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Coalition Connection
Your Weekly Source of News, Training Opportunities, and Events
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Through a collective voice, the WCADVSA is committed to provide leadership, education, and systems advocacy to advance social change and end violence. | |
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Welcome to your weekly edition of the Coalition Connection!
Are you having difficulty viewing this e-mail or do you feel like you are missing some of the information in the Connection? If so, click here for help.
We will highlight important information in this section each week in red that requires your action or attention. This week's highlights include:
Opportunity
- WCADVSA Staff Attorney Position (Casper)
Our Work
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Register for the Winter WCADVSA Membership Meetings, February 23 - 25, 2022.
- Save the Date - Spring WCADVSA Membership Meeting, May 11- 13, 2022.
- Program Support Calls have resumed!
- WCADVSA Laramie Office Hours Reminder
- 2022 ERAP Updates
- 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
- Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
Policy Updates
- NTF VAWA Reauthorization Rally (recording)
- WY Division of Victim Services Request for Proposals
- WCADVSA Policy Call: WY Legislature Budget Session - Fridays at noon
- Feedback for Wyoming VAWA Implementation Plan Requested
Training and Events
- Core Rural Advocacy Training via Zoom!
- Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
- PREA 101 - Spring 2022 Applications Open! Apply by February 11, 2022.
- QPR training for students
- People's Review Live! with Equality State Policy Center
- ODVN's Youth Advocacy Caucus - February 16, 2022
Resources
- In Right Relationship materials for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
- Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
- Brave Conversations: Immigration Guide and Toolkit
- Introducing a new data collection system -- Vela!
Spotlight: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
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WCADVSA Membership Meeting
Register for our Winter Meeting
Please join us for the Winter Membership Meeting February 23 - 25, 2022 via Zoom. We truly regret that we cannot meet in person. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the risk of infection and spread, restrictions from grant funders, and finding facilities with staff and capacity to accommodate our group.
Proposed Agenda
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Welcome, Land Acknowledgement, Introductions,
Review of Day’s Agenda
Ethical Communications Time Observer & Process Watcher
1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. DVS Panel Discussion – Programs are able to ask Division
of Victim Services Staff questions about upcoming RPE
and other issues.
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Breathe & Re-Energize
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Program Sharing – Welcome to new Executive Directors!
Thursday, February 24, 2022
8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Welcome, Land Acknowledgement, Introductions
Review of Day’s Agenda
Ethical Communications Time Observer & Process Watcher
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Legal Training: Advocating in Orders of Protection with
Dona Playton, Lindsey Hunt & Kristen Schwartz
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. Breathe & Re-Energize
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Re-Envisioning Sexual Assault Advocacy and Services,
with Jody Sanborn
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Breathe, Eat & Re-Energize
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Follow Up information on Recite Me with Jan Kelly
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Review of policies, Preparation for the Legislative Session
with Tara Muir
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Breathe & Re-Energize
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Introduction to Vela - Katie Hughes, Element 45
Friday, February 25, 2022
8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Welcome, Introductions, and Review of Day’s Agenda
Ethical Communications Time Observer & Process Watcher
9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. Journaling with Alina: Zenit Journal
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Breathe & Re-Energize
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Grant Writing 101 with Kristen Schwartz
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Future Meeting Planning and Executive Director Update
with Kristen Schwartz
Click here to register for the Winter Membership Meeting.
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Save the Date for our Spring Membership Meeting
Please join us for the Spring Membership Meeting May 11-13, 2022 at the Ramkota in Casper, WY. This in person meeting with follow the Division of Victim Services mandatory meeting May 10 - 11, 2022. Agenda and registration information coming soon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org.
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WCADVSA Program Support Calls
Held first Tuesday of every month
at 1:00 pm via Zoom
Program Support Calls are an opportunity for DVSA program directors (or their designee) to connect with other programs and WCADVSA staff about the work being done around Wyoming. Coalition staff will invite others to join the support calls at the request of membership.
We held our first Program Support call of the year February 1, 2022, joined by Jason Petry and Darryl Erikson from DVS to answer questions about the Request for Proposals for SFY 2023 & 2024.
Our next Program Support Call is March 1, 2022. Join us by clicking this Zoom link (it will be emailed directly to member program directors). Contact Kristen at kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org with any questions or problems connecting.
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WCADVSA Office Hours Reminder
WCASVSA Laramie Office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are unable to reach WCADVSA staff at (307) 755-5481, please let Kristen at kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org or Tiffany at te-m@wyomingdvsa.org know. The majority of staff are in office full time, and some work a hybrid schedule splitting time between home and office to reduce the risk of full office exposure, quarantine and/or closure.
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2022 Emergency Rental Assistance Funding (ERAP) Updates
WCADVSA received ERAP funding from the WY Department of Family Services designated for providing housing stability services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The U.S. Treasury defines housing stability services as those services which "enable eligible households to maintain or obtain housing” and recognizes that survivors of domestic abuse or human trafficking may require specialized services to support their ability to access and maintain housing. The goals of this grant opportunity are to provide eligible households with every opportunity to successfully remain safely in their homes, support communities to maintain and build capacity to assist eligible households and keep eligible households safely and stably housed.
Funding Update
ERAP has reallocated $1M of to the Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing Program.
As of January 27, ERAP has approved a total of 6,970 applications, paying a total of $17.7M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $13.9M went to landlords, $2.7M went to renters and $1M to utilities. To see county specific information, click here.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Call 307-755-0992 or visit wyomingdvsa.org/legal-program.
ERAP Resources
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Online: Learn more about ERAP online at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.
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In Person: If you need assistance with an application, there are community-based organizations set up in each county to provide help. (Click here for an updated list)
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Via Phone: The call center is open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. The toll-free number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727).
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Flyer: Download the ERAP flyer to learn more about the program and to share with those who may be interested in the program. Download here
If you have any questions or would like more immediate information, contact Angie at afessler@wyomingdvsa.org.
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2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
The WCADVSA Transitional Housing Assistance Program is purposed to increase housing options, support service resources, and address barriers relevant to the delivery of transitional housing services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking
in Wyoming rural communities and within the Wind River Indian Reservation.
This program will primarily focus on supporting the needs of survivors who are Native American, older people, persons with disabilities, persons who are Limited-English-Proficient, persons who are immigrants, and/or survivors within extreme rural areas.
For more information about program requirements, working with participants and providing services, and accessing and utilizing this assistance please review the 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program Policy.
Funds for the 2020-2023 grant cycle have all been pledged.
Contact Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist for technical assistance.
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Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
With support from The Allstate Foundation, the WCADVSA has funds to support education, employment, and job training barriers for survivors. These funds can be used to help support survivors in obtaining G.E.D.s, job skills training, certifications, licenses, continuing education, education/job-related supplies such as uniforms, tools, and/or other equipment, transportation-related support, etc.
If your program is offering training on the Allstate Moving Ahead Curriculum or other economic empowerment training, you may request funds to support and encourage survivor participation such as offering food and/or childcare during economic empowerment events or gas gift cards for survivors to get to the training.
Member programs may also inquire about offering scholarships to help support survivor participation in job training programs such as CLIMB Wyoming.
Funds must be spent by June 30, 2022. We have approximately $8,951.80 remaining. Remaining funds will be pledged on a first come first serve basis. To request funds, please submit an Allstate Barrier Reduction Request Form. Once your request has been approved, your program will pay expenses upfront and then you can request reimbursement by submitting an Allstate Barrier Reduction Reimbursement Form.
While it is not required for participants to utilize the Allstate Moving Ahead curriculum to access these funds, financial planning and management is a life-long process and this online curriculum is designed for domestic violence survivors and can help provide the guidance and tools needed to make important financial decisions and work toward gaining long-term financial security.
If you have any questions, please connect with Trish Worley
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NTF VAWA Reauthorization Rally (recording)
On January 19, the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF), Angelina Jolie, and Senate sponsors of the upcoming Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization held a day of action to ask Senators to co-sponsor and pass the bipartisan consensus bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
You can see the 35 minute virtual rally recording here: https://www.facebook.com/NTFSDV/videos/2153114901536512
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WYOMING OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
DIVISION OF VICTIM SERVICES Request for Proposals
for SFY 2023 & 2024
All proposals must be submitted to the Division of Victim Services no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
The Wyoming Division of Victim Services (DVS) is soliciting proposals for state fiscal years 2023 (7/1/22 – 6/30/23) & 2024 (7/1/23 – 6/30/24) from public and private non-profit agencies and organizations that serve victims of crime in Wyoming. Proposals will be funded through the Violence Against Women Act, the Victims of Crime Act, the Family Violence Prevention Services Act, and state general funds for the purpose of providing services to victims of crime in Wyoming.
More information regarding the application process including eligibility, allowable expenses, and reporting requirements can be found in the DVS Subgrantee Administrator’s Guide Book, located on the DVS website at https://dvs.wyo.gov/home, on the Funding page.
For more information contact DVS at 307-777-7200.
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Feedback for Wyoming VAWA Implementation Plan Requested
Spread the word! We are all invited to provide feedback on the Wyoming VAWA Implementation Plan. The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Division of Victim Services (DVS) is the state administrating agency for the S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant. The purpose of the S.T.O.P. VAWA grant is to support communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violence against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence.
As the state administrating agency, DVS is required to submit an Implementation Plan outlining how the state plans to use funds from the S.T.O.P. VAWA grant. Throughout 2021, DVS has convened a group of stakeholders to serve as a planning committee and they have developed a draft plan. DVS would like your feedback on the plan, specifically the goals, objectives, and activities. Click here to see the draft version of the plan. In the next few days, please review the plan and submit any comments or feedback that you have by using this link https://uwyo.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7O62XSTPThKGg8S
Your feedback is very valuable to this process. DVS and the planning committee will review all of the feedback and revise the plan taking your feedback into consideration. We appreciate you taking the time to review the draft plan.
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All year long, you can visit our website to review the most recent legislative sessions and what we have worked on, as well as archived previous years.
Follow this link, or you can always get to that page in the "Get Involved" drop-down menu and then "Public Policy". Please share with staff and board members. We'll work on getting our regular public policy zoom calls on that webpage, too.
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Wyoming Webinars, Training and Events | |
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Core Rural Advocacy Training via Zoom!
This training will meet 32 of the 40-hour requirement for DVSA program advocates and volunteers. (It may also be a great opportunity for newer/seasoned advocates to connect social change more deeply to their advocacy!) You can find more information on this training by going here.
When: March 14, 16, & 17 and March 21, 22, & 24 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Where: Via Zoom (link will be provided to registrants)
Who: DVSA program advocates and/or volunteers
Ready to register?! Please go here to register. Please use the “Submit” button, not the “Save & Exit” button, for your registration to be received.
Virtual Wellness: Long virtual trainings like this one can be a beast! Participants will be invited to engage in wellness activities throughout the training, as well as, having access to our Practicing Wellness folder for ideas. If you have virtual wellness ideas that you would like to share, please send along to Tiffany!
If you have questions, please email Tiffany E-Maestas or give her a ring at 307-789-8855.
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Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
The NNEDV Voluntary Services Training in 2021 will be completed through an e-learning module. MOU partners (WCADVSA member programs) are encouraged to participate in the e-learning module if they are providing direct services. There is no limit on the number of staff who can take this e-learning course. But at least one person needs to complete the courses for the agency.
There are 8 lessons available. In total, you'll need to view 6 lessons to complete the training requirement. There are 5 mandatory lessons in Track A and 3 elective lessons in Track B. At least 1 lesson from Track B must be completed to meet the minimum lesson requirement.
Click this link to find the registration page. When you register, you will automatically be registered for both Tracks A and B and you will have access to all eight lessons. When you register, you'll be asked to create a username and password that is unique for you. Each person, who wants to take the course, should enroll separately. That way the certificate generates with your name on it.
The e-learning platform will track your progress. You can start, pause, and restart all of the lessons. Once you've viewed all of the lessons in Track A, and the lesson(s) you want to view in Track B, you'll need to complete the Course Completion Certification to obtain a certificate. In that quiz, you'll note the lesson(s) you viewed, and then click the "Print Your Certificate" button.
Please email a copy of your certificate to Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist
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National Webinars, Training and Events | |
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Applications for the Spring 2022 delivery of PREA 101 are open!
Application Deadline: Friday, February 11, 2022
Training Dates: April 4 - July 22, 2022
PREA 101 is a FREE 15-week online training opportunity scheduled to begin on Monday, April 4, 2022 and will end on Friday, July 22, 2022. PREA 101 is designed to train and guide participants to understand and implement the PREA Standards. This online training opportunity is designed to help PREA professionals prepare their facilities for a PREA audit and carry out long-term implementation of the PREA Standards. PREA 101 is best suited for those whose work focuses directly on ensuring sexual safety in a corrections or detention facility or agency.
The course requires approximately 4 engagement hours each week from the participant, including both self-paced and scheduled engagement.
The competitive application for this training closes on Friday, February 11, 2022. Please visit the PREA Academy page on the PRC website to learn more about this training opportunity and to apply.
For more information about PREA 101 and the key features, learning objectives, course requirements, and schedule please click here.
To apply to the PREA 101 course, complete the application found here.
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Wyoming QPR Initiative
Question.Persuade.Refer.
Three Steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.
The Department of Health has pre-purchased specialized QPR training for any Wyoming resident!
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. The Wyoming QPR Initiative provides quality education to empower all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
Please email Megan Selheim, megan.selheim@wyo.gov if you have questions.
Click here to register. To see which courses are available click here.
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Join Equality State Policy Center during their monthly People's Review: Live!
February 10, 2022 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Each month, the People’s Review: LIVE! offers vital information to ensure transparent government, fair elections, and thriving communities. The People’s Review: LIVE is an ongoing, interactive, highly accessible, low-cost way for people across Wyoming to engage with ESPC’s mission, Wyoming’s government, pressing current events, subject matter experts, and each other.
This February 10th, ESPC will host an online discussion focused on the upcoming Legislative Session. The event will focus on topics including budget, redistricting, and Medicaid expansion.
Click here to register.
Please email Celeste Prall or call/ text 307-287-1031 for questions or more information.
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Join the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Youth Advocacy Caucus on Teen and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention and Response for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
February 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 838 7536 0522
Passcode: 208128
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Click here to view a variety of upcoming webinars, national training, and conferences. | | | |
In Right Relationship materials for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
In Right Relationship is a school-based campaign created for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month by the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence that engages middle school and high school-aged students in conversations about how to be in right relationship with ourselves and one another.
In Right Relationship campaign materials are available for order for FREE including:
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National Teen Dating Awareness & Prevention Month Posters for classrooms, counselor's office, and hallway. Spanish versions available!
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NEW! Engage young people in conversations on social media through animated video posters. Download here for a social media campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and other online platforms. Video posters available in English, Spanish and ASL.
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NEW! In Right Relationship pocket brochure is designed to encourage healthy relationships for middle/high school students. Download here.
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Support Friends, Unhealthy Relationships, Breaking Up, Technology & Relationships and Stalking pocket brochures for middle school and high school students. Great for health teacher's lesson plans, and counselor's office. Spanish versions are available!
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Healing from Abusive Relationships and Healing from Sexual Assault comprehensive booklets for youth who are experiencing teen dating violence, or youth who have friends who have experienced teen dating violence.
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Brave Conversations: Immigration Guide and Toolkit
Families Belong Together put together a "Brave Conversations" guide to encourage and support folks in having hard but necessary conversations about immigration.
The guide covers tips on engaging with conflict productively, examples of how to respond to common problematic ideas about immigrants/immigration, and helpful facts to pull from. We also have a social toolkit (with great GIFs!) to use for distribution.
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Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
We are excited to announce that we have launched the Equal Rights Advocates Student Survivor Toolkit last week as a new resource for student survivors, advocates, and allies. It is available on our website here as a PDF.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive 70 page guide written by student survivors, Title IX experts, attorneys, restorative justice practitioners, and community organizers. It includes guides to the Title IX process, survivor-centered self-care practices, advice for Muslim and LGBTQ+ survivors, and more.
We are reaching out to you, our trusted colleagues, collaborators, and student ambassadors, to share Equal Rights Advocates’ Student Survivor Toolkit and utilize and share it as a resource for continued student survivor advocacy. From its inception, the Toolkit has been a project for survivors by survivors. It has grown into a powerful body of work that we are thrilled to share with you.
If you or someone you know wants to know more about their rights and options, please schedule an appointment to speak with a legal advocate at Equal Rights Advocates. Please email advice@equalrights.org or fill out our online form here.
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We are excited to share with you a new data collection system -- Vela!
Our Coalition has partnered with Element 74 in using Coalition Manager, and they recently worked with advocates to create a new data collection system to meet local organizations unique needs.
With Vela you are able to track hotline calls, services, activities, generate true one-click data reports for major funders automatically generate your timesheet, and so much more. Vela is offered as a HUD comparable database, and meets or exceeds confidentiality standards.
Vela is worth looking into if you're considering adopting a new platform.
Click here to schedule a demo: https://calendly.com/veladirect/demo
Click here to view more information: www.veladirect.com
Please connect with Katie at Katie@veladirect.com with any questions!
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February - Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
In 2010 Congress declared February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. Teen dating violence (TDV) takes on many forms and not only affects teens who are victims but their families, friends and communities. In participating in this national effort it raises awareness by empowering through education on what healthy relationships look like, how to maintain healthy relationships, how to identify the warning signs of violence, and how you can provide support to those experiencing TDV.
According to the CDC nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 14 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. About 1 in 8 female and 1 in 26 male high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year. 26% of women and 15% of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before age 18.
There are many resources about TDV that can be found on the internet and here are a few below to start with. Loveisrespect.org has a leading theme for 2022 which is “Talk About It!” Anyone can join in on this collective effort to stop the cycle and end TDV!
Resources:
@Dare2KnowWI Campaign and the Engaging Voices - @InRightRelationship Campaign invites you to download and share FREE youth-inspired graphics to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence & Prevention! They just ask that you credit by tagging @Dare2KnowWI or @EngagingVoices and/or Use the hashtag #TDVAPM2022 & #TalkAboutIt on Facebook & Instagram when posting!
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