This fall, we're moving forward together.

As summer winds down, there’s a lot happening at MAWOCN ... and even more ahead.

A new season brings new opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and deepen our collective impact...

Over the next several weeks, we’re creating opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and strengthen our collective impact. From Keeping Black Survivors Alive and the next Big Advocacy Energy cohort to our annual R.E.N.T. Party & Impact Celebration, and expanding our team, there are plenty of ways to join us, support the work, and be part of what’s next.

So, what’s next for us?

Take a look…

Where Relationships Become Impact

At MAWOCN, we often say that relationships become impact. Our R.E.N.T. Party is one of the places where you can see that belief come to life.

Inspired by the historic Rent Parties of the Harlem Renaissance, when communities gathered to help one another meet immediate needs through music, food, connection, and collective support, MAWOCN's 4th Annual R.E.N.T. Party & Impact Celebration carries that spirit forward.

This year's theme, Then. Now. Next., invites us to honor where we've been, celebrate what we've built together, and invest in where we're going.

And yes, we're taking it back to the 90s!

The music, fashion, culture, and energy of the decade give us a reason to have some fun, but the joy is intentional. Joy isn't separate from the work. It's part of the work. For people who spend so much of their time supporting survivors, advocating for change, building organizations, and caring for communities, gathering in celebration matters too.

That's why R.E.N.T. isn't just a party. And it isn't just a fundraiser.

It's an opportunity to bring together the people, relationships, resources, and collective care that sustain this movement.

Celebrating Leadership & Impact

This year, we're honored to recognize Senator Liz Miranda as the recipient of the Irvienne Goldson Community, Care, and Connection Award, honoring leadership rooted in community, connection, and meaningful change.

We're also excited to welcome Taneekah Freeman, Deputy Director of DEI Training at the Massachusetts Trial Court, as our keynote speaker as we reflect on Then. Now. Next. and what it means to continue building toward a stronger future together.

Join Us

Friday, September 25, 2026

7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Garage B Boston

Tickets: $75

Come for the 90s vibes, music, food, dancing, and celebration. Come to reconnect with old friends and build relationships with new ones.

And come knowing that your presence helps sustain MAWOCN's work supporting Women of Color leaders, advocates, and the people and organizations working alongside survivors throughout Massachusetts.

Then. Now. Next.

#LiftingAsWeClimb

What’s Next: Keeping Black Survivors Alive

Supporting Black survivors requires more than good intentions. It requires understanding, culturally grounded practice, and a willingness to examine how our communities and systems respond.

This September, MAWOCN invites you to join us for Keeping Black Survivors Alive (KBSA), a 40-hour, survivor-informed, healing-centered, and culturally grounded training designed to strengthen how individuals, organizations, and communities understand, support, and respond to Black survivors.

KBSA welcomes community members, health care providers, advocates, law enforcement professionals, faith leaders, business owners, activists, and anyone committed to helping create safer, more responsive communities.

Training Details

September 10 – October 1, 2026

Mondays & Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET

Participants who complete the 40-hour training will receive a certificate of completion.

A sliding fee scale is available because we believe access to meaningful training shouldn't be limited by someone's ability to pay.

Ready to join us? Register today.

Questions? Contact KBSAMASS@gmail.com or

(508) 443-1990.

What’s Next: Bring BIG Advocacy Energy

Build knowledge. Strengthen skills. Deepen impact. Support survivors.

This October, Big Advocacy Energy (BAE) returns for another 40-hour Rape Crisis Counselor (RCC) Certificate Training, presented through the collaboration between MAWOCN and The Center for Hope and Healing (CHH).

BAE brings advocates and community members together for survivor-centered, culturally responsive learning designed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills we bring to this work.

October 2026 Cohort

Training Dates:

October 19, 20 & 21

October 26, 27 & 28

Sessions are held virtually Monday through Wednesday, with our final day in person at CHH in Lowell on October 28, where we'll learn together, share lunch, and celebrate our graduates!

Curious About BAE? Join an Info Session.

Tuesday, September 15 | 12:00 PM ET

Tuesday, October 13 | 12:00 PM ET

JOIN ZOOM

(Meeting ID: 343 958 1529

Passcode: 27ZdzH)

Come learn more, ask questions, and see if Big Advocacy Energy is right for you.

Register Below!

Questions? Contact Dani W., Communications Manager at MAWOCN2@gmail.com.

What’s Next: Program Growth & Expansion

This fall, MAWOCN is launching a new Community Mobilization Program designed to strengthen connection, leadership, and professional sustainability for women of color working in the domestic and sexual violence field across Massachusetts.

The program will include:

• A nine-month Leadership Academy for a cohort of 12–15 women of color working in the DV/SA field.
• Three Peer Connection Exchange Spaces offering ongoing peer support, collective strategizing, professional development, cross-training, mentorship, and more.

And yes—we’re hiring!



Check out the opportunities below to learn how you can help bring this new program to life.

Stay tuned: Applications for the Leadership Academy and Peer Connection Exchange Spaces will be available soon!

If this newsletter has reminded you of the importance of this work, we invite you to stay connected. Follow our journey, share our mission, attend our events, volunteer when you can, and consider making a gift to support the work ahead.

Together, we are building something that extends far beyond one program, one event, or one organization. We are strengthening a network of people committed to creating communities where survivors are supported, advocates are sustained, and collective care continues to grow.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Sincerely,

MAWOCN

Lifting As We Climb