We Are the Movement: 2026 WSCADVSA Conference: Full Schedule

This year’s conference honors the people who built this movement, and the people continuing to carry it forward. For generations, survivors, advocates, organizers, and community members have created safety, support, and change together. Their lived experience, knowledge, and care have shaped this work from the very beginning. Join us for two days of connection, learning, and envisioning what’s possible when we build safety, healing, and belonging together.

Speaker and workshop announcements coming soon! For more information, please see our FAQ page or contact us at [email protected].

For more information about the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, visit our website.

10:30am PDT

Creating Medicine Shields

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Advocates will create their own Medicine Shield in this hands-on workshop. Medicine Shields have long served as symbols of protection and strength within Native traditions, including all cultures. This session invites participants to discuss how incorporating cultural practices like this one into their work can support resilience, self-care, and a deeper, more culturally responsive connection to the communities they serve.

Limit 25 participants. All are welcome, but we particularly encourage Native advocates and advocates who work primarily with Native survivors to join this session.

Speakers

Arlene Red Elk

Yeha:wi Healing Journey Facilitator, Mother Nation

Elder Arlene Red Elk (Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe) is Lead Facilitator and master designer of the Circle of Life workshop series. She specializes in multi-abuse trauma of violence against women and is well known across Indian Country as designer of services such as the original Ina... Read More →

Bridgette Light

Yeha:wi Healing Journey Co-Facilitator, Mother Nation

Bridgette (Jamestown S’klallam Tribe) joined Mother Nation in 2023 to assist Elder Arlene Red Elk with the Yeha:wi Healing Journey. She is a member of the Jamestown S’klallam Tribe and a holistic nutritionist currently studying plant medicine and indigenous food pathways. Bridgette worked for her Tribe for several yea... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, culturally specific advocacy, Native-led advocacy, hands-on workshop, self-care/sustainable practice

10:30am PDT

Make It Make Sense! Why the State Budget Matters for Survivors and Your Program

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Washington State is one of the top 5 wealthiest states in the country. And yet, programs that support survivors are being slashed, our own programs are stretched to the limit, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle cry poverty when balancing our state budget. Make it make sense! This workshop will help you better understand our state budget, what it funds, and why safety net programs are the first to be cut. We will also learn about why such a wealthy state has a big revenue problem and more about the movement to change that. Join us for a big picture discussion and how you can be a part of the change in your community.

This workshop is for advocates, directors, and anyone who wants to get nerdy about revenue!

Speakers

Traci Underwood

Director of Policy Development & Research, Economic Opportunity Institute

Traci Underwood holds a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington where she focused on public policy and nonprofit administration and has been working for economic justice for Washingtonians since 2001.

She is the Director of Policy Development & Research at the Economic Opportunity Institute where she has been on staff for 4 years. Some recent policy successes Traci has worked on include, strengthening our state’s Paid Sick & Safe Leave and Paid Family & Medical Leave programs... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic community engagement & organizing, economic justice, public policy, managers & directors, systems advocacy, domestic violence, sexual assault

10:30am PDT

Safer in a Digital World: Practical Tech Safety for Advocates

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Technology is increasingly part of the safety concerns survivors bring to advocates, from phones, social media, location tracking, and hidden devices to online harassment, impersonation, and rapidly changing AI tools. This practical workshop will explore how technology is being used to monitor, intimidate, exploit, and harm survivors, while giving advocates concrete strategies for responding. We’ll look at safer communication, digital trails, documentation, tracking concerns, accessible tools advocates can use with survivors, and the role agencies play in making sure staff have the training and resources they need.

Speakers

Leslie Briner

Principal, Social Strategies

For over 25 years, Leslie Briner has served people experiencing homelessness, human trafficking, systems involvement, and trauma. Leslie operates Social Strategies, an education and technology agency based in Seattle that equips public agencies and social service organizations with... Read More →

Chris Free

Operations & Technology Director, Social Strategies

Chris Free is the Operations & Technology Director at Social Strategies, bringing over 25 years of experience in systems design, technology infrastructure, and public policy. He leads the technical architecture and development of complex digital learning ecosystems—including statewide... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic advocacy skills, domestic violence, sexual assault

10:30am PDT

Supporting Survivor Defendants

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Many people who are incarcerated have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault prior to system involvement. This training will provide context for how survivors become criminalized, explore advocacy approaches across different court systems, and share strategies for building effective relationships with defense attorneys and therapeutic courts. Participants will also examine organizational barriers that may limit support for survivor-defendants and identify opportunities for more inclusive legal advocacy.

Speakers

Liz Uchitelle

Legal Advocacy Coordinator, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Liz Uchitelle is the Legal Advocacy Program Coordinator at WSCADV/SA, where she supports survivors navigating the criminal legal system and pushes for justice reform rooted in survivor-informed advocacy. She also brings a trauma-informed yoga practice to her work, using it as a tool... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic advocacy skills, legal advocacy, systems advocacy, domestic violence, sexual assault

1:30pm PDT

Arte, Sanación y Esperanza: Construyendo una Comunidad Más Allá de la Violencia Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres Rurales de YWCAWW / Art, Healing & Hope: Building Community Beyond Violence YWCAWW Rural Women’s Support Group

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

This workshop will be presented in Spanish with limited English interpretation available.

Arte, Sanación y Esperanza: Construyendo una Comunidad Más Allá de la Violencia
Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres Rurales de YWCA WW
Este taller explora cómo la creatividad y el arte pueden apoyar a las sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y agresión sexual en su camino hacia la sanación, la conexión y el fortalecimiento personal.

Guiadas por el personal y Promotoras de YWCA, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de crear arte en un espacio de apoyo, utilizando la expresión artística como una forma de:

Fomentar la conexión, el sentido de pertenencia y la expresión personal
Crear un espacio seguro y confidencial para la sanación
Honrar las experiencias, fortalezas y resiliencia de cada sobreviviente
Apoyar a las sobrevivientes mientras imaginan y construyen una nueva vida libre de violencia

Juntas, crearemos obras de arte que reflejen el espíritu de pertenencia y que recuerden a quienes con demasiada frecuencia no son vistas o escuchadas que importan, que sus voces importan y que pertenecen a nuestra comunidad. Este es un camino hacia la construcción de una vida libre de violencia, basada en la esperanza, la conexión y la comunidad. La esperanza es comunidad. Juntas somos más fuertes.

Art, Healing & Hope: Building Community Beyond Violence
YWCA WW Rural Women’s Support Group
This workshop explores how creativity and art can support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault on their journey toward healing, connection, and empowerment.

Guided by YWCA staff and Promotoras, participants engage in a supportive group experience where creating art becomes a pathway to:

Foster connection, belonging, and self-expression

Create a safe and confidential space for healing

Honor each survivor’s experiences, strengths, and resilience

Support survivors as they envision and build a new life beyond violence

Together, we will create artwork that reflects the spirit of belonging and reminds those who are too often unseen or unheard that they matter, their voices matter, and they belong. This is a journey toward building a life without violence—one grounded in hope, connection, and community. Hope is community. Together, we are stronger.

Speakers

Celia Guardado

Community Outreach and Relationships Coordinator, Crossing Borders Survivors Advocate, YWCA Walla Walla

I have a great passion for working alongside domestic violence and sexual assault immigrant survivors and have done so for several years starting out working with a grassroots nonprofit, Amigas Unidas, out of Yakima, Washington under the umbrella of YWCA. Upon ending the contract... Read More →

Maria Enriquez

Promotora, YWCA Walla Walla

My name is Maria Enriquez. I am an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico. I was a victim of domestic violence.

Three years ago, I was in a great depression suffering from domestic violence and did not know what to do. Someone told me to call the YWCA. I spoke to an advocate on the phone... Read More →

Maria Venturi

Promotora, YWCA Walla Walla

My name is Maria Venturini and I am from Lima, Peru, South America. I immigrated to the United States when I was 12 yrs old. I lived in Miami Florida all my life where I was fortunate to go to college and earn my degrees.

I later married a North American man where my life with him was one of extreme verbal, emotional and economic abuse. He was living a double life when we divorced. I mourned my separation and my relationship but left with our two daughters and went back to school for my 5th degree... Read More →

Carmen Garza Ceron

Promotora, YWCA Walla Walla

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Workshop

Topic advocacy skills, community engagement & organizing, culturally specific advocacy, domestic violence, hands-on workshop, immigrant & refugee communities, rural communities, sexual assault

1:30pm PDT

Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation (FGM/C) in Washington State

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in WA State is an interactive session designed to increase attendees understanding of FGM/C in Washington state, address common myths and misconceptions, and strengthen participants’ ability to support prevention and survivor-centered responses. Through storytelling, reflection, and discussion, participants will develop an understanding of the cultural and social drivers of FGM/C, its health consequences, and the US and global context with a focus on Washington State’s prevention and response efforts. The workshop encourages participants to identify meaningful actions they can take within their professional and community roles. By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to promote awareness, respond with compassion, and connect survivors to available resources and referral pathways.

Speakers

Dr Muna Osman

Washington Coalition to End FGM/C

Dr. Muna Osman is a doctor-prepared nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. A Somali-American mother and first-generation refugee, she arrived in the U.S. 25 years ago with her one-year-old daughter. Muna is a passionate advocate and policy leader dedicated... Read More →

Severina Lemachokoti

Social Worker, Washington Coalition to End FGM/C

Severina Lemachokoti is a member of the Washington End FGM/C Coalition and actively supports the implementation of Washington State’s FGM/C law passed in 2023. She serves as a Community Advisory Board (CAB) member and collaborates with the Department of Criminal Justice in developing... Read More →

Jalang Conteh

FGMC Program Implementation Specialist, Mother Africa

Jalang Conteh serves as the Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Implementation Specialist at Mother Africa, where she supports the implementation of Washington State’s FGM/C Prevention and Response Project. In this role, she collaborates closely with community organizations... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, community engagement & organizing, culturally specific advocacy, immigrant & refugee communities

1:30pm PDT

Principles of Coaching for Managers and Directors

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Are you looking for ways to feel that spark of creativity and connection again with your staff and team? What about yourself? Coaching skills can be a way to encourage and engage, build self-awareness, and foster a healthy organizational culture. Come learn about some principles and practices of coaching and how it relates to survivor advocacy and program management. This interactive workshop will be informed by the Co-Active Coaching model. We’ll also talk about coaching support for us as positional leaders, and dealing with the isolation, exhaustion, and burn-out that so many face these days.

Speakers

Keri Moran-Kuhn

Executive Director, Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Since 1991, Keri has been engaged in supporting survivors. Her work began in Ohio, then continued in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and eventually lead her to Oregon in 2000. Keri has been with the Coalition since 2005 in various roles and currently is the Associate Director. Keri... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic self-care/sustainable practice, managers & directors, domestic violence, sexual assault

1:30pm PDT

The Living Lineage Project: Story, Art, and Belonging Across the Movement

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Who helped shape your journey into this work? What wisdom do you carry? What do you hope others inherit from you?

Join us for a creative, story-centered workshop where we'll reflect, connect, and contribute to a collaborative art project honoring the many people, experiences, and communities that make up this movement. Together we'll explore how storytelling and collective creativity cultivate belonging across generations of advocates while helping create a living expression of our shared movement that will continue to evolve throughout the conference.

Speakers

Alexis Flanagan

CEO, Resonance Network

Alexis Flanagan (she/ella) is a queer Black feminist DC girl whose heart pumps to the beat of “the Pocket” that holds down DC go-go music and culture.

After living abroad as an exchange student in Argentina during her senior year of high school and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature from University of Maryland, College Park, Alexis began her career as a K-12 and adult educator, teaching Spanish to... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, hands-on workshop, self-care/sustainable practice

1:30pm PDT

Virtual Presence, Real Impact: Tele Forensic Exams in Practice

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

This workshop will provide an overview of the new statewide Tele Forensic Program. Participants will learn about the program's structure and services, explore the types of support available, and gain an understanding of the advocate's role within the Tele Forensic model.

Speakers

Terri Stewart

Forensic Nurse, Manager of Forensic Nurse Training, Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center

Terri Stewart has been a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) with Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center (HATC) since 2002 and has dedicated her career to advancing trauma-informed forensic nursing care. She previously served as the Health Program Operations Manager for the HATC SANE Team... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic advocacy skills, systems advocacy, sexual assault

3:30pm PDT

Advocacy Under Pressure

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Advocates are carrying tremendous pressure as they support survivors while navigating increasingly strained systems that can push emotional and professional capacity to its limits. This interactive session creates space to acknowledge those challenges, examine the evolving role of advocacy, and explore how cross-sector partnerships, particularly with home visiting programs, can strengthen support systems for families.

Participants will engage in meaningful discussion, share strategies for collaboration, and practice grounding techniques that help sustain well-being and reduce the risk of burnout. Attendees will leave with practical tools, collective wisdom, and a renewed sense of connection to themselves, their work, and the families they serve.

Speakers

Jami Bess

Director of Services, Open Arms Perinatal Services

Jami Bess is a maternal and reproductive health leader with over a decade of experience advancing equity for low-income families in Washington State. As Director of Programs at Open Arms Perinatal Services, she oversees community-based doula and home visiting initiatives that center... Read More →

Marcella Taylor

ParentChild+ Program Manager, Start Early Washington

Marcella Taylor is the ParentChild+ Program Manager for Washington State, with over 20 years of experience in early learning, home visiting, and family support. Her professional journey was shaped by her personal one—as a young parent and former ParentChild+ participant. That experience... Read More →

Florida Steele

Early Learning Coordinator, Open Arms Perinatal Services

Florida Steele is a family advocate with 30+ years of experience supporting under-resourced communities through direct service and systems advocacy. As a mother of four, she centers her work on relational, strengths-based support that honors families lived experiences. At Open Arms... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, children & parenting, community engagement & organizing, reproductive justice

3:30pm PDT

Building Washington's Sexual Assault Movement: One Year of Progress & What's Next

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

One year after WSCADV/SA became Washington's designated sexual assault coalition, join members of the Sexual Assault Working Group (SAWG) and the Coalition for a conversation about where we've been, what we've learned, and where we're headed. We'll share updates on statewide policy, emerging priorities identified by advocates across Washington, and opportunities to strengthen our collective voice. Learn about current sexual assault policy initiatives and help identify priorities for the coming year. Whether you've engaged with the coalition's sexual assault work over the past year or are joining the conversation for the first time, this session is an opportunity to learn about statewide efforts, share your perspective, and help shape the future of sexual assault advocacy in Washington.

Speakers

Sherrie Tinoco

Managing Director, WSCADVSA

Sherrie Tinoco is the Policy Director at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). Sherrie previously worked with direct victim service programs for over 20 years that provided support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes... Read More →

Roshelle Cleland

Director of Public Policy, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Roshelle Cleland is the Director of Public Policy at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Prior to joining the coalition, she served as Director of Advocacy & Education at the Lutheran Community Services Northwest, where she led Spokane County’s... Read More →

Kate Garvey

CEO, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC)

Kate was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center in October 2023. She leads a staff of more than 60 employees, and works closely with the 22-member Board of Directors to meet KCSARC’s vision and mission. Kate brings almost two decades... Read More →

Carlyn Sampson

Executive Director, Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center

Originally from Tennessee, Carlyn holds bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a masters degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She moved to Pierce County, Washington in 2012 and began service with Rebuilding Hope as a volunteer victim advocate on the 24/7 helpline... Read More →

Sara Owen

Prevention/Outreach Specialist & Survivors Advocate at Beyond Survival, Sexual Assault Resource Center for Grays Harbor Washington

I'm the Prevention/Outreach Specialist & a Survivors Advocate at Beyond Survival, the Sexual Assault Resource Center for Grays Harbor Washington. I specialize in working with at risk youth, underserved communities & trafficking victims. Much of my time is spent teaching, creating... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic sexual assault, public policy

3:30pm PDT

Navigating Community Resources for Immigrant Survivors

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Supporting immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault requires an understanding of how immigration status, language, race, gender identity, disability, income, and geographic location shape both survivors' experiences and their access to safety and support. This workshop explores the unique barriers immigrant survivors face and how advocates can provide culturally responsive, survivor-centered services that recognize the impact of these intersecting identities. Through real-life scenarios and interactive discussion, participants will strengthen their understanding of trauma-informed advocacy, identify common challenges, and develop practical strategies for supporting immigrant survivors in navigating systems, accessing resources, and making informed decisions about their safety and well-being.

Speakers

Marleny Silva Velarde

Community Resource Manager, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network

Marleny was born in Nayarit, Mexico, and raised in a small dairy-farming town in Washington State’s North Puget Sound region. A formerly undocumented immigrant and DACA recipient, she immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of four. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she... Read More →

Yahaira Padilla

Deportation Defense Organizer, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network

Yahaira Padilla grew up undocumented and is a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). She was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and came to the US at the age of 4 along with her mother and siblings.

In 2006, Yahaira moved from East Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington where she started organizing in High School as she faced the reality and challenges of being an undocumented student. While in high school, Yahaira cultivated an after-school club for Latinx students as she was politicized... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, immigrant & refugee communities

3:30pm PDT

Supporting Survivors Through Mental Health Challenges (Part 1)

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

This training equips non-clinicians with practical skills to recognize and respond to common mental health challenges experienced by survivors. Participants will learn how trauma can affect emotional well-being, how to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support, and when and how to connect individuals with professional resources. The session emphasizes building confidence in supportive conversations while maintaining appropriate boundaries and fostering resilience, healing, and hope.

Speakers

Minu Ranna-Stewart

Director, Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center

Minu Ranna-Stewart, LICSW, is the Director of Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center and by training is a licensed clinical social worker. She graduated with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington and has over 25 years of professional experience as a social... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, trauma & mental health

10:30am PDT

Great Governance: Getting Everyone on Board

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

A high functioning board is one of the best things that can happen to an organization. But it doesn’t just happen. In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to build, orient, and support your board’s development so that they can become confident and passionate ambassadors for your organization’s mission. In this interactive time together, we’ll talk about roles and responsibilities, boundaries, and the most critical relationship in a not-for-profit organization, the board/executive director partnership. Come with your questions and curiosity and leave with strategies to put into place at your next board meeting.

Speakers

Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin

speaker

Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin is a self-described numbers geek who worked in finance and accounting before finding her dream job combining her strong financial and fundraising skills with her passion for community-based social justice work in support of a great mission. She recently retired... Read More →

Board Chair and ED Relationship Article pdf

Board Engine Quiz docx

Board Member Contract docx

Board Chair CEO Partnership Table pdf

Division of Roles pdf

Micromanagement What it is and How to Handle docx

sample agenda ED meets with Board Chair pdf

Who Decides pdf

Who is responsible pdf

Table of Contents Board Book docx

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, managers & directors

10:30am PDT

The Truth About Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Black Communities

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

TBA

Commercial sexual exploitation affects Black youth, adults, families, and communities across generations, yet myths, racial bias, and gaps in our service systems can shape how exploitation is understood and addressed. This workshop brings together data, advocate expertise, and the knowledge of people with lived experience to examine the realities of commercial sexual exploitation in Black communities in Washington State.

We will explore adultification and grooming of Black youth, responses to missing Black children and young people, and the systems and cultures of violence surrounding exploitation. Participants will also consider what it means to move beyond traditional service models toward community-based approaches that support prevention, meaningful engagement, and holistic, transformative healing.

Participants will:

Examine common myths and facts about commercial sexual exploitation and the definitions that shape our responses.
Explore exploitation across generations, including the experiences of youth, young adults, and adults.
Consider how adultification, racial bias, grooming, and responses to missing Black youth affect prevention and intervention.
Learn from the expertise of survivors/experiencers, advocates, families, and communities.
Identify opportunities for community engagement, healing, and approaches beyond the current service paradigm.

Speakers

La Tanya Horace-DuBois

Founder & Executive Director, The Silent Task Force

La Tanya has worked in human services for over 20 years, managing, coordinating and creating programming for Black and brown communities of King County. She has worked in mainstream domestic violence agencies for 8 years, AA women and churches on breast and cervical health and screenings... Read More →

Ze'lla Adams

Lead Advocate, The Silent Task Force

Ze’lla Elaine Adams is the Founder, CEO and Transformational Coach of Made To Empower Faith, Hope & Wellness Coaching Services, also serves as The Silent Task Force Lead DV, SA, CSE Advocate, and serves as a DV Specialist for Reclaiming Our Greatness.As a Certified Trauma Transformational... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
TBA

Workshop

Topic culturally specific advocacy, sexual assault, prevention & youth, advocacy skills, community engagement & organizing, systems advocacy, domestic violence

1:30pm PDT

Carrying It Forward: Practices for Belonging, Storytelling, and Movement Memory

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Belonging doesn't happen by accident—it grows through the stories we tell, the relationships we nurture, and the practices we choose together.

Whether you helped create the Living Lineage Project on Day One or are experiencing it for the first time, this workshop invites you to add your voice to the collective story while exploring practical ways to strengthen connection within your own organization and community.

Together we'll discover simple, adaptable practices that help welcome new advocates, preserve movement wisdom, deepen relationships, and cultivate cultures where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to continue this work for the long haul.

Speakers

Alexis Flanagan

CEO, Resonance Network

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, hands-on workshop, self-care/sustainable practice

1:30pm PDT

Vicarious Trauma & You

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

We know that trauma impacts the clients we serve, but how does witnessing, helping with, or hearing about trauma day after day affect you personally and professionally? What is its impact on the organizations we work in?

Join this workshop to understand the “occupational hazards” of victim advocacy, and to identify what you can do to minimize the risk to yourself and your organization.

Speakers

Stephanie Sacks

Clinical Director, Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center

Stephanie Sacks, LMHC is the Clinical Director with Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center serving Pierce & Kitsap Counties, where she has worked for the last 32 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is licensed with... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, self-care/sustainable practice, trauma & mental health

1:30pm PDT

When a School Community Faces Harm: A Restorative Response

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

When teacher misconduct and boundary violations came to light at Vashon Island’s only high school, the community faced a choice: react with blame or respond with intention. This case study traces how the Vashon Island School District and The DOVE Project built a multi-stakeholder workgroup grounded in restorative and transformative justice. With this work, producing four concrete pillars of change: district-wide training, redesigned reporting systems, community reparations, and a long-term cultural change plan.

The DOVE Project’s years of comprehensive prevention programming embedded in Vashon schools and built on trusted relationships across every stakeholder group uniquely positioned DOVE to step into this support role. Prevention organizations bring something no outside consultant can: existing credibility and trust with students, families, and staff. That foundation is what made neutral facilitation possible, and what made the community willing to come to the table.

This session makes the case that prevention programs across the region are not peripheral to addressing harm that youth experience in schools, but rather they are essential to it. When districts face harm, the organizations already doing daily prevention work are best positioned to help rebuild trust, center youth voices, and move toward lasting safety through youth-centered policy and practice reform.

Speakers

Heidi Jackson

Executive Director, The DOVE Project

Heidi Jackson is the Executive Director of The DOVE Project, a domestic violence and sexual assault agency serving Vashon Island, Washington. With deep roots in serving the community and a lifelong commitment to ending relational violence, Heidi brings community-centered leadership... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, community engagement & organizing, prevention & youth, rural communities, systems advocacy

3:30pm PDT

Developmental Dreamcatcher Workshop for Advocates

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

In this interactive workshop, advocates create their own Developmental Dreamcatcher, with each bead representing a milestone from their career journey in advocacy to where they are today. The activity is grounded in Indigenous teachings on growth and healing, drawing a direct line between the clinical practice of trauma-informed advocacy and the cultural traditions that have long supported healing in Native communities. Participants leave not only with a meaningful handmade item, but with a renewed, culturally grounded sense of purpose in their advocacy work they can take home or bring to their office.

Limit 25 participants. All are welcome, but we particularly encourage Native advocates and advocates who work primarily with Native survivors to join this session.

Speakers

Martin Spotted Bear

Waatunwan Case Manager, Mother Nation

Martin (Blackfeet Nation) brings experience in social work to his calling to implement Trauma-Informed Care with a cultural approach to assist Native people struggling from chronic homelessness. He is a believer in utilizing traditional values to advocate for the Indigenous communities... Read More →

Shanna Howtopat

MMIWP Advocate, Mother Nation

Shanna is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and descended from the Umatilla and Warm Springs tribes. She is experienced in the legal field and her calling has been to advocate for her Native people through local, state, and tribal systems. She is honored to be a MMIP Advoca... Read More →

Zoey Martin

Yeha:wi DV Advocate, Mother Nation

Zoey (Taino, Peruvian) is a Yeha:wi service advocate, providing help to our relatives who are fleeing domestic violence. She also works at the Spirit Journey House advocating for our sisters that are in recovery. She believes it is such an honor to be a part of this good work and... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic culturally specific advocacy, Native-led advocacy, hands-on workshop, self-care/sustainable practice, domestic violence, sexual assault

3:30pm PDT

From Advocacy to Action: Public Policy, Lobbying, and Engaging Decision-Makers

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Have you wanted to use your voice to help leaders and legislators better understand what survivors truly need? Are you unsure whether your staff can engage in lobbying? This session will help answer those questions and learn how!

Whether you are new to policy advocacy or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will explore the fundamentals of public policy, the differences between education and lobbying, and the important role domestic violence and sexual assault programs play in informing policy decisions.

Building beyond the basics, participants will take a deeper dive into lobbying laws and permissible advocacy activities. Learn effective strategies for engaging local, state, and federal policymakers, preparing for legislative meetings, building long-term relationships with decision-makers, and identifying opportunities to influence policy year-round. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of both the "why" and the "how" of policy engagement, along with practical tools to confidently navigate public policy work within their professional roles.

Who is the primary audience for this workshop? (I am not sure of the norms how this is answered or if there are specific categories) Anyone interested in public policy

Speakers

Roshelle Cleland

Director of Public Policy, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic systems advocacy, public policy, sexual assault, managers & directors, domestic violence

3:30pm PDT

Mandated Reporting: Do Less

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Mandated reporting has caused real harm to survivors — and a lot of that harm comes from over-reporting. This training provides context around challenges and problems within our current system that create harm for families seeking support and get practical about what domestic violence advocates are actually required to report (spoiler: it's less than you think). Liz and Trina will walk through how to recognize what falls outside your scope, how to safety plan effectively, and how to show up for survivors in the rare moments when a report is truly required. Come ready to question assumptions and leave with clearer boundaries and more confidence in a survivor-first approach.

Speakers

Liz Uchitelle

Legal Advocacy Coordinator, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Trina Ewing

CAP Lead Survivor Advocate, New Beginnings

Hi, I’m Trina Ewing, the CAP Lead Survivor Advocate with New Beginnings in Seattle, WA. My path to this work is deeply personal; as a survivor of domestic violence myself, I know firsthand the courage it takes to seek safety and rebuilding. Over the past five years, I have dedicated... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, culturally specific advocacy, children & parenting, systems advocacy

3:30pm PDT

Supporting Survivors Through Mental Health Challenges (Part 2)

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Speakers

Minu Ranna-Stewart

Director, Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy skills, trauma & mental health

10:30am PDT

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