2025 Spring Training Retreat
At the heart of Virginia’s sexual and domestic violence movement is the foundational belief that every survivor deserves safety, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every community has the power to create the conditions that make this vision a reality. Join the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance for a two-and-a-half-day training retreat to hear from survivors, advocates, attorneys, and state and national leaders in shaping effective responses to and prevention of sexual and domestic violence. Participants will find spaces to explore the practical application of these skills and learnings within the context of their current community climate. Workshop and keynote offerings will include a closer look at organizational and programmatic safety planning, funding our futures, the importance and neurobiology of wellness, strategies for enhancing shelter and advocacy practices, deepening community connections across the field, and building survivor power.
This Training Retreat will offer opportunities to reflect, connect, and think critically about how we can strengthen community, our own capacity, and our collective capacity across sexual and domestic violence agencies here in Virginia to sustain the movement, prevent future violence, and enhance the lives of survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Join us to build The Power of We!
When: May 20-22, 2025
Where: Natural Bridge Conference Hotel and Conference Center, 15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Cost: $150 for SDVA members, $175 for Basic, Affiliate, and Professional Members, $195 for nonmembers.
(Registration includes lodging, breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday, dinner on Wednesday, and all lunches. Lodging will either be a double or king room.)
Schedule:
| Tuesday, May 20 | |
| 10am-11am | Registration |
| 11am-noon | Welcome |
| Noon-1pm | Lunch |
| 1:15pm-2:30pm | Breakouts |
| 2:45pm-4pm | Role Spaces |
| 4pm – 6pm | Check into rooms + Dinner on your own |
| Wednesday, May 21 | |
| 7:30am-9am | Check-in/Breakfast |
| 9am-10am | Keynote/Plenary Session |
| 10am-10:30am | Networking/Break |
| 10:30am-11:45am | Breakouts |
| 11:45am-1pm | Lunch |
| 1:15pm-2:30pm | Breakouts |
| 2:30pm-3:15pm | Wellness Buffet/Break |
| 3:15pm-5pm | Roundtable/Panel Discussion |
| Evening | Fun Night! |
| Thursday, May 22 | |
| 7:30am-9am | Check-in/Breakfast |
| 9am-10am | Breakouts |
| 10am-10:30am | Check-out |
| 10:30am-11:45am | Group session/Plenary |
| 11:45am-1pm | Lunch (boxed lunch for those who want to travel) |
Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center
This oasis is nestled in the in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Delight in historic charm from the cozy ambiance in the lobby to delicious dining in the Red Fox Tavern. The space features free WiFi and parking, a business center, an on-site gym, and a garden featuring a fire pit.
Take the walking path from the hotel to Natural Bridge State Park, featuring the towering limestone gorge
called the Natural Bridge as well as six miles of hiking trails showcasing lush forests, mountain vistas, and cascading waterfalls. Descend 34 stories below the earth’s surface to explore the Caverns at Natural Bridge, spot tigers and giraffes at Virginia Safari Park, and sip local delights at Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery.
Sponsored By:
