When we talk about gender-based violence in high school classrooms, we are always striving to explore the dynamics of power and control. In abusive relationships, one person's world becomes smaller, they feel unsafe, and ultimately have their power and freedom limited or taken away altogether. When we talk about sexual violence, students often want to dig deeper into the effects of sexual violence. They bring a level of thoughtfulness and care to these conversations and want to go beyond the definitions and discuss the impacts of sexual violence on individuals and communities.

Sexual violence - whether physical, verbal, coercive, or in online spaces - takes away someone’s choice and their sense of safety. It may feel different for everyone, but ultimately, the person who experienced the harm has lost power and control and the person causing harm does it to maintain a sense of power and entitlement over someone’s body or choice. 
 
 
 
 
Have you been following along on Instagram @WISEuv? Check out our page and learn more about how we're talking about sexual violence.
Congratulations Janet!
During the 19th annual Shield Our Children from Harm Professional Conference, superhero Janet Carroll was honored with the 2023 Unsung Hero award. Julie Gaudette, Director of the Windsor County Unit for Special Investigations and the Child Advocacy Center at The Family Place, presented Janet with this special award.

Janet is the lead Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator for the state of New Hampshire and helped successfully launch a SANE program at Mt. Ascutney Hospital that so that survivors of sexual violence within the southern parts of Windsor County could seek care closer to where they lived.  

In the heartfelt words of Abby Tassel, Director of WISE's Multidisciplinary Interview and Training Center, “Janet is an extraordinary person in so many ways. She has truly transformed the healthcare response to sexual violence in the Upper Valley and has somehow done it with humor and love. She has the ability to put everyone at ease while dealing with the most serious and horrific situations. While she brings a sense of humor to everything, it is never at anyone’s expense. Or at least not at anyone else’s expense. She is always doing right by her patients, always treating people as people.” 
From left: Peggy O’Neil, WISE Executive Director; Kathleen Reardon, CEO of NH Center for Nonprofits; Kate Harrison, WISE Board Vice Chair; Stacey Glazer, WISE Program Operations Manager
We were so excited to head down to Concord and celebrate WISE Board Vice Chair Kate Harrison as she received the 2023 Board Impact Award from the NH Center of Nonprofits. It was an incredible night and the tribute to Kate was beautiful.

Kate is a role model for all of us, exemplifying the qualities we should all aspire to incorporate into our daily lives. Kate is fully committed to WISE’s mission and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Her style of leadership is thoughtful, efficient, bold, and she is an activate participant. Her impact on the organization has been profound both as a Board leader and longtime volunteer.

To see her touching acceptance speech, click here.
 
 
 
 
Team WISE is busy fundraising and training for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 4th! This year’s amazing team is a full 50 runners and represents 11 different states from across the US. Some folks are coming from a little closer to home with 10 Team WISE members representing our staff, board, volunteers, and their families. Speaking of families, we have a 7 teams of parent/child runners banding together to run for WISE this year! We are so grateful to our new team members, and a special shout out to the 7 members that have run with Team WISE in years past. If you would like to learn more about the individual team members check out our team page linked here.
April
1-30
Upper Valley Coop Common Cents partner
We are honored that the Upper Valley Coop selected WISE to be their April 2023 Common Cents partner. Throughout the month of April, we will receive 50% of each customer's donation made at the register.
April
26
Wednesday
WISE connections
WISE connections are opportunities to deepen your connections with yourself, each other, and WISE. Spring session kicks off on Wednesday, April 26.
Joni Cole, author, podcaster, and founder of The Writers Center, will lead the group with writing prompts inviting us to nurture ourselves and each other. Joni offers tips for writing with power, creating change from within. No writing experience necessary. For more details, please email Rebekah.
June
4
Sunday
Team WISE running CBHM
The 31st Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, June 4. You can sponsor one of our team runners here.
June
6-7
Tuesday-Wednesday
NH Gives
WISE is participating in NH Gives again this year. NH Gives, an initiative of the NH Center for Nonprofits, is a statewide 24-hour online fundraising event that is designed to build community, connect donors to local nonprofits and generate excitement about the nonprofit sector.
WISE is growing and we're hiring!
Would you like to join us or do you know someone who might be a great fit? Consider these opportunities and help us spread the word!
Youth Violence Prevention Educator - Work with students, educators, and parents throughout the Upper Valley providing prevention education, student leadership to end violence, and youth advocacy for survivors. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director.

Community Educator - Engage adults, provide learning experiences, and create connections to end gender-based violence in our communities. Work closely with businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners to develop these opportunities. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director.
Leading the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence
Program Center · 38 Bank Street · Lebanon, NH 03766
every hour, every day 866-348-WISE
603-448-5922 · wiseuv.org · @WISEuv