Haven Grand Announcement

"Are you sure I have to do this?" Sveta grumbled, straightening her suit jacket, the Haven shade of green and tailored to 'soften her appearance,' whatever the **** that meant. She trusted Pippa in these matters, but that did not mean she had to like this any more she'd liked the hot tub party.

"You don't have to." Pippa noted "But you should. Unless you have someone else you'd trust to be Haven's face right now."

Touché. "I'm working on it." Sveta would have gladly gone back to working on the IE away from prying eyes. But for now, Haven was stuck with her, so she was going to go and deliver this announcement, trying to sound the least Russian possible. Right.

The press and guests had gathered. It would be a live announcement, broadcast from the steps of Haven headquarters. Sveta looked around, seeking familiar faces, like Zselyke's and L's and the other Haven adjacent people's. And Sabine, for kicks. Public speaking was not really her forte. But it was the job, and she believed in Haven enough to put on her big girl pants and do it.

She stepped up to the microphone, clearing her throat. Everyone was looking at her. Cameras, mics, journalists. People. All staring and none aware who she really was. Hopefully. Sveta cleared her throat again.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Svetlana Sergeyeva, and I am here to make an announcement on behalf of Haven. Mr. Hadden is otherwise engaged at the moment, but he sends his best regards and entrusted me to announce the decisions made for our organization moving forward."

At least Sveta did not have to write the speech.

"As you all know, Haven was founded with the goal of advocating for the rights of disadvantaged groups, especially mutants. We have done a lot of work in the past years, but we feel like it is time to become more transparent in our efforts, and reach out to the community. We need your help to keep improving social and political conditions for mutants, and other groups who have been - and still are - discriminated against. We want to show you all we can offer the citizens of New York and the United States. To make these dreams come true, we will need your help. We will need your support, advocacy, and contributions to make our home a better place for all who live here. Haven wants to live up to its name, in the best way possible."

Sveta paused. Cameras were clicking and people were paying attention. She took a breath and reminded herself not to rush.

"In order to do so, we are going to be announcing new social programs, events, and community projects for those who are in need of support. We are going to use our resources to help those - mutants and humans alike - who need it the most. We have projects in the making that aim to channel our resources and influence to lifting up groups that experience multiple forms of systemic and social discrimination. We have advocacy projects in the making for the safety and equal rights of LGBT mutant youth, victims of domestic abuse, mutants living with underresearched disabilities, and victims of hate crimes, among others. The list is far from complete. Talk to us. Tell us what you need."

Sveta paused, and checked her notes. There was a lot there. All of it would get picked apart in the days and weeks to come, in interviews and opinion pieces and definitely by the anti-mutant opposition. She would have to give them some big bones to chew on. She flashed the cameras a smile, and hit a friendlier note. Pippa gave her a subtle thumbs up from the sidelines.

"Here is one thing we are excited about: We are pleased to announce that our advanced training facility, CLASS, will be made available to all mutant visitors, Haven members or otherwise, who wish to practice and explore their powers in a safe environment. CLASS has been equipped with the safest and most advanced technology for training simulations. We wish to provide a space for mutants to learn to live with their powers, and use them to the best of their ability. And that is not all." she added with another smile "Having such technology at our disposal gives us a lot of responsibility, but also a chance to give back to our community on a whole other level. We would like to offer access to CLASS to New York City first responders, law enforcement, and emergency services who need a space to train for high-stress scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Our hope is that we can help our everyday heroes make this city a safer space for all of us."

Another murmur ran through the crowd. This was a pretty big thing to announce. But Sveta felt good about it. Haven PR constantly had to deal with all the 'hidden tech' rumors. Being open about it (well... most of it) was going to take care of a lot of that. And she meant it, about safety. Hopefully, it would work as intended. And not as the hot tub party had.

"In order to accomplish our goals and dreams, we are reaching out to you, our community." she looked at the crowd "Join us in our efforts to change things for the better! We invite activists, community leaders, social media influencers, and people who want to use their platforms to make a difference, to contact us to talk about collaborating on our projects. You can find all our information, and the many ways you can join in, on the Haven website. All of us, together: we can make things happen! No contribution, no voice, no person is too small. We can bring change where change is needed. We can give ourselves a chance to do better. We can make sure everyone feels at home in our city, and in our country. Our sincere hope is that you share this dream. Thank you!"

Sveta waited for the initial round of reactions and smiled, before stepping off the podium. Pippa had already arranged the follow-up interviews and questions, so that she wouldn't get mobbed my the media.

This was it. A whole new era for Haven.

((OOC: If you want a character to join Haven in some capacity, let us know in the Discord chat or in a message, and we'll make it happen! Also, CLASS is now open ))