Coalition Connection
Your Weekly Source of News, Trainings, and Events
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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Spotlight

January 8, 2021
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:  
 
Opportunityopportunity
Crisis Advocate/Administration Assistant PositionHOPE_Position

H.O.P.E. Agency in Thermopolis is seeking a Crisis Advocate/Administration Assistant to provide support to victims of family violence and sexual assault through direct services, 24-hr crisis line/on-call, law enforcement, legal system and any other reasonable and ethical means.  

The advocate will accompany clients to court hearings, meetings with County Attorney and Victim Witness Coordinator; attend court hearings pertaining to domestic violence and related issues; monitor attitudes, treatment and handling of cases; co-facilitate support groups; attend conferences and training as recommended; assist and participate in volunteer training, functions and recruitment; provide back-up to volunteers and/or take calls as needed; promote agency; and any duties required to provide support to clients within legal and ethical guidelines.

This position pays $16/hr. plus $75 on-call stipend per month. Position is 124 hours/month. 
Please call the agency to apply 307-864-4673.

Request for Applications: Community-Based Primary Sexual Violence Prevention Education AwardPrevention_RFP

The WCADVSA is pleased to announce this request for applications (RFA) for a pilot community to participate in the Community-Based Primary Sexual Violence Prevention Education Award. Please see the attached RFA for the complete details of the award and application process. 

Completed applications must be submitted online NO LATER than 5:00pm on January 15, 2021 here.

All questions regarding the pilot community award or application should be directed to
Jody Sanborn or 307-684-2454.
FreeForm Hiring for 3 New PositionsFreeForm

FreeFrom is a team of survivors, and we each bring our unique personal experiences to the work we do. We are a proudly queer, feminist, and people of color-led organization.

We are committed to the financial security of survivors by paying all staff living-wage salaries, offering financial coaching and a savings matching program, designing survivor-informed practices, and actively engaging staff in the development of new policies and best practices.

Open positions:
 
Our WorkOur_Work
Monthly Policy Calls 2021 SchedulePolicy_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.

Jan. 15      11 a.m. to noon:  Click here
Feb. 12     11 a.m. to noon:  Click here
March 12  11 a.m. to noon:  Click here

If you have any questions or suggested topics, please contact Tara
Registration Open - Winter Membership Meeting Jan. 27-29Membership_Meet

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Winter Membership Meeting will be a virtual gathering beginning at 8:00 am on January 27, continuing January 28 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and concluding January 29 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.
 
Registration is now open.  Click here to registerPlease make sure each person who will be attending from your program completes a registration by January 18, 2021 as each registrant will receive a Membership Attendee Participation Fun Box in the mail before the meeting. 

An agenda will be emailed after registration.
Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for SurvivorsBarrier_Funds

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.
 
We have approximately $7,547remaining. Remaining funds will be pledged on a first come first serve basis. To request funds, please submit an  Allstate Barrier Reduction Request Form. Once your request has been approved, your program will pay expenses upfront and then you can request reimbursement by submitting an  Allstate Barrier Reduction Reimbursement Form.
 
If you have any questions, please connect with Trish Worley
Monthly Program Call - February 2Program_Call

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.
 
Policy UpdatesPolicy_Updates
National Policy Updates
Easy to Follow Federal Funding Update from National Network to End Domestic Violence NNEDV_Update

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.

Click here to read more.
State Policy Updates
Wyoming Legislature Update Legislature_COVID

The start of the next legislative session has yet to be announced, but rumors are swirling it may be as early as Feb. 12th, to be done by the end of March. Stay tuned on that!
 
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!

 

WCADVSA tracking sheet for all bills is up and running on our website! Click here.

Monthly Policy CallsPolicy_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.

Jan. 15      11 a.m. to noon:  Click here
Feb. 12     11 a.m. to noon:  Click here
March 12  11 a.m. to noon:  Click here

If you have any questions or suggested topics, please contact Tara
 
Training and EventsTrainings
Wyoming Webinars, Training, and Events
Advocacy and Prevention Connection January 13   Advocacy_and_Prevention
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, January 13 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Topic: Violence Prevention Education Among Children and Youth
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

Please contact Tiffany, Susie, Trish, or Jody for more information.
National Webinars, Training, and EventsNational_Trainings
Taking Back OurselvesTaking_Back_Ourselves

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, please join us Saturday, January 9  10:00 am - 1:00 pm;
Saturday, January16  10:00 - 11:00 am and 
Saturday, January 23 10:00 am - 1:00 pm for a virtual "Weekend of Recovery."  

An intimate, dynamic, experiential workshop for the diverse community of women and non-binary folks who have experienced sexual abuse.  Please plan to attend all segments.

With music, movement, art and small group process with our incredible team of facilitators, the Virtual Weekends  will offer participants an opportunity to learn new tools to become more mindful and feel safer in their bodies, explore how to be heard when and if they choose to disclose with respect and compassion for themselves, and explore how to communicate with significant others about the changes they make in their lives and in their process of recovery and, most importantly, feel safe in the company of other survivors and within themselves as they discover the power of community in healing.  

Click here for more information and to register.  Two-day program cost is $150.  Scholarships are available.
Introduction to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC)SPARC

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) is a federally funded project providing education and resources about the crime of stalking. As a comprehensive national resource center, SPARC assists multi-disciplinary professionals with information, resources, and policy and protocol development through local, regional, statewide, and national trainings and technical assistance. 

January is National Stalking Awareness Month so come learn more about SPARC and how SPARC can be a resource to you as an OVW grantee!  

Join us January 12 at 12:30pm for this 90 minute webinar.  Click here to register.

If you are unable to attend the live session, the session will be recorded and posted to ta2ta.org.
Enhancing the Safety of Individuals Impacted by StalkingStalking_Safety

The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence invites you to join a FREE webinar with Jennifer Landhuis, Director of Stalking Prevention Awareness, & Resource Center on January 26 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

Stalking is prevalent, dangerous, and often misunderstood. This webinar explores strategies to assess risk and promote victim safety, focusing on the diverse tactics stalkers may utilize. We will also discuss the intersection of stalking with domestic violence and sexual assault, documentation strategies, and safety options for individuals experiencing stalking.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be better able to:
  • Identify stalking behaviors and dynamics
  • Recognize the intersection of stalking with other domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Apply strategies for working with individuals impacted by stalking
Click here for more information and to register.

Click here to view a variety of upcoming webinars, national training, and conferences.
 
Resource CenterResource
Blueprint for Safety Bulletin Blueprint

The Blueprint Bulletin provides concrete tools and information as part of Praxis' technical assistance. Each issue features foundational information about the Blueprint for Safety model, updates on Blueprint communities, ideas about how to identify and address inequities in case outcomes. Access Praxis' on-line  Blueprint Clearinghouse to learn more about the Blueprint for Safety, its strategies, and related research.

Weekly Action AlertAction

JWI looks forward to working with newly-elected and returning House and Senate members from both parties to advance gender and racial justice, combat gender-based violence, and resolve our public health and economic crises. We are also excited to witness the leadership of a record number of women and women of color in Congress.

1. We need Congress to reauthorize and expand the Violence Against Women Act and protect funding for the Victims of Crime Act to adequately address interpersonal violence as well as survivors' complex needs.
Take Action: Join JWI's new initiative Vote-And...  to join a community of like-minded women who want to take action and make a difference.

2. COVID deaths may have trumped deadly mass shootings on the nighty news this past year, but people are still losing their lives to the gun violence epidemic at alarming rates. More than 400 people have died by gun violence in 2021.
Take Action: We must remain vigilant and hold our elected officials accountable on gun violence prevention policies.  Join our community of grasstop activists for special opportunities to engage in advocacy and interact with elected officials.

3. State legislative sessions are beginning all across the country, and their importance cannot be  overstated.  With constant gridlock in Congress, state legislatures will soon pass laws on voting rights, gun violence, intimate partner violence, environmental protections, reproductive choice, and many other issues that directly impact you.
Take Action: Now is the time to start communicating with your state senators and state representatives/delegates to ensure they support policies that empower and protect women and girls.
The Representation Project Weekly Action Representation_Project          

What Kamala Harris Means for Women in Politics Just when we thought we were done unwrapping presents for the holidays, we're gearing up for another amazing gift! If you're anything like us, the inauguration of our first Black, Asian, and female Vice President is marked on your calendar. Learn exactly what this means for women and women of color everywhere.   

4 Important Mental Health Resources for Men "Mental and physical health is important-regardless if gender norms tell men otherwise. Read more for mental health resources, for ways to expand your knowledge on masculinity and men's health, and for opportunities to raise awareness around important causes affecting men."

 5 Ways to Be a Trans Ally When fighting for gender and social justice, optic (or performative) allyship is never the way to go. Here, we've compiled 5 actionable ways you can show support to your trans brothers and sisters and fight for a more inclusive world. 

 Examples of Sexism Against Women in Politics   After a sexist attack from Rep. Ted Yoho, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reminded the world that, "This issue is not about one incident. It is cultural. It is a culture of lack of impunity, of accepting of violence and violent language against women, and an entire structure of power that supports that." 

What 2020 Says About the American Dream  If 2020 has taught many of us (or confirmed) anything, it's that the American Dream is not as it seems. Here are three ways 2020 has brought the American Dream further into question.

In Case You Missed It:
Black Women's Blueprint Co-Executive DirectorshipCo_Directors      

Black Women's Blueprint is excited to announce that as of January 1, 2021, our Executive Directorship will move to a Co-Executive Directorship model, shared by Farah Tanis and Sevonna Brown.
 
This year has marked our 10th anniversary, and in light of everything we have accomplished this past decade, as well as the transformative period we find ourselves in today, we took 2020 as an opportunity to engage in reflective strategic thinking about what we can do with the next ten years. A new vision was born - an initiative that will focus on restorative justice: Restore Forward.
 
Restore Forward sits at the intersection of Restorative and Reproductive Justice, and it is an invitation to begin building a new social contract through which we may revive our connection with ourselves, our ancestors, and the Earth.
National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered WomenClearing_House              

Check out this new resource.  It provides ideas, strategies, and techniques for addressing the needs and challenges related to making victims of battering charged with crimes visible and central in a community's response to battering. Includes resources, references, as advocacy organization survey, and a data collection workbook.  


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