Tuesday, March 18 & Wednesday, March 19, 2014 ~ Today I participated with the preparation and execution of the

Domestic Violence 101 Training. The Domestic Violence (DV) 101 Training introduces new domestic violence advocates and others from the community to the basics of serving and working with victims and survivors of domestic violence. It provides an overall understanding of domestic violence and teaches effective victim advocacy skills that support safety and empowerment. The DV 101 training (2-days) features information on domestic violence history, prevalence, dynamics, prevention, advocacy, intervention, resources, and legal remedies. Day 1 Agenda: Registration Setting the Stage History and Culture of Battering Forms of Abuse: Power and Control Tactics Health Impact and Prevention In Her Shoes: Understanding a Victims Perspective Survivors Story (THIS WAS POWERFUL STORY several attendees were in tears) Understanding Trauma

Day 2 Agenda: Building Effective Advocacy Delawares Protection From Abuse Law and the Civil Justice System Community Service Partners Roundtables Putting Advocacy Into Practice

This was a great learning experience for me. Not only did I participate in the preparation and execution of the two day training, I was able to be a part of the training itself. I found the speakers to be dynamic and engaging. There was an obvious enthusiasm and confidence from each of the speakers. I am assigned to the Director of Advocacy and Policy but working with the Director of Training and Prevention was very enlightening. I found preparing for the arrival of 100+ participants to be a little stressful. Attempting to meet the needs of EVERYONE was prove to be challenging but I found working behind the scenes and getting a better feel for what goes behind the scenes a lasting experience. The room temperature was the most challengingeither it was too hot or too cold. But the hotel staff was very accommodating. Something that I would have done differentlyI would have utilized this opportunity to solicit and build supporting membership. Although there were applications on the information table I probably would have taken some time during the training to mention the need for ongoing membership, donors, funders, and event supports. When youre a non-profit organization is

there ever a BAD time to ask for money? I dont believe so, especially when youre providing a service.