Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Governing Body Mini-Retreat
2021-10-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual- Zoom
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.

POC Caucus Meeting
2021-10-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-09-28 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-09-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-08-24 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-08-10 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-07-27 15:30 - 17:00, 2021-07-13 15:30 - 17:00
Content is protected.

Trauma-Informed Lawyering
2021-10-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-10-01 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!

Virtual Training Modules Office Hours
2021-10-05 15:00 - 16:00, 2021-09-07 15:00 - 16:00, 2021-08-03 15:00 - 16:00
We hold monthly Office Hours each month for participants in each of our three virtual training modules: Principles of Primary Prevention, Advocacy Core Training, and Trauma, Justice, and Oppression. These Office Hours are a space for participants to connect with each other and a technical assistance (TA) provider/trainer from the Action Alliance staff and Training Institute Faculty. Attending at least one Office Hour session is required to receive your course completion certificate. You may use this time to ask questions, get new resources, and discuss the material.
WHEN: The first Tuesday of the month from 3-4pm EST
WHERE: Virtually, on Zoom
REGISTER: To register for Office Hours, click here. To sign up for our Virtual Training Modules, click here.

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

Governing Body Meeting
2021-09-09 09:00 - 17:00

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

Directors’ Forum: Let's Build Strong, Healthy, Vibrant Communities Together!
2021-08-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Virtual- Zoom
Let’s Build Strong, Healthy, Vibrant Communities Together! What role do sexual and domestic violence agencies have in building strong, healthy, vibrant communities now and into the future? How can we as advocates activate women’s civic engagement around issues that really matter to them; issues like good schools, access to health care, living wages, and equal opportunities? How can we connect those issues to the economic, racial, reproductive, and gender justice that will meet the needs of survivors, their children, and even future generations?
The Action Alliance is proud to partner with Galvanize USA, a national, non-partisan group as we explore these questions. Galvanize works at the intersections of data science, behavioral psychology, and neuroscience to build long-term progress toward these goals. Galvanize’s multi-pronged approach includes values-based, nonpartisan deep canvassing, which uses storytelling and authentic connection to change hearts and minds. Our partnership with Galvanize fortifies the work the Action Alliance has been doing with all of you to build thriving communities. Our Building Thriving Communities initiatives focused last year on the 2020 Census, voter registration, and voter education; this year we’re exploring how we can build ongoing civic engagement.
Join us Tuesday, August 31, 1-4pm, to learn why the Action Alliance is so excited about the potential for lasting, transformative change that this kind of work could bring, hear from Galvanize themselves about their science-based approaches, and learn about how your agency can get involved in creating a Virginia that works for everyone! P.S. Catch a sneak peek at Galvanize’s Model for Change, attached! Register in advance for this meeting, here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 1-4PM
WHERE: Virtually, on Zoom
HOW MUCH: No cost
REGISTER: Click here!

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

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!

Honeycomb Retreat 2021 Closing Keynote
2021-08-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual- Zoom
About the Keynote: This keynote will focus on building towards futures free from violence that also touches on the power of youth organizing/leadership and how we can bring creativity, arts, and healing into this work. Leading our keynote will be Je’Kendria Trahan, facilitator, healer, artist, community organizer, and executive director at Collective Action for Safe Spaces DC.
About the Honeycomb Retreat: The Honeycomb is a free and online arts and creative expression-based retreat for young advocates, activists, & movement builders ages 18-24 throughout the state of Virginia. Organized by the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, The Honeycomb Retreat will be held over the course of 3 weekends (July 30-August 1, August 7-8, and August 13-15). Fellows will participate in two Keynote sessions, political education workshops, and art-making sessions.
This event is open to the public and intended for all audiences.
Click here for the registration form.

Honeycomb Retreat 2021
2021-08-13 - 2021-08-15, 2021-08-07 - 2021-08-08, 2021-07-30 - 2021-08-01 | Virtual- Zoom
The Honeycomb Retreat is a free and online arts and creative expression-based retreat for young advocates, activists, & movement builders ages 18-24 throughout the state of Virginia. Organized by the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, The Honeycomb Retreat will be held over the course of 3 weekends (July 30-August 1, August 7-8, and August 13-15). Fellows will participate in two Keynote sessions, political education workshops, and art-making sessions.
The 2021 Honeycomb Retreat will be held entirely online through Zoom.
Keynote sessions will have closed captioning, ASL interpretation, and Spanish-Language interpretation, and graphic recording. Workshop sessions will have closed captioning and additional accessibility support based on fellow needs.
Learn more about Honeycomb Retreat 2021, including how to apply, here.

Intention-based Graphic Design
2021-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual- Zoom
The stories we tell through graphic design show our community who we are and what we value most. Our designs are often a first impression and set the tone for the relationships we’ll cultivate and the audiences we reach. Your graphic design can tell a story that captures your mission and values with intention. Throughout this two-part series, we‘ll walk you through best practices, tools, and resources to help you do just that. You’ll even have an opportunity to put these new skills into practice.

This two-part training aims to highlight best practices in marketing and graphic design for sexual and domestic violence agencies. Day 1 (August 17) will focus on ensuring promotional materials are accessible in terms of visibility, readability, legibility, and more. Day 2 (August 24) will highlight do’s and don’t’s for how to create materials that are trauma-informed and empowering.
Click here to register.

State and Local Partners Meeting
2021-08-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual- Zoom

Intention-based Graphic Design
2021-08-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual- Zoom
The stories we tell through graphic design show our community who we are and what we value most. Our designs are often a first impression and set the tone for the relationships we’ll cultivate and the audiences we reach. Your graphic design can tell a story that captures your mission and values with intention. Throughout this two-part series, we‘ll walk you through best practices, tools, and resources to help you do just that. You’ll even have an opportunity to put these new skills into practice.

This two-part training aims to highlight best practices in marketing and graphic design for sexual and domestic violence agencies. Day 1 (August 4) will focus on ensuring promotional materials are accessible in terms of visibility, readability, legibility, and more. Day 2 (August 11) will highlight do’s and don’t’s for how to create materials that are trauma-informed and empowering.
Click here to register.

Honeycomb 2021 Opening Keynote
2021-07-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual- Zoom
What’s the Honeycomb Retreat?
The Honeycomb is a free and online arts and creative expression-based retreat for young advocates, activists, & movement builders ages 18-24 throughout the state of Virginia. Organized by the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, The Honeycomb Retreat will be held over the course of 3 weekends (July 30-August 1, August 7-8, and August 13-15). Fellows will participate in two Keynote sessions, political education workshops, and art-making sessions.
About the Opening Keynote
This keynote, while centering our youth participants, is open to all of our members and local sexual and domestic violence agencies. The keynote will focus on building towards futures free from violence that also touches on the power of youth organizing/leadership and how we can bring creativity, arts, and healing into this work.

WHEN: Friday, July 30th, 2021
WHERE: Virtually, via Zoom
REGISTER: To register, click here.

Violence Prevention in Action ECHO Clinic
2021-07-14 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!
