A Summer of Sunshine and Strength

Are you staying cool and hydrated because summer is really here in the Silver State! And as hot as the weather is, it feels like the news cycles are even hotter. More than one person on my socials lately has shared the New Yorker cartoon with the couple walking down the street as the woman says, “my desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.” And yet, we continue to recognize that in order to be strong advocates we must also be well-informed. 

But our journey to be well-informed does not have to be driven by the news cycle. In this issue there are opportunities to dig a little deeper on advocating for LGBTQ youth as well as victim-survivors with HIV. Our policy team shares about our advocacy efforts on your behalf in DC as well as the details of the Supreme Court’s recent mifepristone ruling. After all of that we would be remiss not to offer tips on how to take care of yourself in this movement. 

We know that what often sustains us in this work is the community. The NCEDSV team is working hard on two great events to bring our community together. On August 23^rd we will host our first Compassion in Action evening of awards and celebrations at The Club at Rancharrah in Reno. It will be a wonderful evening honoring the amazing work of our Visionary Voice, Heart, and Champion for Change recipients along with food, live music and a silent auction. Tickets are available here: https://www.ncedsv.org/annual-award-ceremony/. 

In September our annual conference will celebrate the Collective Courage of all who do this work as we spend three days together “engaging with our strengths to make a difference for survivors.” We had a record number of workshop proposals this year and can’t wait to learn together. Early bird registration and scholarship applications are now available HERE.

Let’s end the summer strong and refreshed, lifting up the healing that takes place when we come together in community.  

Equity and Empowerment

Taking Care of Yourself in this Work

Advocacy is crucial but emotionally demanding work. To sustain your well-being and continue providing the best support for victim-survivors, it's essential to prioritize self-care. Here are some practical tips to help you take care of yourself while you take care of others.

• Check in with yourself and set boundaries

Regularly check in with yourself. Be vulnerable enough with yourself to feel your feelings and understand your triggers. We tend to think we can do it all, but understanding our limits and setting boundaries keeps us safe. Ensure you have dedicated time for yourself to recharge and unwind without work-related interruptions.

• Seek Support

Connect with your colleagues, friends, or therapist who can provide emotional support. Healing happens in healthy relationships of all kinds. Peer support groups for advocates can also be a great way to share experiences and strategies for coping. You are not alone.

• Engage in self-care

Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, reading, hobbies, or spending time connecting with nature. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine can also help manage stress and maintain emotional well-being. Whichever way you decide to take care of yourself, remember that your needs are important, and you deserve to take care of you.

• Continue Education and Training

Staying up to date in the latest practices in trauma-informed care can empower you with new skills and strategies, reducing feelings of helplessness and enhancing your ability to support victim-survivors effectively.  

• Take a break!

Some days (or weeks, or months) it feels like we will never have time to take a breath from our work. It is easy to tell ourselves we will take a break once we accomplish some tasks or when things slow down. If we are always waiting for the right time to take care of ourselves, we will never be rested enough to heal fully from the emotional demands of our work. Take regular breaks throughout the day to step away, breathe, and ground yourself.   

Policy Updates

Tickets Available Now: Compassion in Action!

Join the Nevada Coalition to END Domestic and Sexual Violence as we honor incredible advocates, enjoy delicious food, and win fun prizes in our silent auction!

When:

August 23, 2024

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where:

The Club at Rancharrah

6100 Rancharrah Pkwy

Reno, Nevada

Get your tickets today!

Annual Conference Registration is open!

Annual Conference: Collective Courage

Everyone has their strengths, both as advocates and as individuals, but how often do we have the conversation about how to use them effectively to make a difference? 

Advocacy work involves performing many different roles, and we’re naturally stronger in some of those than others. This year’s conference will focus on how we can use our skills in the best ways possible, whether you’re a new or seasoned advocate, and wherever your experiences lie. 

Join us for three days of engaging with your strengths and building your skills, so that we can all find our collective courage together.

Conference Dates:

September 24-26, 2024

Conference Location:

Sunset Station Hotel & Casino

1301 W Sunset Rd

Henderson, NV 89014

This training is supported by the Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention and Services, Grant No. 2201NVSTC6. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the presenters and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.

Thank you to our sponsors!