The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Conference LogoEnvisioning Change: Organizing to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Friday, June 24, 2005
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA

On Friday, June 24, nearly 260 activists, advocates, counselors, educators, service providers, legal and government workers, and others gathered together for a day to envision ending sexual assault and domestic violence through the lens of organizing. An organizing framework offers a foundation for examining our vision and approaches towards addressing sexual assault and domestic violence - from our daily work as advocates witnessing injustice on the front lines; as directors and staff working to create strong, responsive, and innovative organizations; and as activists, allies, and stakeholders honoring our collective and ultimate desire to promote social justice.

Mary Lauby Loretta Ross
L-R: Fellow activists and allies register in the morning; JDI Executive Director Mary Lauby emcees the morning program; Loretta Ross gives the Keynote Address.

The day began with a rousing Keynote Address by Loretta Ross, who chronicled her journey as a women's rights activist to a civil rights activist to a human rights activist. Participants then attended 12 different workshops that presented an organizing approach to addressing sexual assault and domestic violence. Topics included "Models for Engaging Men in the Prevention of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence"; "Empowering the Movement: Cross Community Alliances” presented by INCITE!; and "Tools You Can Use: One Grassroots Experience Creating Community Solutions - An Organizing Framework for Community Based Programs." Click here for a complete list of workshops and related descriptions.

Workshop Clothesline Project Group photo
L-R: Attendees participated in workshops; the Clothesline Project highlights the voices of survivors; Debra Robbin, JDI Director of Membership and Education, and Liza Sirota White, JDI Education Manager, with Loretta Ross, Carlene Pavlos, Division Director from DPH and JDI ED Mary Lauby.

Please click here to see more photos on www.kodakgallery.com.

Following the workshops, participants had an opportunity to network, collect resource materials, and view the many exhibits on display. Click here for a list of Resources for Community Organizing.

Many thanks to all the conference presenters, volunteers, and participants for making "Envisioning Change: Organizing to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence" such a success. Your energy, ideas, and insights created an atmosphere to inspire change. Stay tuned to our website for posting of upcoming events.