November 2023 • 3rd Edition |
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Welcome to our third edition of the Inclusion Insights Newsletter! ICADV feels honored to be able to hold this virtual space and we don’t ever want to take it for granted. As we welcome the chillier months full of holidays, may we honor the duality of giving thanks and mourning loss. For many of us, this month is a time to celebrate with family and adjust our bodies to the cooler (colder) temps. We as Americans celebrate Thanksgiving specifically as a time to express gratitude and be with our families. For many Native communities, this can also be a time of mourning. When talking about Thanksgiving and American history, it is important not to misrepresent Native American cultures as well as to be honest about aspects of our history that haven’t always been discussed. Native perspectives are especially important to include when teaching the history of the "First Thanksgiving." Long before “Thanksgiving,” giving thanks and honoring land and family were sacred to Native communities, and still are today. Tribes celebrate their blessings and gratitude according to the traditions specific to their Tribe. The First Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a friendly harvest festival where Pilgrims and generic, nameless "Indians" came together to eat and give thanks. In reality, the assembly of the Wampanoag Peoples and the English settlers in 1621 had much more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and a pursuit of peace - three things we in this field attempt daily to tackle. Three things the world is struggling so severely with today. We acknowledge that, as we sit with our families, laughing and being thankful, painful histories continue to be made.
We are always dealing with these incongruities in this field. We are blessed and, dare I say privileged, to live in Illinois, a state where the government, for the most part, takes gender-based violence seriously and puts funding into it. And yet we must acknowledge how gender-based violence stems from all these other forms of violence—racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and on and on. How do we grapple with the blessing and the violence? The beauty of humanity and the hate? Perhaps we sit with both and take it one day at a time, one grateful blessing at a time, one hateful attack at a time, one thankful moment at a time.
So, what are you thankful for this season? I am thankful that my wife, dogs, and cats have a warm home when so many do not. I am thankful my office has a window. I am thankful that I work for an agency that is not afraid to give voice to the voiceless. I am thankful that we can do hard things, talk about hard things, and face challenges head on. I am thankful that even when so many are in turmoil and war, there are people trying to make the world a better, kinder place. I am thankful for the DEI work ICADV is seeing through. And I am most thankful for you, the programs providing direct services, the hearts and minds you work with daily, and the challenges we all get to work through together.
In peace,
Chloé McMurray
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Other Resources for National Native American Heritage Month:
➤ IllumiNative is an organization dedicated to the advancement of Native grassroots efforts as well as building knowledge through Native-led research. You can also check out their podcast, American Genocide which explores American’s attempt to reckon with its dark history and clear a path for Native peoples and the United States to achieve truth, healing, and reconciliation.
➤ Check out this toolkit from the Senior Executive which includes book recommendations, documentaries, and guest speakers.
➤ You can also check out the official Native American Heritage Month website here which has information about exhibits and collections, teaching tools, and historical learning opportunities.
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As we look toward the holiday season, we recognize that there are an abundance of holidays coming up and we do truly wish you Happy Holidays as you enjoy this time with your family, your loved ones, your pets, yourself, and/or whoever you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate with!). Below are even more specific dates to honor and celebrate this month, many of them revolving around remembrance, many of them revolving around how light overcomes darkness: | |
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While Halloween is celebrated Oct. 31, Día de los Muertos is celebrated after and many communities that celebrate Día de los Muertos also celebrate Halloween. It is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones and like any other celebration, Día de los Muertos is filled with music and dancing, vibrant colors and excitement, flowers and food. It is celebrated mostly in Mexico and some parts of Central and South America, though recently has become increasingly popular among Latinx communities abroad. To learn more, the Smithsonian has interactive, virtual exhibits to explore! Check them out here!
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Starting in 1918 at the end of the first World War, Veterans Day has become a day of recognition, respect, and gratitude for those who have and continue to risk their lives in pursuit of the protection and safety of others. Though it is important to celebrate the courage and strength of this fearless community, it is also important for us to listen and learn from them. November 11 should not be the only day we celebrate veterans. The advocates at “Good Good Good” have gathered a list of 8 meaningful ways to fight and advocate for veterans at home.
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Diwali is an important religious festival originating in India. People often think of Diwali as a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Sikhs [sēks] and Jains [jīns]. It is a festival of lights, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light overcoming dark and knowledge over ignorance. Many lights and oil lamps are lit on the streets and in houses; people visit their relatives and have feasts; fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the occasion; and Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is worshipped as the bringer of blessings for the new year. Check out this Diwali Toolkit from the Hindu American Foundation.
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World Diabetes Day is every year on November 14, first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Diabetes is a chronic disease where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin if any at all. It also leads to serious health conditions and, is why we take this day to spread awareness and education. In fact, the whole month of November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Diabetes, an invisible illness, includes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and affects over 37.3 million people in the U.S.--that's over 11% of the population! Educate yourselves here!
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What began as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in 1998, spurred a movement to commemorate the day in honor of all trans lives lost to violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith said:
Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.
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GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. Check out the Giving Tuesday website here!
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World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost. On this day, we encourage you to wear a red ribbon to show your support.
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This 8-day Jewish celebration of lights commemorates the Hanukkah celebration that revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday. Read more about Hanakah from the lens of gender-based violence in this blog post from SHALVA.
Also: Wonder why there are many different spellings of Hanukkah? Check out this article!
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Las Posadas is a religious festival traditionally held in Mexico and parts of Latin America. The tradition was brought to Mexico from Spain by Catholic Missionaries in the 1500’s. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of a room on the night baby Jesus was born. That is why it is called Las Posadas, because posada means Inn or dwelling in Spanish, so Las Posadas means the Inns. Learn more about Las Posadas in this blog post!
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The winter solstice, the longest night of the year, has long been celebrated as the sun’s return. Astronomically, it marks the beginning of the lengthened days and shortened nights. Depending on where you are in the world might depend on how and when you celebrate the winter solstice.
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Though often celebrated as a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. To learn more about the history, traditions, and other aspects of Christmas, check out these videos from the History Channel!
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Kwanzaa is an African and pan-African holiday celebrating family, community, and culture. It joins communitarian values with practices of Continental African American culture. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, though you can expect to see activities around music, feasts, dance, poetry, and more. Read more about how this holiday started and why it is so important at the official Kwanzaa website!
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The Chicago Hearing Society! Special thanks to Michelle Mendiola for providing the information on CHS’s services!
Founded in 1916, CHS’s mission is to provide communication access, hearing and assistive technologies, and support services for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH). Serving those from birth to 100+, most are living at or below the federal poverty level.
As Chicago’s first and only domestic violence (DV) prevention and intervention program designed specifically for DDBHH people, services and supports are offered in Chicago/Cook County, collar counties, and statewide when needed. With an expertise in providing culturally and linguistically competent services, all staff are Deaf/ASL-fluent. All DV services are free.
CHS provides additional vital services and programs including:
➤ Hearing Health Services (comprehensive audiology services, including baseline hearing evaluations, hearing tests, hearing aid consultation, hearing aid banks providing hearing aids to low-income individuals at a fraction of the retail cost, or free if the patient qualifies);
➤ Interpreter Services/Captioning (Licensed sign language interpreters for individuals, businesses, and organizations, and real-time captioning); and
➤ Community Outreach and Advocacy (Domestic Violence Program, DeafBlind Community Program, Youth and Family Connections Programs, and Training and Education).
CHS merged with Anixter Center in 1997 in order to offer more comprehensive services for people who are DDBHH, and our offices are located in Chicago. CHS provides trainings, workshops, outreach, and education to not only the DDBHH communities, but businesses and organizations as well. Consultation services are available and topics include best practices when working with DDBHH survivors, introduction to Deafness, drafting inclusive policies and procedures, and more. Contact us at [email protected].
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Words and language are some of the most powerful connections and communication tools humans have. Learning to be more thoughtful and conscientious of the language we use in our daily lives is imperative to being effective communicators. As ICADV members, we add a layer of responsibility with the words we choose to use as we work with those who are, or have been, experiencing trauma. What we say can hurt or retraumatize another. | |
Highlighted Issue: Our children will shape our future - we must hold ourselves accountable for the language we choose and our reaction, or lack thereof, to harmful language. Within the dominant culture of our society, children are often put in a “gender box” from birth. This socialization goes far beyond which toys and colors should be used, though these sentiments are harmful as well. There are phrases largely accepted by wider society that teach toddlers and beyond about their role in society through gender expression. These attitudes create and sustain systems that perpetuate violence, especially against women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people. | |
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🎯 “Boys will be boys” is often used as a shortcut to excuse harmful behaviors committed by boys. This idea follows boys into manhood and allows them to evade responsibility, perpetuating gender inequality.
🎯 “They only hit/pick on you because they like you!” This should not be a sentiment we are teaching anyone, let alone children. Expressing affection through violent language or behaviors should not be normalized or a part of the socialization process. This sentiment teaches children, especially young girls, that violence against them is related to romantic partnership.
🎯 “You ____ like a girl!” Girls win world cups and gold medals, it’s time to stop equating insufficiency or emotion to girlhood. Additionally, boys are human too! They should get to express their full range of human emotions.
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Gender stereotypes and expectations belong to a social ideology (known as the patriarchy) that perpetuates violence against women and girls and ultimately harms boys and men by not allowing them to feel their true emotions. Without gender roles, people can live as their true self, reaching their full capacity for success and happiness. Think about how you can intentionally use your words to minimize gender-based violence and promote healthy gender expression.
All in all, be intentional with the language you use! The words you choose today may influence someone tomorrow. Be a positive influence.
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In our Nation:
Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act: The Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act aims to enhance supports for immigrant survivors to achieve safety from GBV as they access federal aid. These supports address the long delays in visa applicants, which prohibits timely access to employment for immigrant survivors. When survivors do not have access to financial and other forms of independence, cycles of violence are more likely to continue. WISE allows for more protections as applications process. “WISE will offer immigrant survivors pathways to safety by:
- Lifting the U visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) caps and making these programs more accessible
- Preventing detention and deportation of immigrant survivors with pending immigration cases
- Requiring issuance of work authorization within 180 days of filing
- Ensuring immigrant survivors with pending cases are eligible for critical federal public benefits, and no longer subject to the five-year bar
- Limiting immigration enforcement at protected areas
- Strengthening confidentiality and privacy protections for immigrant survivors
- Improving access to naturalization for abused spouses of US citizens”
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Anti-LGBTQ Legislation: There have been roughly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in the United States just in 2023. These legislations block public accommodations (such as access to public restrooms for transgender individuals), comprehensive education and healthcare, free speech, and other rights such as gender expression and nondiscrimination laws. Transgender youth have been greatly impacted, as they are the target of more than half of these laws. Restricting LGBTQ+ rights creates more barriers to preventing and intervening in domestic abuse. Take a stand with ICADV and sign your organization to the national letter against oppressive laws that prohibit full and equal access to services and shelters for trans survivors: sign up here! |
Enhancing the US Military's Response to DV and SA: In July of 2023, President Biden signed a historic executive order to enhance justice reforms in the military. The revised path to justice includes transitioning the key decision makers from the chain of command to specialized, independent military prosecutors. This transition is intended to help create a consistent and objective (outside the chain of command) response to SA and DV endured by or enacted by members of the military. The Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC) played a key role in advising this reform, as they concluded that special victims are targeted for their identity and the intersectionality of these crimes cannot be ignored due to compounding barriers to justice and higher risk of re-traumatization. So, this executive order is intended to address marginalizing discrepancies in military related DV and SA cases. Read more on the order here. |
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In Illinois:
Karina's Bill: Named after DV homicide victim Karina Gonzalez, Karina’s Bill calls for the consistent removal of respondents’ firearms across IL after an order of protection is granted. As we know, firearms in the home drastically increase the risk of DV homicide. While respondents are not allowed access to new firearms, many counties are not enforcing the removal of their current firearms, increasing the likelihood of homicide. This bill is especially important to marginalized communities, as they are disproportionately affected by gun violence and IPV. According to Christine Raffaele, ICADV’s Director of Policy and Systems Advocacy, “Passing this bill will be very large strides to continuing to ensure survivor safety and security here in Illinois." Contact your representatives and advocate for Karina’s Bill! Read More.
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Around the World:
Hamas/Israel War: Since the ongoing crisis between Hamas and Israel began, there has been an “alarming increase” in violent outbursts of racism and xenophobia. Semitic civilians, the Jewish and Arab communities alike, do not deserve hatred or violence for a war they had no hand in waging. Historically, the bodies of women and girls have been used as weapons of war, and this conflict is no exception. Women and girls here and in all parts of the world are being threatened and harmed. Agencies providing victim services must be a haven for all individuals seeking aid. ICADV highly encourages DV agencies to open their doors and hearts to all peoples, as our fight to end gender-based violence cannot be done in solitude and our work cannot exclude people based on their identity. Domestic violence reaches all communities, and all community members deserve our services.
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My name is Oyindamola Olawepo, it sometimes stumps people to say, but it is pronounced as written and my first name means Honey mixes with Wealth (or as I like to call it sweet wealth). I am from Nigeria and I came to the United States to get my master’s degree a little over four years ago. I ultimately got two Masters—one in Political Science and another in Communication.
In my role as the Communications Coordinator, I believe in the education and the availability of resources to help people understand that it’s not okay (which coincidentally is the name of one of our brochures) and that victim blaming is one of the leading enemies to ending DV (Domestic Violence) around the world.
I am from a different culture that to an extent believes in victim blaming and not digesting or dissecting the issues of gender-based violence beyond the surface that they see. Some do not even believe in being a part of the conversation let alone being knowledgeable about the intricacies, workable solutions, and safety measures. Before leaving my home country, there were not a lot of talks on Domestic Violence that I heard of— not to say it didn’t exist, but it wasn’t taken with the same strength as it is taken in this part of the world.
Our work is only just beginning (which is quite ironic for a movement that started in the 70’s). DV happens no matter what language a person speaks. And being able to communicate to people in their native dialect is one of my main focuses in this work alongside ensuring policies are put in place for all (legal or undocumented immigrants) because if it’s happening on U.S. soil, that makes it a crime in the land and justice for all should be a priority.
So far, ICADV (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence) brochures are translated into 13 languages, available digitally on our website and in print. The languages were chosen based on the top languages spoken in the state of Illinois. The languages we have include English, Spanish, Hindi, Vietnamese, Polish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Tagalog, Arabic, Russian, and Gujarati. You can order to receive the brochures in all the available languages. ICADV looks forward to interpreting brochures in more languages in the future—and if you feel we are missing something, let us know!
As an advocate with the unique lens of immigration, I am all for this movement to end DV for all across all worlds. Being not only a POC but one of the few immigrants in an organization advocating against Domestic Violence, I look forward to the rise of more people like me, advocating for all individuals to end domestic violence for all.
But as much as we are working to change the status quo, we need to always remember to check our prejudice (against immigrants, survivor blaming, or any other vice) and ensure that we are still on the right side of the Walk to end Violence for all.
With love,
Oyindamola Olawepo
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Upcoming Trainings on the intersection of GBV and DEI: | | |
From Activating Change, comes Allyship in Action: Uplifting Deaf Advocacy from 1:00 to 2:30pm. Nearly 71% of the United States does not have "for Deaf, by Deaf" advocacy services available to Deaf survivors of domestic and sexual violence and communication and cultural barriers commonly exist in hearing domestic and sexual violence programs for Deaf survivors. As a result, many Deaf survivors have nowhere to turn for help. To close these gaps, hearing allies must join with Deaf communities to advocate for change. Sign up here. | In this unique event, learning about the experiences of 12 racialized immigrant youth who navigated family violence. Hear from them directly and their recommendations that call for transforming practices of sectors that address family violence along with work with communities and individuals. Sign up here. | | |
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December 14
(virtual & ongoing)
| From the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, comes the Advocacy Café! Culturally specific community-based organizations are more likely to understand the complex, multi-layered challenges and obstacles that victims from their communities face when attempting to access services. Culturally specific community-based organizations are also better equipped to form essential relationships and engage their communities in the creation and implementation of services relevant to the diverse and unique needs of the victims. | |
December 14
(virtual & ongoing)
| Join ICADV’s Peer Connections group for BIPOC Advocates and Staff. This affinity space occurs bimonthly and is dedicated to honoring, listening, and sharing what it is like to be a BIPOC advocate in a mostly white field. Email Michelle McAnarney for more information or sign up to receive email announcements here! | | |
Inclusive Tools for Survivors | |
⚙️ Download this ASL inclusive Power and Control Wheel which includes facial expressions and hand gestures that might be easier for d/Deaf survivors to interpret!
⚙️ Download this P&C Wheel for survivors with physical and/or mental disabilities!
⚙️ Download this P&C Wheel for survivors with other disabilities! Remember: the P&C Wheel is for you, as the advocate, to help survivors identify information themselves! These more inclusive wheels will make that so much more effective!
⚙️ Check out this resource list that helps survivors achieve language justice which provides meaningful access to services in a survivor’s language of choice (including American Sign Language, also known as ASL) or in the language where they feel the most comfortable or empowered.
| Mental Health and Substance Use: | |
⚙️ Reference cards for advocates working with survivors who may be experiencing mental health coercion or emotional distress: Mental Health and Substance Use
⚙️ Finding local resources: you can use these links to help find programs for mental health and substance use in your area!
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DEI is a continuous journey. It involves not only learning, changing, and discussing, but also taking action within ourselves and our communities. It is common to wonder “how do we do more?” when first beginning DEI work. There is no one answer or path. To help begin your movement, each month “Call to Action/Carry it Forward” will give you some suggested steps, gathered from various resources, that you can take.
DEI doesn’t have to be just another one of those meetings and trainings we have - you know, the ones where you take a deep breath and force yourself to listen. Navigating DEI and learning about the ways we can be more inclusive benefits the communities we work in as well as the underrepresented survivors we work with. Take fifteen to twenty minutes this week and sit down with a colleague, your team, or even just with your dog or cat (inspired by the United Way’s Equity Challenge!). Choose one or two of the below actions to get started:
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Read this guideline on how to talk about transgender survivors and victims of violence, especially when it comes to reporting.
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Listen to this Podcast on Navigating Traumas and Healing Within Indigenous Communities from the Conference on Crimes Against Women.
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Order and Read Invisible No More: Voices from Native America. In a world facing a mounting climate crisis and record economic inequality, Invisible No More exposes the deep wounds of a racist past while offering a powerful call to care for one another and the planet. You can buy it from Barnes and Noble or Amazon—though we strongly suggest supporting your local, indie bookstores!
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Attend this virtual event of panelists standing in solidarity to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 30th.
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