Nonprofit Management Content Topic Results

Nonprofit Management

berdman — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 19:38:33 +0000

Nonprofit Management berdman Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:38

Published

September 14, 2023

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in our efforts to end gender-based violence and other forms of injustice and to build safe and thriving communities. In order to ensure that nonprofits are able to be as effective and mission-driven as possible in their programmatic work, they need to have a solid infrastructure. This collection offers key information on nuts and bolts of managing a nonprofit, and resources to support organizations in their journey to dismantle structural racism and center racial equity. Particular attention is paid to the importance of building a strong and diverse board and staff, helpful fundraising strategies, managing the organization's finances, and ways to promote a healthy workplace through human resources management.

"Leaders, even the most visionary, cannot do this work alone. Strong, healthy organizations that understand their unique contributions are needed to power the ideas and change we want." - Move to End Violence

Developed by NRCDV staff in consultation with the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 22:29:18 +0000

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 18:29

Published

March 23, 2020

Author(s)

Patty Branco

Although the body of research on post-disaster violence is limited, the available information from recent experiences has demonstrated that gender violence is a critical issue facing communities affected by disasters. Concerns about injuries, infectious diseases and the provision of basic needs often take precedence over the surveillance of violence in the aftermath of a disaster (World Health Organization, 2005). However, the data that is available underscore that women, in particular, become especially vulnerable to sexual and domestic violence in the chaos and social breakdown that follows a disaster (Chew & Ramdas, 2005). For instance, the acute affordable housing shortage in the Gulf region following Katrina heightened women’s exposure to sexual violence -- many women and girls have had to “share accommodations with extended family members, acquaintances, or even in some cases, known former abusers, simply to have a place to call home” and “the resulting overcrowding has led to abuse specifically linked to the Katrina experience” (Jones-DeWeever, 2008, p. 2).

At the same time, disasters can also have a distinctly challenging impact on those individuals already traumatized by violence. Clearly, “natural and man-made disasters can greatly impact the health and well being of crime victims and the response they receive” (for example, the chaos that follows a disaster creates additional obstacles to survivors in reporting crimes, pursuing justice, and receiving support or assistance) (West, 2006, p. 6). In particular, survivors of violent crime can have a particularly hard time coping in the aftermath of a disaster because the shock, fear, anxiety, sudden loss of safety and the collapse of traditional support systems can trigger feelings and reactions from earlier traumas.

NRCDV has compiled resources that may offer helpful guidance for domestic violence programs preparing for and responding to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). A wealth of information and recommendations have been developed and made widely available by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence, National Health Center for the Homeless Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can be adapted and used by community-based domestic violence programs.

About This Collection

This collection highlights the disproportionate vulnerability of women and children to domestic and sexual violence in disaster and emergency situations, and organizes information to help increase the safety and well being of those at higher risk for violence (or re-traumatization) during and after a major disaster or crisis. Note that the terms “disaster” and “emergency” are being used broadly to refer to major traumatic events and crisis situations that are either natural (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc.) or human-caused (e.g., massacres, terrorist attacks, etc.).

Included in this collection are selected materials and resources -- many gender-informed -- that can be used by domestic and sexual violence organizations to increase their preparedness for and response to major disasters and emergencies. Also included is information developed for victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are concurrently coping with trauma and stress after a natural disaster or major crisis. Special attention has been given to the issues faced by children in these situations. Links to several films and documentaries are offered as a tribute to the victims and survivors of those events as well as tools that advocates and activists may use in their educational and awareness programming. A list of organizations working directly or indirectly with disaster and emergency preparedness and response is included, including international and national relief efforts aiming at responding primarily to the needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors in the aftermath of a disaster.

This special collection was developed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence in consultation with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program Office of the Department of Health and Human Services.

A Final Note

It is important to note that despite the many challenges that women face in disaster situations, they have been -- everywhere -- playing crucial roles in the rebuilding of their communities. As Jones-DeWeever (2008, p. 5) reports about the women of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast:

They have been on the ground, from the very beginning, doing everything from trudging through the post-Katrina sludge, lending their sweat to the rescue and clean-up efforts, to organizing family, friends, and neighbors to push through seemingly impossible odds to make sure their communities were saved, and not erased from existence. They have done their part. They now deserve, at the very least, to have their voices heard, their needs addressed, and to be assured that future disasters will not replicate many of the horrors that they have in fact endured. Through their voices, we hope to learn, take those lessons to heart, and then properly plan for those disasters yet to come.

Serving Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

berdman — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:52:01 +0000

Serving Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence berdman Tue, 06/13/2017 - 11:52

Published

November 01, 2017

New Resources Added

January 01, 2018

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Despite the fact that people who identify as transgender or non-binary experience violence and harassment in every aspect of life at astoundingly high rates (NCTE, 2016), there are still significant gaps in services (Seelman, 2015) for these survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This Special Collection supports advocates and agencies seeking to build their capacity to provide accessible and inclusive services to trans and non-binary survivors.

This collection offers guidance on how to provide accessible, culturally responsive, and affirming services to survivors of all genders. It includes resources that explain the importance of pronouns and outline some key concepts and terms relating to gender identity and expression. Additionally, this collection cites recent research illustrating the broad scope of violence against trans individuals and communities, particularly for people who live at the intersections of multiple forms of oppression, and addresses the failure of systems to properly support survivors in these communities. It directs service providers to some helpful tools and guidance for promoting inclusivity and advocating for trans survivors within domestic and sexual violence organizations. Lastly, this collection also provides resources for survivors.

This collection draws heavily from the work of FORGE, a national transgender anti-violence organization that provides direct services to trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as training and technical assistance to service providers around the country. Visit their website for more information and resources on serving trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations

berdman — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:11:22 +0000

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations berdman Wed, 06/21/2017 - 14:11

Published

July 01, 2017

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Rosie Hidalgo

Shaina Goodman

Legislative action has long played an important role in the movement to end gender-based violence, often as a critical component of the grassroots activism of survivors, advocates, and other people committed to mobilizing to end gender-based violence (ICADV 2009). In order to have widespread impact and improve the laws, policies and systems that affect victims of gender-based violence, engaging in advocacy with legislators and policymakers at the local, state, and national level is essential.

Legislators and policy makers rely on hearing from constituents and community members about ways that laws can be improved to better address domestic and sexual violence. Through legislative advocacy and “lobbying,” domestic and sexual violence organizations can work to “improve policies that are responsive to the needs and realities of survivors as well as their children and families” by connecting legislators to the needs and lived experiences of survivors in their communities (National Latin@ Network). Lobbying is recognized as “a key way that nonprofits can advance their mission, amplify the voices of their supporters, educate policymakers, and protect their values" (Bolder Advocacy). As Nayantara Mehta writes, “Getting involved in the legislative process and having a say in policy discussions is not just an appropriate role for nonprofits; it is vital. If nonprofits are not speaking on behalf of their often-vulnerable communities, chances are nobody else is either.” (Mehta 2009).

Nonetheless, domestic and sexual violence organizations may hesitate to participate in legislative advocacy due to concerns about or limited understanding of the restrictions on 501(c)(3) nonprofits’ lobbying activities. While some activities, such as endorsing or opposing particular candidates for public office, are strictly prohibited, Congress specifically created rules that permit nonprofit organizations to engage in lobbying, as long as it does not constitute a “substantial part” of the organization’s activities. Additionally, nonprofits can also participate in other advocacy focused on influencing public policy, described in more detail below.

This collection is designed to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations interested in participating in legislative advocacy. Resources include materials describing the specific federal regulations limiting lobbying activities of 501(c)(3) nonprofits; details on the ways in which these organizations can participate in lobbying activities; specific information on legislative advocacy for domestic and sexual violence organizations; and useful advocacy tools and tips.

Please note that this collection is intended to provide general information on these topics and does not constitute legal advice.

Open Doors: Domestic Violence Shelter Development

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 13:05:55 +0000

Open Doors: Domestic Violence Shelter Development ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 09:05

Published

March 01, 2014

The NRCDV receives a large number of technical assistance requests related to domestic violence program development. Part 1 provides resources for building, sustaining and enhancing shelter programs to meet the diverse needs of domestic violence survivors.

This is PART 1 of a 2-part collection, which also includes Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors) (PART 2 of 2). PART 1 provides resources for building, sustaining, and enhancing shelter programs to meet the diverse needs of domestic violence survivors.

Open Doors: Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors)

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 16:40:51 +0000

Open Doors: Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 12:40

Published

March 01, 2014

Many concerned community members want to help families experiencing domestic violence. This is PART 2 of a 2-part collection, which includes Domestic Violence Shelter Development (PART 1). PART 2 provides suggestions and ideas for building needed resources in your community for survivors of domestic violence, in lieu of opening a shelter or safe house.

While many individuals and communities across the country have succeeded in establishing shelters that serve the needs of countless survivors of domestic violence, one of the most vital considerations regarding whether to start a new shelter is that of need. In just one day in 2013, more than 66,500 victims across the country were served by 1,649 local domestic violence programs participating in the 2013 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The vast majority of these programs (77%) included emergency shelter as part of their services (NNEDV, 2014). While most survivors access supportive nonresidential services only, according to the 2013 National Census of Domestic Violence Services – in which approximately 87% of identified local domestic violence programs in the U.S. participated – 36,348 domestic violence victims found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs (NNEDV, 2014).

Despite large numbers of domestic violence survivors finding safety in shelters across the country, shelters are not equipped to meet the long-term needs of survivors, as most are designed to provide emergency, short-term housing. Moreover, many survivors utilize the numerous non-residential services provided by domestic violence programs, and have an interrelated range of needs. For example, a survivor may need legal advocacy for a protective order case against an abusive partner. Attempting to leave an abuser without legal protection may exacerbate an already dangerous situation. Or a survivor may need financial help in order to execute a carefully constructed safety plan.

Alternative Ways to Help Survivors

Based upon your particular background or area of expertise, choose a section below to learn about the unique ways in which individuals can assist survivors of domestic violence. Please note the following list is not exhaustive, and individuals are encouraged to help survivors to the extent they are able and under the guidance of their domestic violence victim advocacy program. To find a program serving your community, contact your state/territory coalition. Each coalition identifies local domestic violence programs (also referred to as members) organized by county or region on their websites.

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Building Program Capacity (Part 2 of 3)

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:07:19 +0000

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Building Program Capacity (Part 2 of 3) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 20:07

Published

April 01, 2013

Building on over 20 years of work in this area, the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) has put into practice a framework that integrates a trauma-informed approach with a DV victim advocacy lens. The term trauma-informed is used to describe organizations and practices that incorporate an understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of trauma and that are designed to reduce retraumatization, support healing and resilience and address the root causes of abuse and violence. The resources compiled in these collections reflect this integrated perspective (NCDVTMH 2013 adapted from Harris and Fallot 2001).

Resources on providing trauma-informed services and advocacy that have been developed by NCDVTMH specifically for DV settings are listed first. Also included throughout this Special Collection are resources that have been developed for mental health or substance abuse settings that can also be useful to DV victim advocates.

The goals of this Special Collection series are to provide:

Basic information about the different ways in which trauma can affect individuals and to highlight current research on effective ways to respond to trauma;
Practical guidance on developing trauma-informed DV programs and services; and
Resources that will help support collaboration between DV programs, and mental health, substance abuse, and other social services agencies and that will increase awareness about trauma treatment in the context of DV.

This is PART 2 of a 3-part collection that also includes Understanding the Framework and Approach (PART 1 of 3) and Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (PART 3 of 3). PART 2 provides practical tools and resources on building capacity to implement trauma-informed programs.

A Note About Gender: Intimate partner violence perpetrated by men against their female partners is epidemic. At the same time, whatever a person’s gender or their partner’s gender, they may experience intimate partner violence, and gendered language can minimize the experiences of many survivors. We have attempted to use language in this Special Collection that reflects our analysis of gender oppression and other forms of oppression, as well as our commitment to serving all survivors of domestic violence.

This Special Collection was developed by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Contact NCDVTMH for specialized technical assistance and training on this and related topics.

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (Part 3 of 3)

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:15:44 +0000

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (Part 3 of 3) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 20:15

Published

April 01, 2013

Building on over 20 years of work in this area, the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) have put into practice a framework that integrates a trauma-informed approach with a DV victim advocacy lens. The term trauma-informed is used to describe organizations and practices that reflect an understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of trauma and that are designed to reduce retraumatization, support healing and well-being and address the root causes of abuse and violence. The resources compiled in these collections reflect this integrated perspective (NCDVTMH 2013, adapted from Harris and Fallot 2001).

Resources on providing collaborative and comprehensive trauma-informed services and advocacy that have been developed by NCDVTMH specifically for DV settings. Also included throughout this collection are resources that have been developed for mental health or substance abuse settings that can also be useful to DV victim advocates.

The goals of this Special Collection series are to provide:

Basic information about the different ways in which trauma can affect individuals and to highlight current research on effective ways to respond to trauma;
Practical guidance on developing trauma-informed DV programs and services; and
Information that will help support collaboration between DV programs, and mental health, substance abuse, and other social services agencies and that will increase awareness about trauma treatment in the context of DV.

This is PART 3 of a 3-part collection, which also includes Understanding the Framework and Approach (PART 1 of 3), and Building Program Capacity (PART 2 of 3). PART 3 provides resources for building collaboration to ensure that survivors and their children have access to culture-, DV- and trauma-informed mental health and substance abuse services.

This Special Collection was developed by the National Centeron Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Contact NCDVTMH for specialized technical assistance and training on this and related topics.

Conflict Resolution Tools for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 12:28:05 +0000

Conflict Resolution Tools for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff ckeene Fri, 08/12/2016 - 08:28

Published

November 01, 2009

Although most domestic violence victims* who seek assistance from local domestic violence programs do not need emergency shelter, far too many do. For those fleeing an abusive partner, finding a safe and supportive refuge for themselves and their children is critically important. In most cases, domestic violence shelter staff and volunteers work hard to create and maintain a ”home-like” feel for the families that come to a shelter and a shared sense of communal living among shelter residents. Some programs are able to offer individual rooms with private bathrooms for residents, while others may have two or three families sharing a room or a suite of rooms with a common bathroom. Typically, a shelter has other common areas where residents prepare and eat meals, play with their children, watch TV, use a computer if one is available, and socialize.

Sharing living space with others is difficult under the best of circumstances and conflicts are inevitable – anyone who has grown up in a large family or shared an apartment with others knows this first hand! But group living is particularly challenging when you are sharing communal space with strangers who, like you and your children, are living in real fear, are unsure of the future, and are recovering from the trauma of domestic violence.

While advocates working in shelter programs are expected to build a community and manage a household of women and children from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, many may not receive the necessary training to resolve the types and intensity of conflicts that may arise within the shelter. Such training should equip advocates to better identify, understand and respond to the many challenges associated with communal living, including those described in Meeting Survivors' Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelter Experiences, discussed in more detail below.

In order to help address the training and technical assistance needs of domestic violence advocates, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) developed this brief collection on Conflict Resolution Tools and Resources for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff. Building on the findings from the Meeting Survivors’ Needs study, this online collection includes selected materials and resources intended to equip advocates with a contextual framework and practical skills to better resolve conflicts that often arise within a shelter environment. A full set of publications related to Meeting Survivors' Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelter Experiences can be found on VAWnet, including the Research in Brief, Executive Summary, and Final Report, as well as Webinar materials, a Shelter Study FAQ, and related resources.

NRCDV provides a wide range of free, comprehensive, and individualized technical assistance, training, and specialized resource materials and projects designed to enhance current intervention and prevention strategies. To suggest other resources we should include in this collection or for ongoing technical assistance or other resources, please contact NRCDV at 800-537-2238 or nrcdvTA@nrcdv.org.

*A note about language: Because most domestic violence victims are women abused by a male partner, and most residents of domestic violence shelters are women and their children, we will use "she" and "woman" when referring to a victim of domestic violence. Also, the term "victim" is used here instead of "survivor" to serve as a reminder of the violence and control faced by women in abusive relationships seeking services from a domestic violence shelter. All victims of domestic violence, regardless of their gender or the gender of their abusive partner, deserve safety and advocacy.

2023 National Prevention Town Hall

berdman — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:56:12 +0000

2023 National Prevention Town Hall berdman Thu, 07/13/2023 - 15:56

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Training Tools

Published Date

September, 2023

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

This National Prevention Town Hall uplifted innovative prevention approaches in the Northeast region of the United States that build solidarity across movements to disrupt systems of violence that disproportionately harm Black women and gender expansive individuals. This two-day event explored ways to support Black survivors as leaders in our movement and build meaningful partnerships with Black-led movements and organizations. Presenters engaged participants in conversations around critical issues impacting Black women, youth, and gender expansive individuals including reproductive justice and housing as a basic human need and right.

Join advocates, activists and organizers in reproductive justice and gender based violence spaces, those impacted by violence, and others interested in transformative approaches to prevention that center racial equity. Together, participants will explore how to advance collective liberation with Black women and gender expansive individuals at the center.

Este Congreso Nacional de Prevención, promoverá los enfoques de prevención innovadores en la región noreste de los Estados Unidos que generan solidaridad entre los movimientos para interrumpir los sistemas de violencia que dañan desproporcionadamente a las mujeres negras y a las personas de género expansivo. Este evento de dos días, explorará formas de apoyar a les sobrevivientes de comunidades negras como líderes en nuestro movimiento y a crear relaciones significativas con organizaciones y movimientos lideradas por esta comunidad. Los presentadores involucrarán a los participantes en conversaciones sobre temas críticos que afectan a las mujeres negras, los jóvenes y las personas de género expansivo, que incluyen la justicia reproductiva y la vivienda como una necesidad y un derecho humano básico.

Únase a intercesores, activistas y organizadores en espacios de justicia reproductiva y violencia de género, aquellos afectados por la violencia y otros interesados en enfoques transformadores para la prevención que se centren en la equidad racial. Juntos, exploraremos cómo promover la liberación colectiva centrando a las mujeres negras e individuos de género expansivo.

Associated Links

Results & Recommendations: Transforming the Gender-Based Violence Movement

Video: Reproductive Justice Part 1

Prevention Town Hall Padlet

Session 1: Supporting Black Survivors as Leaders in Our Movement

Session 2: Meaningful Partnerships with Black-Led Movements and Organizations

Session 3: Intersections between Violence Prevention and Reproductive Justice

Session 4: Housing as a Basic Human Need and Right

Associated Files

Attachment	Size
Save the Date Flyer	470.49 KB
Event Program (English)	3.08 MB
Event Program (Spanish)	4.69 MB
Welcome Slides (English)	1.54 MB
Welcome Slides (Spanish)	1.11 MB
Town Hall Banner Image	28.37 KB