BEYOND RESILIENCE: FROM SURVIVING to THRIVING

Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls. At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence. Join us from October 18 – 23, as we hold events, share information and stories, advocate, and more with a common goal in mind: together, we can end gender-based violence. Your gift enables us to continue fighting the cycle of violence in our community. GIVE TODAY

Week Without Violence 2021

Keep an eye out for the Chalk It Up to Awareness campaign in the community. YWCA Northwestern Illinois and local businesses will be using sidewalk chalk to help raise awareness about domestic violence. Keep an eye on our social media channels! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

• Monday, October 18th: Imagine a World Without Violence

When we envision a world without violence, we begin to build a path to creating that world. Help us raise awareness about gender-based violence, support survivors, and envision a world without violence! Take a Week Without Violence campaign selfie (or group photo) using one of our customizable signs, tag us on social and use the hashtag #WWV21, and then tag 5 friends and challenge them to do the same! Check out our useful Week Without Violence guide for more info and sample social media posts. Can’t or don’t want to post a photo? Support us by texting GIVE2EMPOWER to 44-321

• Tuesday, October 19th: Day of Action Capitol Hill Call-In Day

Capitol Hill Call-In Day: This Capitol Hill Call-In Day, we invite you to engage your Members of Congress by taking action online; calling your legislators; and engaging with these discussions on social media, using the hashtag #WWV21 and tweeting at your Member of Congress.

Make the Local Focal: Engage with your state and local elected officials on this important issue. Ask questions about their position on policies that support survivors and help hold them accountable.

• Wednesday, October 20, 2021 “Ending Gender Based Violence: A Conversation about Effective Advocacy at Local, State and Federal Levels”

Join us for a virtual lunch & learn on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from Noon-1pm (CST) as we welcome Catherine Beane, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy at YWCA USA, for an informational discussion on advocacy and supports in public health and domestic violence prevention. Click Here for More Info.

• Thursday, October, 21, 2021: Reimagining the Role of Resilience

Join us for a dynamic discussion that reimagines the role of resilience for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. By centering healing – including replenishment, rest, and recovery – and addressing the root causes of trauma and systemic violence, we can both disrupt the cycle of harm and open pathways for survivors to build thriving futures for themselves and their families.  Learn more and register for the event here

• Friday, October 22, 2021: #FeelGoodFriday brought to you by The Allstate Foundation

Follow along for #FeelGoodFriday, as we share stories of survivors who moved from surviving financial and domestic abuse to thriving with the Moving Ahead Curriculum.

Also, check out Episode #56 of Organize Your Butterflies in which Madeline Gregory, Philanthropy Manger, the Allstate Foundation discusses how The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Curriculum has made significant strides to serve survivors of GBV who need support when it comes to financial empowerment.

• Saturday, October 23, 2021: #SelfCareSaturday Service providers, advocates, and activists in the fight to end gender-based violence all care deeply about these issues, and about the survivors they help each and every day. Unfortunately, this work can also cause vicarious trauma for individuals as they work with survivors who have undergone serious trauma or can retraumatize individuals who are survivors themselves. Taking the time to engage in healing and self-care as a provider, advocate, activist, or survivor is an integral part of your own mental and physical well-being and will help make you an even more powerful advocate for your causes and clients.