CSVANW June 2017 Newsletter

June 2017 Newsletter

Children's Awareness Month!

#CAM17 #CSVANWYouth #CSVANW

June was established as the National Children's Awareness Month to increase awareness about the vulnerability of children exposed to violence. In our tribal communities, trauma is the earliest form of violence that our children often face. In the state, it is difficult to establish accurate numbers of exposure to domestic and sexual violence rates for our children in our tribal communities. But from what we do know is that in our larger counties, such as McKinley County, Native American children were present in more than 80% of domestic violence incidences that resulted in law enforcement response when one or both adults in the home were Native.

Let us work harder, together, to raise awareness about the impact of violence on our children- and work persistently to create spaces and communities where our children are safe. At CSVANW, we are creating opportunities for learning and engagement with our young people in hopes of breaking the cycle of violence. We hope you will consider joining us in our efforts this month!!

CSVANW UNVEILING A NEW SERIES OF NATIVE YOUTH-FOCUSED POSTERS FOR OUR COMMUNITIES!

A great addition for your classroom, community center, clinic or wellness center! FREE!

Developed for youth, by youth! At the Coalition, the focus we choose to conduct our work is from a place of empowerment and meeting our youth where they are.

CSVANW is providing a series of colorful posters that will engage youth in learning more about consent, healthy relationships, resiliency, and their dating rights.

All posters are 24x36 and are printed on high quality gloss poster paper. Funding for posters was provided by the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and the NoVo Foundation.

Learn More! Check out our other poster designs!

PATHS TO HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Blog by Shaylee Skidmore, CSVANW High School Intern

From a more personal perspective, I know that not every relationship is perfect and no relationship ever is. I've seen countless fall apart and many survive through the difficult times. Every relationship encounters a problem and that's okay, it isn't weird. In fact, it's completely normal but how you handle it is where the health aspects fall into place. Yes, you love your significant other but you can't let that love blind you or affect your ways of thinking. You can't let it manipulate your actions. The rights stated above are yours for the taking! Apply them however you need, that's the purpose of this. No matter how hard it gets, always know that you are in control of your own life and your decisions should reflect you as an individual. Do what's best for you in the end because in the end you always have yourself. READ MORE!

NAVAJO NATION HONORS CSVANW WITH AWARD FOR SERVICE

In recognition for its outstanding advocacy work and commitment in combating sexual assault and violence against Native women and children, the 23rd Navajo Nation Tribal Council and leadership recognized CSVANW at their council chambers.

For the last year, CSVANW has strategically been working to conduct outreach and education to our western New Mexico member base where our team has been focused on helping build the capacity of advocates and first responders.

Additionally, the Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico (SASNWNM) were also recognized. A valued member of CSVANW, SASNWNM provides comprehensive and culturally responsive sexual violence services and support to northwestern New Mexico.

CSVANW NATIVE YOUTH MOBILIZATION AND ORGANIZING INITIATIVES

On CSVANW's social media, we've been averaging from 25,000 to 50,000 in viewer and follower engagements- providing a larger platform for CSVANW to mobilize with our youth and organize community based initiatives focused on breaking the cycle of violence.

In addition to community education presentations and outreach, CSVANW will be providing youth 'zine making workshops and #LetsTacoBoutIt discussions series (tacos and conversation) about healthy relationships, healthy boundaries and healthy communication styles.

Interested in working with our Youth Coordinator? Contact us today!

CSVANW WELCOMES NEW INTERN!

We are excited to have a new intern join our team! Rachelle B. Pablo is from Gallup, New Mexico and is of Red Running into the Water Clan and born for the Water Flows Together Clan. She is a Veteran and full-time student at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Rachelle is currently pursuing her BFA in Studio Arts, shifting her emphasis from painting to 3D metal sculpture. Rachelle earned her AA degrees in Anthropology and Liberal Arts in 2012 from Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, NM, and completed the four-year Joint Apprentice Training Program in 2007 from Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 in Albuquerque, NM. Rachelle was also awarded the Certificate of Completion within the U.S. Army Intelligence Center School as a Signals Intelligence Analyst at Ft. Huachuca, AZ in 1998.

There are two profound influences in Pablo's art: first, her grandmother, Mary Roanhorse Brown, who was a traditional Diné sheepherder and weaver along with the inspiration of the intertwined relations of Indigenous and Chicano Southwest culture. Her artistic expression is a conduit expressed by her euphoric interwoven connection through charcoal, inks, paint and metal.

Rachelle is inspired by the outreach and mission of CSVANW. She feels it is our responsibility to give back to our Indigenous communities and contribute a positive foot-print in our journey.

Learn more about CSVANW volunteer and internship opportunities!