Video 8 - Beginning Preparation for the Stage

This week I share a bit of the early preparation of turning this story into a staged piece of theatre for presentation at the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival. Writing this short script was quite emotional for me - but sharing the reality of the resistance to this movement is vital for all to see the hate and misunderstanding that exists against those who seek to allow more voices into the conversation.

LINK TO VIDEO 8

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor - who doesn't give up.

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Orlando Health Fights Back!

PLEASE READ THE FIRST POST OF TODAY BEFORE READING THIS ONE.

As a direct result of people defending my right to speak about the need for Orlando Health to be more culturally competent today - just now Orlando Health updated it's status and created a new policy of how it wants to control the public's interaction with their Facebook page. Let's break this down for all to see what they are REALLY doing here...

Orlando Health Post - Made today at 3:29 pm after four people have defended my position that Orlando Health should not have removed me from having the ability to share the message of inclusion that 215 have voiced to date through the online petition supporting a more inclusive environment at Orlando Health:

"Our fan page is 5 weeks old – and we’re thrilled at how quickly it’s growing. In response to that growth, we’ve created an etiquette policy for our fan page. We’ve posted it under the notes tab for you to review. It details our commitment to protecting the integrity of this community. We encourage all of our fans to be relevant and respectful to the community as a whole. Thanks for being a fan of Orlando Health."

Here is what the policy they uploaded at 3:06 pm today states. Note the sections bolded with my response below:

"Facebook is a place where Orlando Health fans can engage the organization and each other. Orlando Health is responsible for protecting the integrity of the community on our fan page. The page is designed to be a safe place to share information, ideas, stories and even differing opinions. However, there are some general rules of conduct that we expect our fans to follow when participating on this page.

Here they are:
• Posts may not be to the detriment or disturbance of the community or its members.
• Posts may not be abusive, defamatory, obscene, fraudulent, harassing, deceptive or misleading, solicitous or promotional in nature, or in violation of any law or regulation.
• The topics covered on the page must be relevant and respectful to our community as a whole. Any posts representing niche messaging will be reviewed for relevance and respect, and may be removed.
• Fans may not post advertisements, chain letters, or pyramid schemes, and may not post the same note more than once, or ‘spam’.
• All grievances with the organization should be filed through the proper channels.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations must be followed at all times. Posts should never contain another person’s full or partial personal health information.
• Team members of Orlando Health should refer to the Orlando Health social networking policy for more information and further guidelines.

Orlando Health reserves the right to do the following:
• Remove communications that are in violation of the Orlando Health Facebook Etiquette policy.
• Block a user from participating if that user’s behavior disrupts the community.

The comments posted by fans to this page do not represent the opinions of Orlando Health, its officers, directors, or affiliates."

My response:

1. Orlando Health is blocking out my differing opinion. That is against their own knee jerk reaction policy.

2. Everything that I have shared on the Orlando Health Facebook Page has been relevant an respectful to the community as a whole for injustice anywhere - IS injustice everywhere.

3. What pray tell are the proper channels one must navigate for Orlando Health to follow through with the proposal presented to leadership that calls for the organization to offer domestic partner benefits, create a diversity office and come into the 21st century in regard to being culturally competent.

4. I wonder what the 'team member' social networking policy is? I wonder if it includes team members only being allowed to say nice things about the place they work. Sounds very similar to the mandatory anti-union meetings the hospital is making all employees sit through.

Please continue posting what's in your heart and mind on Orlando Health's Facebook Page.

Orlando Health - you put up a transparent fight - but sooner or later you will have to concede - Equality ALWAYS wins.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

I'm Blocked from Making Comments on Orlando Health's Facebook Page

For weeks now I have been periodically posting petition signer's comments on the new Orlando Health Facebook Fan Page. I have also provided other valuable feedback about things people and the organization have posted that fly in the face of true cultural competence. This morning I woke up and found out I've been 'unfriended' from their page. I was able to rejoin, but am not longer able to post anymore comments. NOTE - NOTHING I HAVE POSTED IS OFFENSIVE OR QUESTIONABLE - IT IS ALL FACTUAL AND COMES FROM A LEVEL MINDED PLACE.

BUT - everyone else can still post comments.

Please, if you haven't already join the Orlando Health Facebook Fan Page and let them know silencing a message of diversity and inclusion is wrong. Here are points to mention:

• Orlando Health needs to offer Domestic Partner Benefits to employees.
• Orlando Health needs to create a diversity office where ALL voices are heard and empowered.
• Orlando Health needs to revise its patient and employee policies so that all people are ensured equal treatment at the hospital.

Then, email the hospital president at john.hillenmeyer@orlandohealth.com demanding a response.

Central Florida Residents - This is YOUR hospital that is treating people unequally. My friends who are LGBT or people of color who work there are not equal in the workplace.

Everyone Else - The more light that is shed on this issue the better - like Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

alanbounville@gmail.com

407-484-6671

Video 7 - Boston, MA

Here is this week's video filmed in Boston, MA.

Wherever I go, so goes this message.

Sign the petition today.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Organizational Oppression - A One Man Show

It is official. The play I am writing detailing this whole movement has been selected by the Orlando International Fringe Festival for their 2010 season.

Organizational Oppression - A One Man Show is a one-act play that details one person's journey as an emerging activist. Through the very personal true story, I will share how much of an impact oppression in the workplace had on my life and why I choose to stand up against it in such a public and artistic way. I hope you will join me in May, 2010 at the Orlando International Fringe Festival!

A portion of the proceeds will benefit future performances of this play in other cities where this kind of oppression exists. Another portion of the proceeds will benefit outreach efforts to continue encouraging Orlando Health to embrace the calls to action in the ignored proposal and petition. And yet another portion will benefit my bank account. I'm a poor grad student living off student loans. It's the sad state of education in this country, being financially penalized to further ourselves. I digress.

If Orlando Health or anyone tries to thwart this play's production - whether it be by subversive means or direct affronts I am fully prepared to engage in legal action.

To learn more about the Orlando International Fringe Festival visit:

www.orlandofringe.org

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS Orlando Health employees will receive a $2 discount to the show.

Giving Thanks

I thought it would be appropriate to share during this season of thanks - some of my thanks.

I worked at Orlando Health for 2 1/2 years. I lived in Orlando for about 20 years. And I am gay. Much of my work in Orlando centered around fundraising and marketing. As the public face to different organizations I was often part of meetings or in groups with those who would identify as conservative. Often in these settings I would be nervous to speak my mind, interject with a criticism or let my hair down, so to speak and just be myself.

Since moving to New York and starting my graduate studies at New York University I have found a pressure I didn't even know was there dissipating. More and more I feel I am coming into my skin - caring less and less how I am perceived - and able to go about my daily life at work and school with less anxiety and more focus on what is important to me - getting the most of my very expensive, probably-will-never-be-able-to-pay-back education.

I am surrounded by supportive people - people who think the idea of not extending domestic partner benefits to Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Transgender, Bisexual unmarried employees in any setting is appalling. When I share with people the pressures I felt as a gay person working for Orlando Health they understand me. They know that any organization that does not stand on the side of all their employees is oppressing some of them for certain. The people I confront here don't understand why Orlando Health won't provide domestic partner benefits and further establish a diversity initiative where all employees have a voice. In 2009 they say such bigotry is ridiculous and is a clear sign something is wrong.

When I think of what a true commitment to diversity will bring to the whole Central Florida community - I don't understand either why it is so hard for Orlando Health to - just - change. All I can think now is - in doing so, Orlando Health would create an imbalance in benefits and opportunities hospitals provide in Central Florida causing employees from all hospitals to want to lobby for more voice in their organizations - which would probably lead to...

UNIONS!

Yikes! What if all the leaders in healthcare in Central Florida had an unwritten agreement to not stray to far away from the status quo as to not give the common folk the idea that they have more power than they think they have at present?

Hmm...

In contrast, as we see the tide towards equality shifting among the common folk we see coalition building starting to happen in the Central Florida community. I'd like to give you the contact information for a leader who is committed to working with all who support initiatives like the petition encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent. His name is Paul Wilson. Paul is the president of the Central Florida AFL-CIO. He has been a great ally fighting for equality in the workplace. You can contact Paul confidentially to discuss how employees can have more voice in the workplace in all areas - not just those outlined in the petition.

Paul Wilson, President

ATU LOCAL 1596 &

CF AFL-CIO

407-463-4428 cell

Pwilson122@cfl.rr.com

Well, I said I was going to share some of what I am thankful for. Here goes:

I am thankful we are near the 200 mark in petition signers.

I am thankful I have a weight lifted from my shoulders as an out and proud gay man.

I am thankful that I am on the right side of history.

I am thankful for my loving family and friends who support equality.

And I am thankful that you are reading my words right now.

Have a wonderful weekend with those you love!

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

What Was Faxed to Doctors?

I've received the question - what was faxed to Orlando Health affiliated doctor offices?

Below is the copy of the single page fax that I sent to doctor's offices over the past couple days. Why this would inspire such hateful emails to me and stern voice messages only shows what is really under the surface in Central Florida in regard to inclusivity.

"Dear Orlando Health Affiliated Physician Group,

Since I’ve been blocked by Orlando Health to email you – I am sending you this second fax in what will be a series you will receive. In the last fax I shared with you why it is important for healthcare providers who are affiliated with Orlando Health to stand up and support the petition at www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity encouraging Orlando Health to fall in line with true healthcare leaders like:

Yale-New Haven Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, Duke University Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Group Health Central Hospital, Bedford Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic and many more to among other things provide domestic partner benefits for their employees. It is just wrong that Orlando Health does not treat all employees the same. How can Orlando Health be on the forefront of healthcare without adhering to the principles outlined in the petition? The truth – they are not on the forefront of healthcare because of bias such as this.

Here are some recent petition signatures:

Orlando Health Affiliated Physician, Dr. Mark P. Trolice (signed after I faxed over 1,700 Orlando Health doctor offices like yours)

“Increasing education and cultural awareness of diverse patient populations is critical to the health of our society and mandatory for any health care provider/organization. Our goal must be to facilitate the comfort of our patients as we provide the highest quality of care.”

Orlando Health Employee, Michael Cherry

“I am a team member of Orlando Health and while I am often proud of the work done here I am ashamed of the message this kind of bias sends out. This institutionalized bigotry flies in the face of the values that our caring work normally reflects. Institutionalized bigotry contributes to violence and strife in the workplace and the community. It is in direct opposition to the Orlando Health mission of promoting health in the community.”

Community Member and Healthcare Provider, Cynthia Grow

“Community providers, myself included, need to be vigilant by doing all we can to encourage companies and individual public servants to support EQUAL rights for ALL no matter what! Doing NOTHING or remaining SILENT regarding crucial company policies that would alleviate suffering or protect individual's and couples' rights means that your company CONDONES discrimination. SHAME on you, ORLANDO HEALTH. Step up and DO what's RIGHT!!”

The petition to support this effort can be found at: www.tinyurl.com/ohdiveristy

All videos, a copy of the original proposal Orlando Health ignored and history on this movement can be found at: www.ohdi.blogspot.com

There are 190 signatures on this petition to date.

Your voice matters! Sign the petition today.

Sincerely,

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health Employee and Current Donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Taking a Week Off?

Hardly!

I wanted to let you know that the only reason I have not posted the weekly video showing this week's additional signatures is because I have taken on a protest project this week, here in my new home of New York City. Trust me - the momentum has most definitely moved forward this week and it's killing me not to be able to share it all with you until next week.

However know this:

• Some very - VERY powerful comments have come through the petition this week (hint: you could just go to the petition link above if you want to read them right now).
• There is a coalition forming between this movement and other health care institutions who are going through similar inequality struggles.
• An exciting organizational endorsement to the petition is on its way.

Though it is very exciting to see the momentum continue to build - it is also disheartening that Orlando Health leaders are still inactive. Let me rephrase that because I'm not under their thumb anymore and I can say it like it is - it's disgusting!

But - this is what bigots do. In every social movement where an oppressed group is seeking equality, those who hold the power can wield it at their discretion - that is until enough pressure is put on the oppressing group to force a change. Each movement's tipping point is different, but what is clear is that it takes all kinds of activities to gain equality.

It takes petitions, meetings of those who support equality, acts of civil disobedience, one-on-one talks with anyone and everyone involved on both sides of the issue, money (in this case my personal money) and most importantly - a desire to achieve the end result.

In all these areas, with this movement we are witnessing change before our eyes. In my silly costume I ask every week in the video project, How Many Voices Does it Take for Change to Take Place? Today I also ask - how much do those who want to see this change take place care to see the end result come to fruition and what else are you going to do to make it a reality?

Never forget: Florida is one of if not the most oppressive states in the United States. I can tell you from personal knowledge as a patient of health care institutions here in New York and in Florida that there is a marked difference in how health care is delivered in regard to cultural competence. In New York there are more inclusive questions on in-take forms, I am questioned less about my health care concerns that may indicate something about my culture (like I was at Orlando Health - not as an employee, but as a patient), there are more protections for non-white or non-Christian people like domestic partner benefits and diversity offices do an excellent job here of using the diversity of employees and patients as a tool to make the delivery of health care better.

It is always the case that oppressed people truly don't feel the oppression they are under until they are out from its stronghold. Then, and only then can they reflect back at how bad it really was and appreciate everything they did to get to the other side.

Keep getting people to stand up and fight Orlando Health's bigotry!

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

For My Grandmother...

I dedicate this video to my grandmother, Norma Glass, a white woman who was never afraid to sit on the back of the bus. Grandma - rest in peace.

Sign the petition today - www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity - and please, tell everyone to do the same.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS Next week I will be sharing some disturbing emails I have received since this process began - and some from people you would not guess would be against receiving this information.

Thank you to University of Central Florida's SAFE Group

I would like to say thank you to the University of Central Florida's SAFE (Students Advocating for Equality) group for promoting this blog and the petition encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent. Here is what they sent out to their members this week as part of their LGBTQ pride week agenda:

"All week:

Healthcare for GLBTQ people here in Orlando
Alan Bounville, an incredible activist here in our Orlando community, uses his voice each and every day to “break apart the ‘good ole boy’ network” at Orlando Health. Check out his blog and, if interested, sign the petition to support inclusion of LGBTQ diversity at Orlando Health.

Blog
www.ohdi.blogspot.com
Petition
www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity"

Again - Asia Equality Russell and team - thanks!

Why I Call Orlando Health Leaders Bigots - and New Information about MD Anderson Cancer Center

As you will see in this week's video, a lot has been discovered in the past seven days. After watching the video check out the below links to learn more.

Here is a link that shows the new Office of Institutional Diversity at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas - an affiliate to MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

Why is it MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas has this office and MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando does not?

Here is a link for you to research people you know who signed petitions in Florida, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Oregon and soon Washington that oppress people in those states.

Here is a link to learn more about Ryan Skipper (referenced in the video).

For press inquires about the movement encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent please contact:

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Orlando Health Bigoted Leaders and National Equality March

Here is your weekly video documenting the movement to encourage Orlando Health to be more culturally competent.

Orlando Health - doing the minimum required under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OPHS Office of Minority Health's National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care is not enough. Because this is what you teach your health care deliverers – I will continue to bring the voices of change.

You can compare Orlando Health's training material to the national standards here:

Orlando Health’s Cultural Competence in Healthcare Self-Learning Packet 2008:

http://www.orlandohealth.com/pdf%20folder/SLP/CultComp_2008_final.pdf

Link to National Standards:

http://www.omhrc.gov/assets/pdf/checked/executive.pdf

Notice how in Orlando Health's training packet they are focused on the 'liabilities' of not providing the bare minimum (the four culturally competent care federal requirements) instead of just coming out and saying it - The more they don't provide culturally competent care - THE MORE PATIENTS THEY KILL – AND IT’S OK TO KILL PATIENTS FOR WHOM ORLANDO HEALTH DOES NOT GET FEDERAL FUNDING. Also notice the truncated definition of cultural competence at the beginning of the packet. I'm not sure about you, but when I quote something - I QUOTE IT - I don't alter a quote!

And finally - notice how the term "sexual orientation" is never once mentioned in their packet, but the words "race" and "ethnicity" are mentioned many times. It appears to Orlando Health LGBT people are part of a non-existent culture in Central Florida. Hmm - that's interesting - SINCE WE ARE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE AND ARE BECOMING MORE VISIBLE THAN EVER AND MORE WILLING EVERYDAY TO SHARE OUR STORIES AND MAKE YOU LISTEN TO US!

Billy Manes Article on This Movement

From Orlando Weekly's Billy Manes:

Full article can be found at: http://www.orlandoweekly.com/columns/story.asp?id=13447

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!

"Orlando Health – the parent company to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and the Winnie and Arnold Palmer health complexes, among others – has come under fire in recent months for not keeping up with times, or other local employers, by tiptoeing through the dicey terrain of diversity training. According to Alan Bounville, a “former Orlando Health team member and donor in good standing with the organization,” as the area’s fifth largest employer, Orlando Health should step up to the level of Disney and Universal in incorporating multicultural training into their employment rubric.

Following failed attempts to convince the corporate suits otherwise, Bounville has launched a petition campaign to pressure Orlando Health into being more PC. According to his e-mails, the organization currently ignores ethnicity training, forbids employees from forming discussion groups on diversity,does not protect gender identity for employees or patients, lacks domestic partner benefits, and, while it does boast a nondiscrimination policy for staff, it lacks the same in its patients’ bill of rights. Bounville’s quest has drawn endorsements from Equality Florida, OneOrlando.org and the Metropolitan Business Association; as of last week, the petition had garnered more than 100 signatures (although some on Bounville’s e-mail list are threatening legal action if they aren’t removed, something Bounville wouldlove). And nothing is happening.

On to Plan B, then. Bounville and company are threatening to crash a Sept. 26 block party celebrating the 20th anniversary of Arnold Palmer Medical Center and the 11th annual “Miracle Mile” runs preceding the party with picket signs, petitions and promotions.

The folks at Orlando Health have until Sept. 19 to come up with a “viable” plan and present it to both Bounville and the public. Then, and only then, will they be able to avoid the rhetorical posterboard and public humiliation that will make them feel less than human. Like their employees."

First Weekly Video 'Showing' the Growing Support

Here is the first video that recaps this movement to date and leads into my weekly commitment to 'show' the growing support for this movement.

Orlando Health - How many voices need to be heard for change to take place?

WE'RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.

VIEW VIDEO HERE:

You can also watch a bigger version of the video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw4ru8CN5PM

SIGN THE PETITION

SIGN THIS PETITION TO STOP ORGANIZATIONAL OPPRESSION AT ORLANDO HEALTH

Since Orlando Health ignored the call to action in the proposal presented to them as early as February, 2009, a petition was created to shame them into change.

Orlando Health wants voices to do what is right - we'll bring them voices.

Sign the petition TODAY.