october krausch
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octoberk.bsky.social
october krausch
@octoberk.bsky.social
6.5K followers 1K following 2.8K posts
freelance sociologist, writer, facilitator, editor. they/them. organizing with Detroit Peer Respite & Abolitionist Book Club. proud union member Freelance Solidarity Project & Rutgers PTLFC-AAUP-AFT. https://www.octoberk.com
on signal: @freeze.16
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octoberk.bsky.social
trying to message a new contact in prison. i already have an account with this shitty company (GTL/ViaPath/GettingOut) but now they "require additional information" for this particularly horrible private prison

there is an undying fire of rage inside me about this shit
A screen saying "Complete profile" and required fields are marked with an asterisk. All fields are required: First name, last name, date of birth, last 4 of social security number, zip code, street address, picture of the front and back of ID and, amazingly, a separate "verification photo" whatever that means.
November 14, 2025 at 4:51 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
sharing a little timeline cleanse for you all.
this is an instagram reel of my little terrier jumping through hoops and other tricks.
a QR code for an instagram reel
July 10, 2025 at 1:35 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
this is an opportunity to act on our collective desire for more abolitionist community care, here in Detroit!
DPR is a non carceral, consensual option for mental health crises. We've been building it for a few years here and are almost ready to open -- we just need a few more trained PSWs! join us!
A flyer for an upcoming training with Detroit Peer Respite. DPR logo (with black cohosh) is on top and a photo of yarrow flowers is in the background. Text reads: Peer Support Worker Training. Learn to support guests during respite stays. DPR is looking for folks who: align with the goals and values of the respite, can commit to supporting guests in-person during respite stays OR can commit to providing on-call support for guests and PSWs. RSVP by July 19: bit.ly/DPRsummer25 Part 1: In-Person. Saturday July 26, 1 pm - 4 pm, Corktown, Detroit. Open to all, masks required and provided. Part 2: Virtual (Zoom). Saturday August 2. 11 am - 2 pm. Zoom. Must attend part 1 first.
June 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
expand the image to see what happens when you log on for the best writing group ever!
two smiling people on a zoom call both wearing Club Palestino football jerseys
June 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Porkchop is ready to play guitar.
Porkchop, a little red terrier with scruffy fur, looks at the camera in the corner of a house. Porkchop is lying down like a lion statue, on a rug, surrounded by two guitars and a large amplifier cabinet in the background. All ready for guitar practice.
June 3, 2025 at 6:51 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
a student of mine made this incredible zine about AI, which seems topical today!
this should be printable and foldable into a minizine for anyone who so desires. the author gave permission for me to share widely :)
May 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Detroiters, please share this everywhere and also please send this directly to one or more friends who might be down to do this with us! Our only barrier to opening Detroit Peer Respite is having enough trained peer support workers <3
A flyer for Peer Support Worker Training with Detroit Peer Respite. Text reads “Interested in supporting guests during respite stays? Join Detroit Peer Respite Part 1: March 29, 1-4 pm in-person, Part 2: April 9, 6-9 pm virtually, Open to all. DPR is looking for folks who: align with the goals and values of the respite (details at detroitpeerrespite.org), can commit to supporting guests in-person during respite stays, or can commit to providing on-call support for guests and PSWs. For more information on this training and to RSVP: https://bit.ly/DPRtrain Flyer also includes the DPR logo with black cohosh.
February 20, 2025 at 7:57 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Happy Valentine's Day!
(h/t @caw-shinythings.bsky.social for this wonderful bit of hope this morning)
A Valentine's card with a To: and from: section that is blank has a picture of Luigi Mangione and says "Are you a CEO? because I'd like to take you out <3"
February 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Hey Detroit & SE Michigan! Here is a way to get involved in keeping people alive locally. I am extremely proud of the work we're doing at Detroit Peer Respite, but we need more of you to join us before we can open! Please share everywhere (no cops of any kind allowed to participate though ofc)
A flier for Detroit Peer Respite: Become a Peer Support Worker with Detroit Peer Respite. Purple logo with black cohosh outline. Detroit Peer Respite is a non­clinical and 100% consensual alternative place to stay during a mental health crisis, run by a collective of abolitionist care workers from in and around Detroit. Peer Support Workers (PSWs) are people who are committed to: - offering non­carceral solutions to mental health crises - drawing on lived experiences to provide information and support to guests while they are in crisis - believing in the abolition of carceral systems, including within the mental health field PSWs do not need any prior experience, or clinical/professional expertise.Financial compensation of $30/hour is available based on need, and DPR organizers are available to support coordinating transportation. Learn more about us by visiting our website: www.detroitpeerrespite.org Contact us via email: info@detroitpeerrespite.org To get started: Complete the PSW interest form & attend a two-day training. https://detroitpeerrespite.org/become-a-peer-support-worker/
February 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
a picture of the puppy (Porkchop) hanging out rn while I work, as a treat for you all.
A little red dog lies on its side, with two legs in the air. He looks sleepily (or maybe skeptically) at the camera. He's got a floppy tail and little white feet. He's reclining on a chair, with a toy next to him and a rainbow colored blanket above. He's ready for a belly rub.
January 30, 2025 at 6:47 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
If you are in Detroit/SE Michigan, here is one important way you can get involved! We'd love to have you on board.

If you're not, maybe this will inspire some ideas for you locally too <3
A flier for Detroit Peer Respite: Become a Peer Support Worker with Detroit Peer Respite. Purple logo with black cohosh outline. Detroit Peer Respite is a non­clinical and 100% consensual alternative place to stay during a mental health crisis, run by a collective of abolitionist care workers from in and around Detroit. Peer Support Workers (PSWs) are people who are committed to: - offering non­carceral solutions to mental health crises - drawing on lived experiences to provide information and support to guests while they are in crisis - believing in the abolition of carceral systems, including within the mental health field PSWs do not need any prior experience, or clinical/professional expertise.Financial compensation of $30/hour is available based on need, and DPR organizers are available to support coordinating transportation. Learn more about us by visiting our website: www.detroitpeerrespite.org Contact us via email: info@detroitpeerrespite.org To get started: Complete the PSW interest form & attend a two-day training. https://detroitpeerrespite.org/become-a-peer-support-worker/
January 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Important campaign to improve conditions for trans women at Carson City Prison in MI, where 2 women have died recently. Sign and share to show MDOC and the folks in prison that we care about them.
Tell Carson City Prison "Stop abusing trans folks!" with a small comic by Ladi Da of a trans woman affirming herself and finding her super power in her darkest moment. "MDOC, I am woman, hear me roar!" with a link to sign an open letter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfNWmBzOtPlC_YMyzzkwb8zr8g7_xNv5wIucUZ_oMKra8kfg/viewform?usp=sf_link
December 16, 2024 at 9:42 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
it's too bad this article makes it sound like Republicans really wanted to help workers with their insistence on these issues. Way down the picture becomes clearer:
a screenshot of the article linked in the original post, with the section highlighted that says: "Under court order, the intent of that initial petition is set to take effect in February, phasing out the state’s lower tipped wage and raising Michigan’s current $10.33 an hour minimum wage to just shy of $15 by 2028. Businesses with 10 or more employees will also be required to provide up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per year, while smaller firms will have to provide up to 40 hours per year. Unused sick time could rollover year-over-year."
December 13, 2024 at 8:07 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Proud to share this pic of my front lawn!
A lawn with christmas lights in red, white, and green in the shape of the Palestinian flag.
December 10, 2024 at 1:02 AM
octoberk.bsky.social
Last minute share! This training is for a project that I'm VERY proud of: we here in Detroit are building a totally abolitionist and consensual model for supporting folks in mental health crisis. You can help us! We need a robust list of folks involved, and we need $ to make involvement possible!
A flyer that says people interested in being peer support workers with Detroit Peer Respite are invited to attend the first of two trainings Sunday Sept 8th from 1 to 5 pm. Location to be sent in a follow-up email to participants. Email us your questions and all other requests at info@detroitpeerrespite.org RSVP here: https://bit.ly/DPRFallTrain
September 6, 2024 at 4:10 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
One more week to register for this workshop. The world right now is extremely depressing, particularly with the hundreds of bills targeting trans people this year and the past few years. I am inviting you to do something about it instead of just get sad! (although getting sad is legit too)
A flyer for an upcoming online workshop series has the silhouette of a tree to one side to decorate. Create an Action to Defend Trans Life: 4 session course will meet on zoom every other Wednesday June 26, July 10, July 24, and August 7 from 8 to 9:30 pm ET, facilitated by Dr. October (Meg) Krausch (they/them). Register: https://bookwhen.com/drkrausch Cost is available on a sliding scale and free scholarships are available on request. Form and carry out a plan in solidarity with trans life and liberation that is based on your strengths, current networks, and social power. No prior activist experience necessary. A flyer for an upcoming online workshop series has the silhouette of a treeline along the bottom as decoration. The first slide says “what participants say about my workshop, Create an Action to Defend Trans Life: "Meg conveys a cool confidence—smart, well informed, friendly, kind. The course discussions were my favorite part of the workshops, listening to the questions from participants and Meg's answers. I enjoyed getting to know the other members of the group. Meg was great about helping us to find projects that fit within our abilities and interests.” Now enrolling for Summer 24! https://bookwhen.com/drkrausch The second slide says “more feedback on this hands on, hopeful workshop: “This workshop was really helpful to me because I learned so many new avenues of activism besides throwing all of my time, energy, and safety on the line.” Sliding scale fees and scholarships available to anyone who asks.
June 19, 2024 at 1:41 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
I'm offering this FREE class next Monday evening answering any and all questions about gender diversity! I need a few more people to register to make it viable (c'mon, it's free!) so please help me spread the word. I am 100% certain that there are many many people that can benefit from this.
An image of a blue sky and a field of flowers (cosmos). It says “Everything you ever wanted to know about gender diversity but were afraid to ask. A free online class. Monday, June 3, 8 to 9 pm eastern, 5 to 6 pm pacific.” The next image is of a blue sky and says “questions about terms like transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, or what all those letters in LGBTQIA2S+ mean? Want to be an ally, but you're not sure how? Did someone in your life recently come out as trans or gender fluid, and now you have a lot of questions about what that means? This free 101 workshop on gender diversity is the place for you!” The last image is of a blue sky and says “Course led by Dr. October Krausch. No question is too basic. Advance registration required. More info at https://bookwhen.com/drkrausch”
May 30, 2024 at 8:15 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
I am working with an incredible group of folks in Detroit to found a crisis mental health respite - an alternative to the incarceration of psychiatric hospitals. We need lots of folks to make this run! Please share and reach out if interested or you have questions <3 (website not developed yet!!!)
A flier for Detroit Peer Respite: Peer Support Workers Wanted! What is a peer support worker? Detroit Peer Respite’s Peer Support Workers are people who: draw on their lived experiences to provide information and support to our guests while they are in crisis; do not need any prior experience, or clinical/professional expertise in the mental health field; are committed to offering non­carceral solutions to mental health crises. Detroit Peer Respite is a non­clinical and 100% consensual alternative place to stay during a mental health crisis, run by a collective of abolitionist care workers from in and around Detroit. Requirements: • Attend a day-long training retreat in spring 2024. • Commit to 2 four-hour shifts over the course of our ten­day trial period in the month of April 2024. • Believe in the abolition of carceral systems, including within the field of mental health. We will provide training to peer support workers. Financial compensation of $20/hour is offered
October 8, 2023 at 10:51 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Back to school sale on workshops! A great chance to bring along someone you know really needs these courses, or maybe you just don’t like to go to stuff without a friendly face. Either way, now’s your shot: all workshops are 50% off when you register for more than one ticket through Labor Day.
Image 1: A green flyer for a back to school sale on workshops with Dr. Meg Krausch (they/them). The flyer is decorated by silhouettes of a forest on the bottom. Learning is better in community. Bring a friend for free to any workshop! All workshops are 50% off when you register for more than one ticket through Labor Day. Online workshops at https://bookwhen.com/drmegkrausch Image 2: What participants are saying: “Meg conveys a cool confidence–smart, well informed, friendly, kind. The course discussions were my favorite part of the workshops, listening to the questions from participants and Meg’s answers. I enjoyed getting to know other members of the group. Meg was great about helping us find projects that fit within our abilities and interests.” https://bookwhen.com/drmegkrausch 15% of every registration is donated to supporting trans liberation
August 21, 2023 at 5:44 PM
octoberk.bsky.social
Have questions about how gender can be more than male and female? Know this stuff but still get flustered when you screw it up? Want to be a better ally?

Or maybe you have a friend you want to invite - bring'em for free! All workshops are 50% off when you buy two or more tickets through Labor Day.
Image 1: A flyer for an upcoming online workshop has brown and yellow flowers on the sides to decorate. Trans+ Ally Workshop, Thursday, August 31, from 1 - 2:30 pm. Do you have questions about how gender is more than male/female? Do you want to learn more ways to be a good ally to transgender, gender non-conforming, two spirit, and other folks living beyond the binary? Do you find yourself getting flustered when you mess up someone's pronouns, even though you know this stuff? Register: https://bookwhen.com/drmegkrausch Image 2: Second page of the flyer with a large yellow dandelion flower with seeds. Interactive online workshop with Dr. Meg Krausch (they/them). This highly interactive online workshop will be driven by an assessment of your questions and needs. Topics will include the long history of neopronouns and we will practice a variety of scenarios. This is a critical political moment for trans+ lives and it is essential that allies learn how to confidently affirm our presence in public. Register: https://bookwhen.com/drmegkrausch Image 3: Third page of flyer with a yellow and green flower to the side. Cost is $40. Bring a friend for free! All workshops are two-for-one through Labor Day. 15% of proceeds go to Ruth Ellis Center for LGBTQ+ youth in Detroit. Scholarships are available. No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. Learn more about me and the class at: https://bookwhen.com/drmegkrausch
August 15, 2023 at 7:19 PM