Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance

POC Caucus Meeting
2021-08-24 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-09-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-09-28 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-10-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-11-09 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-11-23 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-12-14 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
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Attachment Theory in Action: Building Resilience Between Caregivers and Children
2021-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Building Resilience Between Caregivers and Children is a workshop for advocates and preventionists alike. The workshop will connect the dots between attachment theory and programs and services to build resilience between caregivers and children. Attachment theory describes how the bond between caregivers and children influences relationships in the present as well as the future. Participants will explore practical methods to apply attachment theory in advocacy and prevention; how attachment theory relates to the trauma-informed approach; firsthand experiences with application of attachment theory; and other resources that can support advocates and preventionists to build resilience between children and caregivers in community or in shelter.

About Deanna Lavery:
Deanna Lavery, MSW has worked with families who have experienced trauma for over 15 years. She began her career as a home visitor doing early intervention with infants and toddlers with special needs that was a firsthand introduction to how early support for families with young children can change a family’s entire trajectory. A preventionist and advocate before she knew what those words meant, she went on to be a family therapist and advocate for young people involved in the courts and Child Protective Services, a therapeutic day treatment counselor in middle school for young people with trauma-symptoms and a fair housing advocate. For the past 5 years, Deanna has worked as the Child and Family Resilience Coordinator for an intimate partner violence shelter and community services in rural Virginia–developing programs and engaging families at the intersection between prevention and intervention. Deanna also works as a family therapist for families who have experienced severe attachment trauma and is trained and supervised in the Circle of Security protocol. Deanna believes that an understanding and application of Attachment and trauma-responsive programming is the key to both prevent violence and build resilient families who have been impacted by violence and is excited to connect with you around her passions.

WHEN: August 26, 2021, 10am to 12pm
WHERE: Virtually, on Zoom
HOW MUCH: No cost
REGISTER: Click here!

Quarterly Prevention Meeting
2021-08-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual- Zoom

Holiday- Labor Day
2021-09-06
The Action Alliance office is “closed”. The Virginia Statewide Hotline continues to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Prevention Connection Zoom
2021-09-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual- Zoom

Governing Body Meeting
2021-09-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-11-11 09:00 - 17:00
The Governing Body is comprised of 21 members who are responsible for the governance of the Action Alliance and guide its policies. Under Action Alliance by-laws, the Governing Body has representation from all geographic areas of Virginia, at least one-third of representatives are from member sexual and domestic violence agencies, at least one-third of representatives are survivors, and at least one-third of representatives are of historically oppressed communities in Virginia.

Survivors Vote: New and Updated Voting Laws in Virginia
2021-09-30 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual- Zoom
Did you know that during the most recent legislative session there were a lot of new voting laws passed? With the voter registration deadline quickly approaching and early voting in full swing, this is a great time to get refreshed on what’s new about voting in Virginia. We know survivors vote and a large part of advocacy is being informed about the many ways we can empower the people we serve to have their voices heard. One of those ways is by voting. Join us to learn more about Virginia’s new voting laws with Meredith Smith from New Virginia Majority. During this session you will learn about the new voting laws in Virginia, upcoming deadlines, and ways that survivors who are housing insecure and/or living in shelter can vote safely.
Who: Action Alliance Members and SDVA Advocates
Cost: Free
Register: bit.ly/survivorsvote

Trauma-Informed Lawyering
2021-10-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-10-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Hey Advocates! Do you know a lawyer working with survivors?
If they need a refresher on trauma-informed best practices, invite them to join us for Trauma-Informed Lawyering, a 3-part webinar series hosted by the Action Alliance on Oct 1st, 8th, and 15th from 12-1pm.
During these sessions, participants will:
Gain an understanding of the deep impact trauma can have on clients/survivors.
Learn to recognize trauma and be better prepared to respond effectively using trauma-informed practices.
Become able to recognize the impact of trauma on themselves.
Visit our event page to register for or learn more about Trauma-Informed Lawyering.
Virginia CLE pending

WHEN: Friday, October 1st, 8th, and 15th from 12-1PM
WHERE: Virtually, on Zoom
HOW MUCH: No cost
REGISTER: Click here!

Governing Body Mini-Retreat
2021-10-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual- Zoom

Violence Prevention in Action ECHO Clinic
2021-10-20 10:30 - 12:00
Hosted once per quarter and primarily open to prevention staff at SDVAs. Project ECHO is an international model for training and peer-to-peer learning that was originally developed for use by doctors and other medical providers, and we’ve adapted it for sexual & intimate partner violence prevention. This virtual learning space is the most structured of our Zooms, more like a highly interactive webinar or brainstorming session where everyone participates in real time. Each ECHO Clinic includes a case presentation from a local preventionist and a brief training component related to best practices. Come prepared to ask questions, make recommendations, and connect with other prevention staff across Virginia.

Click here to register!

POC Caucus Zoom
2021-10-26 15:30 - 17:00

PREA Summit 2021
2021-10-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Want to learn more about PREA, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and how it’s implemented in Virginia?
Want to learn more about working with incarcerated survivors, both in juvenile facilities and adult facilities?
Can we expand our work to disrupt the trauma-to-prison pipeline?
Part 1, October 27, 2021, 10am- noon

Presenter: Nicole de la Torre , Just Detention International (JDI). Nicole is a Program Director at JDI and provides training and technical assistance to corrections agencies and victim advocates on preventing and responding to sexual abuse in detention.

Part 2, November 3, 2021, 10am-noon

Panel on supporting incarcerated survivors:

Speaker from the PREA Unit with the Virginia Department of Corrections
Staff from the Crisis Response Team of the Action Alliance’s Statewide Hotline.
Other presenters include people who have worked with incarcerated juveniles and adults.

Registration is available at bit.ly/preasummit
Cost is discounted (free) for members of the Action Alliance, for all others, the cost is $25 for one session or $40 for both.

PREA Summit Session 2
2021-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Want to learn more about PREA, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and how it’s implemented in Virginia?
Want to learn more about working with incarcerated survivors, both in juvenile facilities and adult facilities?
Can we expand our work to disrupt the trauma-to-prison pipeline?
Join us for our virtual 2021 PREA Summit, presented in two parts. Part 1 will be presented on October 27, 2021 from 10 am – noon, Part 2 will be presented on November 3, 2021 from 10 am – noon.
Nicole de la Torre of Just Detention International (JDI) will be our presenter for Part 1. Nicole is a Program Director at JDI and provides training and technical assistance to corrections agencies and victim advocates on preventing and responding to sexual abuse in detention.
Part 2 will include a speaker from the PREA Unit with the Virginia Department of Corrections along with staff from the Crisis Response Team of the Action Alliance Statewide Hotline. This day will also feature a panel of presenters who have been doing work with incarcerated juveniles and adults. Come learn ideas for supporting incarcerated survivors.
Registration is available at bit.ly/preasummit
Cost is discounted (free) for members of the Action Alliance, for all others, the cost is $20 for one session or $40 for both.

Director's Forum
2021-11-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual- Zoom

Membership Meeting
2021-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual- Zoom

State and Local Partners Meeting, November 2021
2021-11-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual- Zoom

Holiday- Thanksgiving
2021-11-25 - 2021-11-26

Shelter Conversations: Listening Session
2021-12-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual- Zoom
Join us for a virtual gathering and listening session for shelter staff. During this session we plan to gather feedback from shelter advocates on how we are sheltering across the commonwealth including shelter models and setup, staffing, guidelines, and what support shelter staff and their agencies need to foster successful shelter operations. Our time will include introductions, a listening session, and discussion. We are aware that shelter advocates work non-traditional hours. For any shelter advocates who are not able to attend, we encourage you to register so you can receive a link to a survey that will be distributed after this gathering that you can participate in!
Who: Shelter advocates at sexual and domestic violence agencies
Cost: Free
Register: https://bit.ly/ShelterConvoDec2
Questions? Contact Itzel Patino at training@vsdvalliance.org.

40 Years of Action: The Act. Honor. Hope. Gala
2021-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Each December, the Action Alliance honors leaders and community members who have taken extraordinary action to bring about the necessary change to end sexual and domestic violence. Their leadership offers hope for a better tomorrow.
In addition to honoring our HOPE Awardees and recognizing our new Lifetime Members, we invite advocates and supporters from around Virginia to join us as unveil our 40th Anniversary online timeline exhibit and have some fun with a dance party!
This year, the Action Alliance honors Senator Barbara A. Favola (Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun) and Delegate Karrie K. Delaney (Fairfax and Loudoun) with the HOPE Award.
Make it hybrid! Get dressed in your COVID-best and gather with a few of your closest friends or bring together your agency staff for a COVID-safe party.
Tickets: $50/person; $160 for a group of 4; $320 for a group of 8. (Lifetime Members discount: $100 for group of 4; $200 for group of 8.) To ensure the timely arrival of your celebration boxes, please purchase your tickets by November 17.
Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets.
Questions? Contact us at give@vsdvalliance.org.

Training For A Just World
2021-12-06 17:00 - 2021-12-08 17:00 | TBD
In 2019 the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (Action Alliance) adopted a new vision statement. We seek a radically hopeful future where:

people are free and have what they need to reach their full potential;
relationships, families, and communities are healthy, equitable, nourishing, and joyful;
government, institutions, and systems are rooted in equity and justice;
all decisions are grounded in whether they will benefit our future descendants and sustain our beautiful earth.

The Action Alliance has designed this training to accelerate our collective capacity to bring this vision into being. Every time that we bring people together, we have an opportunity to plant seeds for a just world for everyone. This experience offers space to reflect and practice ways to cultivate the soil to make way for strong roots, plant the seeds, nourish existing seeds so that they grow, and ease out any unhealthy plants we may discover along the way. Each immersion event is designed for 24 people
Together for a Just World: Planting the Seeds for Thriving Communities is a complimentary two-day training immersion experience designed for sexual and domestic violence advocates and preventionists, social justice warriors, and organizers working to end violence and build peaceful, just communities. The training will be held Dec. 6-8. Interested in participating? Applicants must apply in pairs and submit their joint application by Oct. 22. (NOTE: Deadline extended to October 29!) Pairs should include individuals from different backgrounds and with different roles in the work to build a more just world.
This three day, two night training includes all meals, a single room, and the chance to step away from the demands of our daily lives and the interruptions of calls, chats, emails, and meetings.
Please note that all applicants must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of the training. Masks will be required in all indoor group settings.
If your work includes educating people in your community, training new advocates and organizers, facilitating groups, creating social media, policy advocacy for equity and justice, or experimenting with new ways of promoting strong, healthy and thriving systems, we encourage you and a partner to apply.
WHERE: TBD
DATES: December 6-8, 2021
COST: Free
To apply for this training, you may download the application or print it out: Training For A Just World Application
For more information or to ask further questions, please email training@vsdvalliance.org

Prevention Connection Zoom - December
2021-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual- Zoom
