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Coalition Connection
Your Weekly Source of News, Training Opportunities, 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!
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 help.
We will highlight important information in this section each week in red that requires your action or attention. This week's highlights include:
Opportunity
- WCSADVSA Staff Attorney Position
Our Work
- 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
- Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
Policy Updates
- Action Required: NAESV Rape Crisis Center Funding Survey
- A Refresh on WCADVSA Monthly Policy Call November 12 - Everyone's Invited!
Training and Events
- WCADVSA Economic Empowerment Webinar Series
- SANE-A Clinical Training December 5-6
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Registration Open- Making Space for Wellness Virtual Gathering Dec. 7-9
- Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
- Examining Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color and Proposed Change in the Law of Consent in DV and SA Cases
- Leading the Change: Building Social Justice Gender-Based Violence Organizations
- Transformative Justice in the Lives of Survivors with Disabilities
- Decolonizing Indigenous Trauma Treatment Nd Research Paradigms
- Interstate Custody Webinar for Advocates
- Crimes Against Children Conference Free Sessions
- Reimagine Manhood Symposium
- Virtual "Weekend" of Recovery for Survivors - January 22 & 29
Resources
- Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
- Enroll Wyoming News
- Miss Rep's Book Club
- JWI 3-2-1 Action To-Do-List
- Preparing for the Holiday Season with Self Care
- FreeFrom Gifted Holiday Store Now Open
- ERAP Updates
Spotlight
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WCADVSA Staff Attorney Position
The WCADVSA Legal Project is funded through a grant received from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program.
The Legal Project has been funded by OVW since 1998 in competitive grant cycles. Two Staff Attorney positions and a Legal Assistant position are funded to complete the grant goals which include providing direct civil legal services on behalf of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking statewide.
Located within the WCADVSA's Legal Project office in Ft. Washakie, WY.
Qualifications:
- Licensed to practice law in Wyoming.
- Knowledge of Wyoming courts, laws and procedures.
- Thorough understanding of family law, civil procedure, evidence, ethics and familiarity with criminal law.
- Understanding of issues and willingness to continue to learn about issues related to domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault and a strong commitment to ending violence against women.
- Ability to provide professional, high quality and sensitive legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
- Ability to counsel and advise clients and provide referrals for people who are in crisis.
- Willingness and ability to work with people from varied backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and abilities.
- Proficiency with computer and Internet technologies and software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to work with law office management databases, including ABACUS.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, keep detailed statistics, evaluate progress and adjust activities to complete work within established time frames.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Demonstrated team building, limit setting, problem solving, creative/analytical thinking and organizational skills, including report writing and grant writing.
- Demonstrated project management skills, including staff supervision.
- Commitment to collaboration, team-building and professional development of staff.
Click here for complete job description and application process.
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2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
The WCADVSA Transitional Housing Assistance Program is purposed to increase housing
options, support service resources, and address barriers relevant to the delivery of transitional
housing services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking
in Wyoming rural communities and within the Wind River Indian Reservation. This program will primarily focus on supporting the needs of survivors who are Native American, older people, persons with disabilities, persons who are Limited-English-Proficient, persons who are immigrants, and/or survivors within extreme rural areas.
As members of the WCADVSA, DVSA programs are eligible to participate in this Transitional Housing Assistance Program. Through its purpose, the WCADVSA will support DVSA member programs’ holistic and voluntary services approach to provide short-term transitional housing assistance that support survivors moving into permanent housing with a continuation of working towards self-sustainability.
For more information about program requirements, working with participants and providing
services, and accessing and utilizing this assistance please review the 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program Policy.
Current availability of funds is approximately $34,415.
Contact Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist for technical assistance.
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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 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 such as CLIMB Wyoming.
Funds must be spent by June 30, 2022. We have approximately $11,581 remaining. 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.
While it is not required for participants to utilize the Allstate Moving Ahead curriculum to access these funds, financial planning and management is a life-long process and this online curriculum is designed for domestic violence survivors and can help provide the guidance and tools needed to make important financial decisions and work toward gaining long-term financial security.
If you have any questions, please connect with Trish Worley
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Action Required: NAESV Rape Crisis Center Funding Survey
Take action now on our annual funding survey! This is our primary tool for gathering data & stories to share with Congress about the needs of local sexual assault programs.
We know you are overburdened and are so grateful for all of the heart, time and skill you provide to survivors every day! We hope you can take a few minutes out of your packed schedule to help us advocate for you with Congress.
We're all feeling the continued impact of the persistent COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our families, organizations, and communities. We are grateful that your leadership to provide support and services to sexual assault survivors and to prevent sexual violence and racial injustice in your communities persists as well. The new year is quickly approaching and NAESV is seeking your assistance to gather up-to-date information on the needs of local sexual assault programs so that we can make the strongest case to Congress for funding for prevention and services.
Click here to take the survey by November 19, 2021
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A Refresh on WCADVSA Monthly Policy Calls - Everyone's Invited!
If you, survivors, staff, board, members of your community response team or other partners are invited. If they would like to learn more or discuss ideas for fixing state statutes in order to keep survivors safer and hold offenders more accountable - the monthly policy call is where to go!
Upcoming Calls - brown bag it on Zoom!
November 12 12 noon - 1:00 pm
December 10 12 noon - 1:00 pm
Contact Tara Muir if you have any questions or topics you would like to discuss.
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Wyoming Webinars, Training and Events | |
WCADVSA Economic Empowerment Webinar Series
Mark your calendars! This webinar series is designed to guide directors, advocates, and community members through the steps of helping survivors rebuild their lives through economic empowerment.
Dates and sessions include:
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November 17 - Credit as an Asset Session 1: Building Credit as an Asset
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November 29 - Credit as an Asset Session 2: Know the Score Part 1
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December 1 - Credit as an Asset Session 3: Know the Score Part 2
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December 6 - Credit as an Asset Session 4: Get The Good Stuff Going
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December 8 - Credit as an Asset Session 5: Deal with Debt
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December 13 - Credit as an Asset Session 6: Make Credit Building Count
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December 151 - Prioritizing Financial Security in the Movement to End Intimate Partner Violence
View session details here. Click here to register once for the entire series.
Please reach out to Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist with any questions.
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SANE-A Clinical Training December 5-6
Two-day in person training will be held at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center East Campus in Cheyenne, WY
Prerequisite is for Wyoming nurses with certificate of completion of a 40-hour IAFN-Approved Didactic SANE-A Training.
This course is free of charge, with reimbursement available for meals, mileage, incidentals and lodging at the federal government rates.
For more information, email Susie Markus or call 307-222-3252 or 307-274-6292.
Click here to register. Click here to download flyer to share.
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Registration Open -
Making Space for Wellness Virtual Gathering Dec. 7-9
Join us virtually, as we gather to explore how our individual and organization's wellness impacts how we live and operate in spaces of trauma. We'll learn from guest speakers as they share their knowledge and skills on how we can tend to ourselves and our organizations within the movement to end violence.
Click here to register. View the Agenda At A Glance here.
Please reach out to Jody at jsanborn@wyomindvsa.org if you have any questions.
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Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
The NNEDV Voluntary Services Training in 2021 will be completed through an e-learning module. MOU partners (WCADVSA member programs) are encouraged to participate in the e-learning module if they are providing direct services. There is no limit on the number of staff who can take this e-learning course. But at least one person needs to complete the courses for the agency.
There are 8 lessons available. In total, you'll need to view 6 lessons to complete the training requirement. There are 5 mandatory lessons in Track A and 3 elective lessons in Track B. At least 1 lesson from Track B must be completed to meet the minimum lesson requirement.
Click this link to find the registration page. When you register, you will automatically be registered for both Tracks A and B and you will have access to all eight lessons. When you register, you'll be asked to create a username and password that is unique for you. Each person, who wants to take the course, should enroll separately. That way the certificate generates with your name on it.
The e-learning platform will track your progress. You can start, pause, and restart all of the lessons. Once you've viewed all of the lessons in Track A, and the lesson(s) you want to view in Track B, you'll need to complete the Course Completion Certification to obtain a certificate. In that quiz, you'll note the lesson(s) you viewed, and then click the "Print Your Certificate" button.
Please email a copy of your certificate to Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist
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National Webinars, Training and Events | |
Examining Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color and Proposed Change in the Law of Consent in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases
Hosted by NAWJ's Domestic Violence Committee, this webinar will discuss the disparate treatment in responses by law enforcement and district attorneys, as well as courts, and the effects of such treatment. We will also discuss the definition of "consent" as defined by the American Law Institute (ALI) and its potential revision of such.
Tuesday, November 16 1:00 pm
Click here for more information and to register.
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Leading the Change: Building Social Justice Gender-Based Violence Organizations
In the next Praxis Talk Story session, November 17 at 1:00 pm, a panel of national social justice leaders will explore how managers can promote social change as part of their organization’s work, programs, and operations. We will consider the pitfalls of organizational structures that move staff, programs, and communities away from social change by focusing solely on social service and/or social reform. Panelists will share about their own experiences leading social justice organizations and engage in dialogue about how advocacy programs can establish infrastructures and practices that build change from within.
This is a national session open to all programs and staff, though it will be particularly useful for managers, supervisors, and directors of gender-based violence organizations.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Transformative Justice in the Lives of Survivors with Disabilities
With high rates of victimization and incarceration, people with disabilities have an elevated likelihood of having contact with the criminal legal system in their lifetime. However, due to lack of accessibility, unexamined biases - conscious and unconscious - that exist in the criminal legal system, and an overall fear of system involvement, people with disabilities, specifically Black, Indigenous, people with disabilities, are seeking alternatives to healing and accountability.
This session will further explore the concept of transformative justice and its application to power-based violence in disability and Deaf communities.
Webinar is Thursday, November 18 at 12:00 pm
Click here for more information and to register.
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Decolonizing Indigenous Trauma Treatment and Research Paradigms
There is a global movement within Indigenous communities toward decolonization (Hill, Lau, & Sue, 2010). In fact, for many Indigenous Nations Western psychology serves as a modern form of colonization perpetuating oppression and marginalization (Hill, Pace, & Robbins, 2010; Mohawk, 2004). When considering the treatment implications for Native American women who are survivors of sexual assault, as approximately 56% have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey [NISVS], 2010; Rosay, 2016). It is essential to access decolonized treatment strategies and engage trauma-informed research with these participants. In light of a recent white paper outlining a call to action acknowledging the experiences of Native American women and girls impacted by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, sexual violence, and those who have gone missing or murdered (Ross, GreyWolf, Tehee, Henry, & Cheromiah, 2018), there is support for clinicians to become equipped with culturally-informed approaches to address the needs of Native survivors. The panel will discuss the systemic issues that can lead to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The panelists will also reflect on opportunities to implement decolonized treatment strategies with survivors of sexual assault.
Webinar is Thursday, November 18 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Click here for more information and to register.
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Interstate Custody Webinar for Advocates
The LRC, in partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence will be offering a free webinar December 1 at 10:00 am on basic interstate custody issues. This training will provide participants with an overview of the various federal and state laws that govern interstate custody cases.
The training will specifically address the needs of advocates and coalition staff who work with survivors in interstate cases at the local, state, and national level. Case scenarios will be used to demonstrate how advocates can help survivors address the economic, safety and legal issues involved when they cross state lines to flee abuse.
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the presentation.
Click here to register
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Crimes Against Children Conference Free Sessions
Behind the Scenes with Gwen van de Pas - Join us in a modified "Ask the Expert" format as we discuss Gwen’s film “Groomed.” We will cover the what, why, and how of Gwen’s decisions in sharing such a personal and powerful story. December 9 9:00 am
Significant Others and Survivors - Join Gwen and her husband, Laurens, in a modified "Ask the Expert" format as we discuss the role, contributions, and emotions of being a survivor’s significant other. December 9 12:00 pm
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Reimagine Manhood Symposium
Reimagine Manhood Symposium: Dismantling Systemic Patriarchy and the School to Prison Pipeline
This year's event will explore the connections between gender-based violence, racism, patriarchy, and the school to prison pipeline. Registration will open in a few weeks.
For more information, contact Diana Mancera, JDI's Director of Membership & Programs December 17, 2021 7:30 am to 1:30pm
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Virtual "Weekend" of Recovery for Survivors January 22 & 29
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, please join us January 22 and January 29 for Two, dynamic consecutive sessions for women and non-binary survivors.
With music, movement, art and small group process, these Virtual Workshops will offer participants an opportunity to learn new tools to become more mindful and feel safer in their bodies. They will be heard with respect and compassion, and explore how to communicate about the changes they make in their lives and in their process of recovery. But most importantly, they will have the opportunity to 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. Scholarships are available.
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Click here to view a variety of upcoming webinars, national training, and conferences. | | | |
Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
We are excited to announce that we have launched the Equal Rights Advocates Student Survivor Toolkit last week as a new resource for student survivors, advocates, and allies. It is available on our website here as a PDF.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive 70 page guide written by student survivors, Title IX experts, attorneys, restorative justice practitioners, and community organizers. It includes guides to the Title IX process, survivor-centered self-care practices, advice for Muslim and LGBTQ+ survivors, and more.
We are reaching out to you, our trusted colleagues, collaborators, and student ambassadors, to share Equal Rights Advocates’ Student Survivor Toolkit and utilize and share it as a resource for continued student survivor advocacy. From its inception, the Toolkit has been a project for survivors by survivors. It has grown into a powerful body of work that we are thrilled to share with you.
If you or someone you know wants to know more about their rights and options, please schedule an appointment to speak with a legal advocate at Equal Rights Advocates. Please email advice@equalrights.org or fill out our online form here.
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Enroll Wyoming News
November 1st is the beginning of a new Open Enrollment Period. If you or someone you know was not able to get a healthcare plan before August 15, 2021, well you are in luck! For coverage to begin January 1, 2022 contact Enroll Wyoming navigators and they will get that process started.
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, health coverage is more affordable than ever.
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Consumers with HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov coverage are encouraged to return and shop to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost!
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More people qualify. Whether you are uninsured, don’t get insurance through your job, or if you are looking to find health coverage at a lower cost – this Open Enrollment period is for you!
Click here to view the Market place 2022 Open Enrollment Fact Sheet.
Additional resources include:
- The 2021 #ParentingCheckInChallenge
- CDC COVID-19 Booster Shot Key messages
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Printable Posters
- Partner Organization Links
- Help Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies
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Zonta Hope Bags
Click here to view the complete newsletter.
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Miss Rep's Book Club
Miss Rep's Book Club for Nov./December
New month, new book club picks. For November and December, Miss Rep's Book Club is reading Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, a collection of short stories about Latinas and Indigenous girls and women in Colorado. The book club is also watching short documentaries like The Lesbian Bar Project, listening to albums like Gore by Lous and The Yakuza, and more. Click here to read more and join.
Flip the Script
It's been ten years since Jennifer Siebel Newsom released Miss Representation! After a decade of confronting harmful gender stereotypes and transforming culture to build a better world, we are paying tribute to this groundbreaking film and it’s filmmaker!
You’re invited to celebrate with us at Flip The Script, a virtual benefit honoring Miss Representation’s tremendous impact, featuring a conversation with Jennifer Siebel Newsom and special guests. Take Action! Join us December 1 at 7:30 pm via Zoom for Flip The Script. Learn more here.
In Case You Missed It
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JWI 3-2-1 Action To-Do List
Act on Build Back Better
Women, whose livelihoods have most been impacted by the COVID pandemic, cannot continue to wait for Build Back Better to p ass. BBB contains historical investments in paid leave, childcare, affordable housing, and healthcare, all of which are crucial for women's economic recovery. Email your members of Congress and urge them to act to pass BBB now!
JIW's Virtual Impact Summit
Coming up December 3rd. Grab your tickets now and register early for the Women to Watch Leadership Weekend happening March 20-22, 2022. Learn more here.
Read the DV Homicide Report
At least 110 people, nearly all women, were shot and killed between 2017 and 2020 by abusive partners who, under federal law, should never have had access to guns.
Read Reveal News’ investigative report, which found that:
- Gun homicides involving intimate partners rose at least 25% in 2020.
- There is no federal tracking of DV gun homicides committed by individuals barred from owning guns, thus the true number is unknown.
- The lack of enforcement of gun laws is failing victims of domestic violence.
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Gifted Holiday Store Now Open
Support survivors this holiday season by shopping at the Gifted store. We support survivors with our revenue model:
- 70% of the cost of boxes goes directly to the survivor entrepreneurs who handmade the products inside.
- 15% of the cost of this boxes is used to employ survivors of domestic violence for a living wage of $28.85/hr to do all the packaging and shipping for Gifted By FreeFrom.
- 10% of the cost of boxes supports more survivor entrepreneurs in building financial security and long-term safety through FreeFrom's entrepreneurship program
Click here to view the Gifted store.
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ERAP Updates
Funding Update
As of November 4, ERAP has approved a total of 2,854 applications, paying a total of $10.5M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $8.2M went to landlords, $1.6M to renters and $670K to utilities. To see county specific information, click here to see the map.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Call 307-755-0992 or visit wyomingdvsa.org/legal-program.
ERAP Resources
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Online: Learn more about ERAP online at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.
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In Person: If you need assistance with an application, there are community based organizations set up in each county to provide help. (Click here for an updated list)
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Via Phone: The call center is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. The toll-free number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727).
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Flyer: Download the ERAP flyer to learn more about the program and to share with those who may be interested in the program. Download here
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A Fond Farewell
by Susie Markus
As some of you may know, our Project Specialist, Pam Brekken, is retiring at the end of the year. Pam joined the Coalition in 2015. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Pam about retirement. I asked her about her memories, thoughts, and future plans as she moves to the next phase of her journey. The conversation and what Pam shared were so beautiful and meaningful, I asked for space to share what we talked about with all of you. Here is what our conversation entailed:
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What are you most proud of when you look back on your time at the Coalition? Organizing and streamlining Silent Witness. We had recently taken over from the Division when I arrived and the documentation and records were in need of an update. Over the years I cleaned up the contact info, streamlined the communication process with families, made scrapbooks for years past, created a PowerPoint slideshow that can be played during family dinners or receptions, and made personal connections with the families. I will miss these connection the most.
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What parts of your years at the Coalition did you find to be the most enjoyable? Working with programs, staff and outside entities and planning all the events - membership meetings, P.E.A.C.E. Awards, WyoCVPR Conference, Silent Witness. . . . It's great when you do the behind the scenes stuff and then get to see it all come together. It's kind of like gardening - you start with bare ground in spring (or June 😂), plant the seeds, nurture & water them, cover with barricades so the stupid squirrels don't eat or destroy them and wait. Then they start to sprout up and you get to enjoy the beautiful results of your labor. And then you do it all over again next year.
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How do you hope to be remembered as a Coalition staff member? As a team player who contributed to the Coalition on all levels and did whatever it took to get stuff done. Hopefully, I met folks where they were and made their day a little better when I interacted with them. I learned a lot during my time at the Coalition in regards to trauma-informed approaches to dealing with individuals and different situations, anti-oppression, ACEs, and how our brains deal with trauma. I view things through a different lens now.
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What are some of your future plans? I plan to volunteer, travel, garden and hang out with dogs, family and friends.
Pam, thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with the Coalition, staff, member programs, and so many others. You have made such a vital difference in all of your work, and, more importantly, in how you did it – with humor, grace, diligence, and compassion. We will miss you, and we wish you the very best in your new adventures.
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