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Coalition Connection
Your Weekly Source of News, Trainings, and Events
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Through a collective voice,
the WCADVSA is committed to provide leadership, education, and systems advocacy to advance social change and end violence.
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Welcome to your weekly edition of the Coalition Connection!
Not sure of the purpose of this newsletter? Click here to learn more. Are you having difficulty viewing this e-mail or do you feel like you are missing some of the information in the Connection? If so, click here for a few helpful hints.
We will highlight important information in this section each week that requires your action or attention. This week's highlights include:
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Opportunity
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The WCADVSA is pleased to announce this request for applications (RFA) to select two (2) dual DVSA programs to participate in a learning collaborative that will allow them to build their capacity to provide sexual assault healing services to victims and survivors of sexual assault over a one year award period (February 1, 2021 - January 31, 2022).
Questions & Potential Applicant Video Call
A Zoom video call for potential applicants will be held on February 4, 2021 from 2:00-3:00 pm (MST).Please use this link above to access the call via computer.
Completed applications must be submitted NO LATER than 5:00 pm on March 5, 2021 through this online from.
All questions regarding the award or application should be directed to Jody Sanborn or 307-684-2454.
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Response Requested - Survey on Married Minors Access to Shelter
My name is Emily Lauletta and I am a public policy intern with the Forced Marriage Initiative, a project of the Tahirih Justice Center. You are invited to complete this short survey, which gauges the degree of access that married minors have to shelter services across the United States. The results of this survey will inform Tahirih's direct services with survivors of child and forced marriage as well as our policy advocacy.
We are asking anyone with direct knowledge of shelter policies related to housing minors to take this survey. This questionnaire should take no more than 10 minutes, and will close on February 28th.
We would also ask that you please share this survey with the coalition members in your state that provide shelter/emergency housing.
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Our Work
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Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
With support from The Allstate Foundation, the WCADVSA has funds to support education, employment, and job training barriers for survivors. These funds can be used to help support survivors in obtaining G.E.D.s, job skills training, certifications, licenses, continuing education, education/job-related supplies such as uniforms, tools, and/or other equipment, transportation-related support, etc.
If your program is offering training on the Allstate Moving Ahead Curriculum or other economic empowerment training, you may request funds to support and encourage survivor participation such as offering food and/or childcare during economic empowerment events and training or gas gift cards for survivors to get to the training).
Member programs may also inquire about offering scholarships to help support survivor participation in job training programs.
If you have any questions, please connect with Trish Worley.
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Monthly Program Call - February 2
During the early days of COVID, we were gathering daily to share issues and concerns effecting the operation of your programs and impact on your clients.
As the months rolled on, we decreased calls to weekly, then bi-weekly. As we begin the new year, we will be holding monthly program calls to provide a space for sharing and support. Calls will be at 1:00 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. The next call is scheduled for February 2.
As always, the Coalition staff is available anytime to answer questions or provide support to your program.
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Monthly Policy Calls 2021 Schedule
Monthly Policy Calls have begun again. Here is the schedule and links. The WCADVSA website will be updated shortly to ensure you can find all things related to the 2021 General Session.
If you have any questions or suggested topics, please contact Tara
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Policy Updates
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2021 Federal Policy Recommendations
Last year, we asked survivors what they needed to stay safe during COVID-19 and beyond. We've used what we learned directly from 1300+ survivors to develop a set of comprehensive federal policy priorities that, when passed, will support survivors across the U.S. in building the financial security they need to stay safe during and after the pandemic. We are very encouraged that the Biden / Harris Administration's Plan to End Violence Against Women includes some of our below proposals. FreeFrom is committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that the Administration makes good on these promises.
FreeFrom Policy Recommendations:
1) Provide survivors with tailored COVID-19 relief
2) Address economic abuse in VAWA
3) Protect survivors while they bank
4) Provide effective relief for coerced and fraudulent debt
5) Create paid and protected leave for survivors
6) Compensate survivors for the harm they've experienced
7) Support and protect survivors through the tax code
8) Increase access to justice through the courts
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Easy to Follow Federal Funding Update from National Network to End Domestic Violence
Tara Muir sent out some direct email updates before the Christmas Holiday. Below is a summary. On a recent national call to discuss the updates with NNEDV, she noted that the cuts in VOCA may or may not impact individual states right away, and we know our AG's DVS is one year ahead of the VOCA funding and can plan on how to handle different cuts. With a new presidential administration in office as well, things could get adjusted.
NNEDV Summary
VOCA Fix:
As we were unfortunately expecting, the VOCA fix is NOT included in the end of year COVID/FY21 package. We are, of course, incredibly disappointed and very concerned. Your amazing advocacy, over this last year and especially in the last few weeks, helped to elevate the issue and inch us closer to the final. We heard that some Members of Congress were getting multiple calls per minute on VOCA! You fought so hard and we are beyond appreciative.
VOCA FY21:
In slightly better news, the FY21 VOCA number is $2.105 billion. While this is a cut from FY20 ($2.65 billion), it is higher than the Senate proposal ($1.5 billion), which would have been a very significant cut.
We need the VOCA fix to ensure the stability of the fund over the long term. We will be ready to hit the ground running on this issue as soon as Congress is back in the new year. Please thank all of your advocates who called/tweeted/emailed - it really does mean that we are in a better position to secure the long-term fix in the new year.
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Wyoming Legislature Update
The Legislature reconvened on January 27th via Zoom for eight days to consider the worked committee bills. Those on our radar are below with their estimated hearing days. Links are provided below to find out more. You can find the list of all the committees, meeting times, agendas and bills here . If you have any questions at all on how to tune in or about the bills themselves, please connect with Tara Muir, our public policy director at her cell phone: 402-871-4979.
These bills have already dropped and are of interest:
1. Animal Cruelty - see the national Animal Legal Defense League Fund webpage on bestiality Not surprisingly, limited research - such as a 2002 study - places these crimes in the context of what experts in animal abuse and criminal justice refer to as "The Link" i.e. the well-documented connection between violence to animals and violence to humans:
HB 46 - Crime of Bestiality
SF 24 - Bond of impounded animals
SF 25 - Animal impound proceedings - bond and disposition
SF 26 - Animal abuse statutes reorganization and update
2. Essential Health Product Dignity Act - SF0027 - a tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and diapers!
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Sexually Assaulting an Animal is Not A Crime in Wyoming 
Wyoming is one of eight states that does not prohibit the sexual assault of an animal by a human. Most people are shocked this is not a crime here yet, while some people wondered if this is really what we should be discussing in a year of budget crisis and pandemic.
Preventing violence and the resulting trauma to the most vulnerable in our state, including animals, is critical in order to save money down the road in social services and the prison system when we don't see the abuse as a red flag to more abuse, and future harm to animals and humans.
While a small group of the Wyoming Coalition for Animal Protection (WYCAP) members and allies discussed with our public policy director, Tara Muir, whether a new crime such as this was something that would be relatively easy to pass in the 2021 session, it was only in light of the Joint Agricultural Committee who was reorganizing all the animal cruelty statutes.
Call for Survivors: Please contact Tara Muir as soon as possible to let her know your thoughts, any concerns or questions, and importantly if there is a survivor who would be willing to talk with Tara about what has happened in Wyoming.
Call for WYCAP Board Members: If anyone is interested in assisting their community and the statewide efforts to improve the lives of animals, WYCAP is looking for new board members. Contact Sylvia Badgonas 307-703-8434 if interested.
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Monthly Policy Calls
Monthly Policy Calls have begun again. Here is the schedule and links. The WCADVSA website will be updated shortly to ensure you can find all things related to the 2021 General Session.
If you have any questions or suggested topics, please contact Tara
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Training and Events |
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Wyoming Webinars, Training, and Events
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Advocacy and Prevention Connection February 10 
Coalition staff will be holding connection space for DVSA program advocates every other Wednesday from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Meetings will alternate between those in which we'll gather around a set topic, and meetings in which we will share open space for free discussion.
We continue to hear from DVSA program advocates that they appreciate the connection with other advocates and would love for more to join! Please keep sharing this opportunity within your program to help support the needs of advocates.
The next virtual connect call will be: Wednesday, February 10 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Topic: Introduction to CompassPoint
To join through Zoom, Click here! Please Note: this Zoom link has changed in the New Year, and is the same one in your NEW calendar invites sent by Susie
You can use your computer audio or join by phone -dial 1-69-900-6833 and enter passcode 760 120 7629
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National Webinars, Training, and Events
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NNEDV Virtual Economic Justice Summit
NNEDV will host its 4th Economic Justice Summit from March 2 - 4, 2021. As part of our ongoing work to highlight and address the intersection of domestic violence and economic security, this national, three-day Summit will bring together advocates, state domestic violence coalitions, national experts, and allies to discuss and share strategies to improve economic security for domestic violence survivors.
The Summit will feature speakers, panel discussions and workshops on a range of topics. Our goals for the Summit are to provide a space to examine the systems that inform economic justice work; share concrete and innovative tools; to identify emerging issues including national and local policy solutions; and to strengthen partnerships between the movement to end domestic violence and anti-poverty movement.
Registration fee increases to $175 on January 30.
OVW funds are available to programs to assist in the registration fees.
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Praxis International "Supporting Advocate Wellbeing" Virtual Gathering 
2020 was a year of disruption and difficulty for so many, drastically changing how we all live and work. We know that the months ahead will continue to bring hardship for many. As we move into 2021, the challenges and pressures, especially for those from marginalized communities, is immense.
During past Virtual Gatherings, you have affirmed that connecting as advocates is more important than ever. We all benefit from coming together in solidarity and support.
Please join us again on February 2 at 1:00 pm for a time of respite, a time to nourish ourselves and recharge for what lays ahead. You deserve time for yourself.
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Praxis International Advocacy Learning Center Applications Being Accepted
Embark on an interactive and transformative journey with advocacy groups across the country to explore our collective roots and strengthen our efforts to end gender-based violence.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of Class T of the Advocacy Learning Center will be conducted virtually, i.e. with no in-person events. To learn more about what this means, click here. We are tentatively planning an in-person training symposium in May 2022, as long as it is safe to travel and gather. If you have any questions about this, please email us.
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Crimes Against Children Conference 2021 - Virtual
In response to Covid-19, the 33rd Annual Crimes Against Children Conference will be held virtually. The health and safety of attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors is our top priority. During these unprecedented times, we will continue to provide you with the most relevant content and world-renowned speakers. We enhance the conference year after year and appreciate the feedback we received following last year's event.
These are a few of the new improvements you can look forward to at the 2021 virtual experience.
Content Available: August 9 - December 17 Registration Cost: Virtual Conference Access: $400
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Click here to view a variety of upcoming webinars, national training, and conferences.
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Resource Center |
JWI Civic Action To-Do List 
For decades, JWI has advocated for policies that guarantee women and girls the right to equality, safety, bodily autonomy and economic security. We are excited to work with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to pass and enact public policy that moves us towards a more just world.
Over the next 100 days JWI's advocacy will focus on the following legislation:
- A comprehensive COVID relief package
- Violence Against Women Act
- Universal Background Checks
- Women's Health Protection Act
- Global HER Act
- Paycheck Fairness Act
1) COVID has decimated our economy and disproportionately impacted women as well as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. Take Action: Contact your senators and representatives and tell them they must pass President Biden's COVID package and then get to work remedying longstanding economic inequities.
2) Last Friday marked 48 years since the U.S. Supreme Court recognized Roe v. Wade as a life-changing decision for so many. Yet millions of women still have limited access to reproductive health care. The federal government must put a stop to the dehumanizing and dangerous restrictions on reproductive health care in the United States and abroad. Take Action: Email your members of Congress and tell them to support the Women's Health Protection Act ( WHPA) to safeguard access to abortion care and the Global HER Act to repeal the global gag rule permanently.
3) Stalking is a serious but often misunderstood crime. Over 5 million women are stalked each year and stalking is often a precursor to other forms of violence. Take Action: During National Stalking Awareness Month learn more about supporting stalking victims and join the conversation online by using hashtag #NSAM202.
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Building an Ecosystem of Support for Survivors
Survivors need money to stay safe and heal, so in order to break the cycle of violence we must prioritize survivor wealth. FreeFrom is on a mission to reframe IPV for what it is-a structural economic issue-and reimagine what support for survivors can and should look like.
Join us February 4 at 12:00 pm. This webinar will discuss how FreeFrom is building an ecosystem of support for survivors by: - Building collective power through peer networks
- Providing unrestricted cash grants to survivors
- Utilizing data to better understand the nexus between IPV and economic insecurity
- Enhancing financial capacity within the IPV movement
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National Resource Center for Reaching Victims Newsletter
The National Resource Center for Reaching Victims monthly newsletter is our opportunity to spotlight victim service organizations and their work; share promising practices and resources; and, engage more organizations in training. This month we share a new comprehensive online toolkit to help you better support crime victims with disabilities. Included in this issue:
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The workforce in 2021 is looking completely different than what most of us are used to-but women are still facing the same old obstacles. Claire Wasserman's book Ladies Get Paid follows the lives of real women who each face different professional challenges, from being a perfectionist to navigating office politics, to negotiating their salary. Woven throughout are tangible tips and actionable advice to equip and empower the reader to level up at work and bring other women with them.
Media We Like On January 15th, the documentary short What Would Sophia Loren Do? premiered on Netflix. This short & sweet film follows Nancy Kulik, an Italian-American wife, mother, and grandmother with a fierce personality and a passionate soul. She is guided through life by her idol, Sophia Loren, an iconic Italian actress. Loren's resilience and confidence has influenced many aspects of Kulik's life; in moments of doubt and uncertainty, Kulik finds herself asking: "What would Sophia Loren do?"
By The Numbers President Biden's proposed cabinet would be the most diverse in U.S. history. Diverse representation in the White House is a massive step for equality. But in order to create real change, people in positions of power need to ensure policies reflect everyone. Use #ValueEquality to make sure policymakers are creating legislation that supports women, people of color, and other underrepresented communities.
In Case You Missed It:
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Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
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Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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