WHAT IS CLIENT/SURVIVOR- DRIVEN ADVOCACY? Community Connections: Aligning Domestic Violence and Homeless Services 10/25/17

Outline What is advocacy? What do we mean by client/survivor driven? How does it work? What do you see as the barriers? What are the steps to get past barriers and do!? WSCADV 10/25/2017

What is advocacy? Involvement of survivor with an advocate with primary focus of safety planning, empowerment, and education through the reinforcement of the survivor’s autonomy and self- determination. Speaking and acting for change or justice with, or on behalf of, another person or cause.* *WAC 388-61a-0220 Jargon-y? Aspirational! What does it mean for you? Introductions—what does it mean to you? WSCADV 10/25/2017

Also… Advocacy not only helps negotiate systems but also educates and advocates for survivors in systems. WSCADV 10/25/2017

Survivor-Driven Advocacy Working flexibly and in the community with survivors. The process is led and defined by survivors, not the program or the advocate. Space and time for authentic connections between advocates and staff and for survivors to think and weigh options. Jill Davies & Eleanor Lyon “Domestic Violence Advocacy” Pairs talk—what is it? After content—are you doing this? WSCADV 10/25/2017

Similar Models: Social Work Strengths Perspective Assesses and builds on strengths Clients more invested in process when they feel they are an integral part How easy is to identify strengths? WSCADV 10/25/2017

Similar Models: Mental Health Hope Nonlinear Strengths-based Peer support Self-direction Responsibility Holistic Individualized and person centered Empowerment Respect Recovery Model/ Wellness Model WSCADV 10/25/2017 7

Qualities/Skills of a Good Advocate Respects confidentiality Good listener Has knowledge of resources Passionate Honors commitments Non-judgmental Open to change Groups of 4—prior to content—talk about qualities Love Patient Resilient WSCADV 10/25/2017

6 Core Skills WSCADV 10/25/2017

What does it mean to connect? Braving the Wilderness “We are wired for connection. But the key is that, in any given moment of it, it has to be real.” -Brene Brown WSCADV 10/25/2017

Implicit Bias Can be good or bad Activated without awareness or control Residing deep in subconscious Don’t necessarily align with our beliefs Favors our “in-group”/ tribe or rejects depending on our experience—back to Limbic System “Attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner” Small homogenous groups, surrounded by danger Part of historical trauma hardwire WSCADV 10/25/2017

US VS. THEM Explicit acts of exclusion for out-group to implicit acts of inclusion for in- group. WSCADV 10/25/2017

“MIND BUGS” How we judge ourselves ────── How we judge others How we judge social collectives Mahzarin R. Banaji Gate keepers Pairs—how do you manage? WSCADV 10/25/2017

Understanding Awareness of our privilege Always hold anti-oppression and liberation work close Work with oppression and liberation—self awareness=deeper understanding of others Leticia Neito WSCADV 10/25/2017

I am no longer paralyzed. I am aware of the reality of oppression and how it dehumanizes everyone. I am no longer paralyzed. 10/25/2017 WSCADV

Skills are action-oriented: critical thinking organizing listening mentoring other beneficiaries focusing on institutional change and justice-making supporting targets 10/25/2017 WSCADV

Trauma Stewardship Trauma-informed agency culture Prevent burn-out—it’s hard to authentically connect and advocate with someone when you’re hurting Laura van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk WSCADV 10/25/2017

What’s Next? Barriers you see for your agency? What will be your first step? WSCADV 10/25/2017

Linda Olsen, MA, MSW Housing Project Director Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence linda@wscadv.org 206-389-2515 x 205 www.wscadv.org WSCADV 10/25/2017