
So we still have a few minutes. What's your favorite
Broadway show?
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Chris, Oh boy, it's hard to say. Phantom of the
Opera was the first one that I saw, and then
I was lucky enough to see it before it closed
one last time, and so that that's kind of always
had a special place. And when I go back, I
try to see the newer things or the less popular
(29:39):
ones before they leave, you know, so you never know.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
So you don't go to the same one four or
five nights.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
It's only that's only a tia thing. We all know
this well.
Speaker 5 (29:47):
Our obsessions really want to, you know, but then it's like, oh,
there's this new stuff, and sometimes the new shows don't
get the support and then they close early.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
And so, yeah, have.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
You been to I know we've been talking. I've been
talking about New York a lot, but have you been
to other cities where you really just feel that, you know,
like whether it's music, Broadway, theater, any other cities that
really kind of draw you in.
Speaker 5 (30:10):
I typically grow pump Springs every Easter, so that's my
other getaway place for sure.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Fun fact, Aaron Tavia just had a concert that way
not too long ago.
Speaker 4 (30:19):
It's a nice place to throw two days ago after.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
You know, it's all things hands and all things Eron.
I didn't even know how to pronounce his name until today.
Speaker 2 (30:27):
So but we are finally there to the last question
that we ask everyone, and that's how would you encourage
your neighbor to create an atmosphere of inclusion, equality, diversity
and accessibility.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
I would say to just say hi to your neighbor,
ask them about themselves, because I think sometimes we can
paint a picture of who we think our neighbors are
and we have no idea who they really are, you know,
and I can, you know, take that back to the
work that we do at the Abused Adult Resource Center.
(31:01):
You might see your neighbor and not know that they
might be a survivor of domestic violence. You might see
your neighbor and not know that their children, you know,
have been abused or anything like that. So, you know,
the more we talk to our neighbors and get to
know them and who they are, the more that we
can open up that conversation and have some more diversity.
(31:24):
Because you know, there's things that we see that we
know that we're diverse about, but there's things that we
don't see and until we start talking we'll never know.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
A secret answer. Well, thank you so much Chris for
joining us, and thanks to everyone for tuning in to
these your neighbors. Thank you for wanting to get to
know your neighbors as we hold these important and necessary conversations.
If you found this conversation as important as we do,
please make sure to share it with your neighbors.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Thank you for tuning into these or your neighbors. The
podcast hosted by the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee
and produced by Dakota Media Access. The purpose of the
Bismarck Human Relations Committee is to create an atmosphere of inclusion, equality,
and accessibility through education and outreach to recognize the value
(32:18):
of a diverse community. For more information about the Human
Relations Committee, visit bismarckand dot gov.
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