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Saviorism in Domestic Violence Work

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this workshop, attendees will consider how their actions may impact a survivor despite having good intentions. As advocates, we often want to provide as much access to resources/opportunities as possible because many of us can relate to their experiences because of our own. But sometimes our actions start to misalign with a survivor’s goal(s) causing us, as the advocate, to make decisions unwanted by the survivor. Saviorism is often rooted in those good intentions. Join us as we discuss how to stay person-centered when supporting survivors. 

Learning Objectives

 To understand what saviorism is and how it presents

 To understand the power that advocates do have and how to utilize that power

 Learn how to stay in alignment with survivors’ needs

LOCATION

Online via Zoom

PRICING AND REGISTRATION

For any questions regarding registration, our sliding scale, work-trade opportunities or accessibility needs, please contact Shay Braden at sjp@ywcapdx.org or ‪(971) 358-6227.

ACCESSIBILITY

This class will be held online via Zoom. Please contact us to let us know if you need specific accommodations.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM TIPS

Thanks for joining us online! Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of this workshop:

  • Mute your microphone. To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise.

  • Engage with the class. These are intended to be workshops, not webinars! Please come ready to engage and participate, and help build community within the “classroom.” Not everyone is able to participate via webcam, but if you are able, we ask that you do so as much as possible.

  • Limit distractions and avoid multi-tasking. You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone. You’ll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or test messages during the meeting and wait until after the workshop ends.

  • Help us improve our program! Each workshop will have a brief survey sent out. All results are anonymous and help us continuously improve our program.

  • Take notes. Our facilitators’ own their presentation material so it is not a requirement for the presentation to be shared afterwards.

  • Need an accommodation? Email us so we can create an ideal learning environment for you. sjp@ywcapdx.org

GROUP PARTICIPATION FRAMEWORK & AGREEMENTS

While guidelines and expectations will vary from workshop to workshop, most of these apply to a typical workshop session:

  • One speaker at a time. When one person talks, everyone else listens.

  • Community wisdom. Nobody knows everything, together we know a lot.

  • Take space & give space. Be mindful of how much you’re participating in the discussion.

  • Intent vs. impact. Before sharing, consider how what you say will affect others in the group.

  • Confidentiality. Details shared in the class stay in the class, but what’s learned goes with you.

  • Active participation. In this environment, it’s better to be open and imperfect than worry too much about being overly articulate.

  • Embrace discomfort and expect non-closure. Learning and growth can be stressful, do your best to hold space for those feelings.


PRESENTER

Presented by Tyesha McCool-Riley

My name is Tyesha McCool-Riley. I possess an associate and bachelor’s degree from Warner Pacific University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Multnomah University. I am a Portland native; born and raised in inner North and Northeast Portland. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, watching DIY television, mentoring youth, shopping, and going on nature walks. I have worked in the mental health field for several years; I have experience as a clinician in various capacities working with women, children, adolescents, and families who have experienced adverse circumstances that include sexual abuse, addiction, domestic violence, DHS involvement, involvement in the criminal justice system among other circumstance that had a significant impact on their lives and mental health. I am passionate and enthusiastic about empowering the voiceless to have a voice through advocacy and trauma informed therapy practices that provide a safe space for all people. I hold a special place for persons of marginalized and oppressed groups as their voices are often unheard, unacknowledged, and minimized.


Contact Us
Email: Shay at shayb@ywcapdx.org

Phone: ‪(503) 294-7395

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September 13

Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality

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September 24

The Language of Equity