"I will take this new learning and perspective into my friendships and social spheres, my posts at work and within the community and my dinner table conversations. Each conversation in which we share this information can make a dent in the culture." - participant in Foundations of Gender-based Violence
Reflections on Foundations
We always ask participants of our training to share what they learn from each session. As we just finished up fall's Foundations of Gender-based Violence, we thought it would be interesting to flip the script and ask one of the trainers how they experience it.

Izzy, WISE Educator, shares:

"I just had the incredible opportunity to lead my first in-person session for Foundations on sexual violence. On Thursday evening, as the sky darkened, we gathered around a table at Hypertherm that was full of candy, banana bread, and WISE coloring books making for a beautiful, and delicious, display. The two and a half hours flew by as we watched videos, chatted in small groups and as a full group, and moved throughout the room participating in a hands-on activity.

My hope as the facilitator is to create a space of deep inquiry into how our culture and community thinks about sexual violence. Together, we explore the messages that surround gender, sex, consent, and relationships, and think deeply about the ways we respond to both perpetrators and victims of sexual violence. The training is always full of questions, moments of quiet and reflection, and connection. Foundations offers this intentional space to come together as learners and change-makers; each person brings their own lived experience and a depth of knowledge that creates thoughtful and passionate discussions.

It is clear to me that the learning that happens in training stretches beyond the six sessions; folks will often reflect on what they will take away from the conversations and how they will share what they have learned with their friends, family, and community. This past Thursday night, the training was full of energy, care, thoughtfulness, and creativity, and a reminder that together, in community with each other, we can envision a world that is free from violence."
A huge thank you to the Thayer team
We were so honored that folks from Thayer School of Engineering chose to spend Dartmouth's Day of Caring volunteering at WISE. The team arrived at the WISE Program Center in the morning, ready to help with fall cleanup.

We loved meeting with the group and sharing a bit about WISE. It could not have been a more beautiful fall day for pruning the flower gardens and raking the yard. It was a huge job and we are so grateful for the extra hands!!
Left to right: Kathy Heidebrecht, Sarah Heidebrecht, Phil Chapman, Liz Lerret, Cara Stephens, Candace Potter, Ashley Parker, Kelli Kehoe, Tricia Spellman
"The Thayer team loved doing our small part to help WISE since they provide so much support to survivors and our community."
Tricia Spellman, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth
and Director on the WISE Board
Board Spotlight: Mike Shipulski
We are pleased to introduce you one of our longest sitting Directors - Mike Shipulski. Mike has been on the Board since 2009.

"WISE is a special place. WISE’s smart, well-trained professionals serve our Upper Valley community in deeply meaningful ways. With their most urgent work, they provide timely advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence and their families. Their approach is based on deep knowledge of the work and a respect for the individual and their unique context. And to broaden the advocacy and foster community engagement, community members are trained to become volunteers and contribute to the work. As Board member, I am always impressed with how WISE always finds a way. 
 
WISE is a thought leader. WISE creates novel programs, writes grants to fund them, and implements the programs in our community. The Legal Advocacy program is one such program that really makes a difference. WISE recognized that it was difficult for survivors to navigate the legal system, so they designed the program, figured out a way to fund the program and build it out. And in keeping with the theme of community engagement, WISE provides opportunities for community members to support survivors along the way.
 
WISE’s mission is to end gender-based violence. This is a bold mission and one that WISE takes seriously. To me, WISE’s Prevention and Education program is the key to achieving our mission of ending gender-based violence. Though it’s difficult to fund prevention work, WISE’s Prevention and Education program is well-established and reaches almost every grade school, middle school, and high school student in the Upper Valley. And what I’ve learned from the program is that educating kids about gender-based violence is a powerful way to systematically change behaviors in our community."
- Mike Shipulski, WISE Board
As seen on WISE's Instagram...
 
 
 
 
It can be difficult when we find out that someone we love has experienced domestic violence in their past. Listening and believing your partner, encouraging them to go at their own pace, helping them seek care and resources, and leaning on your own strengths are all key ways to be a supportive partner to someone who has experienced violence. #DVAM2022
 
 
 
 
There are many ways that people might have power in a relationship. It is always the responsibility of the person with more power to not use it to control their partner. #DVAM2022
Want to see more like this? Follow us @WISEuv
WISE is growing and we're hiring!
We are launching the WISE Legal Services Program and expanding the Prevention and Education Program. Would you like to join us or do you know someone who might be a great fit? Consider these five new opportunities and help us spread the word!
Civil Attorney - Provide civil legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking, including full legal representation and case consultation services related to the aftermath of violence. Work closely with WISE advocacy team to support and enhance legal advocacy. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Laura Rice, WISE Associate Director.

Legal Services Coordinator - Coordinate the WISE Legal Services Program, collaborate with the WISE attorney and the NHLA LAV Project attorney, and advocate to pursue legal and court processes related to the aftermath of violence. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Laura Rice, WISE Associate Director.

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.

Program Advocate - Provide advocacy for people who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence, trafficking and stalking, and build relationships with community organizations and institutions. 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