I joined the movement to end domestic violence just two years ago. With a background in nonprofit management and as a consultant in the for-profit sector, one of the things about this movement that stood out to me the most was the collaborative culture and lack of competitiveness. Refreshing! And while it’s not without conflict and sometimes a territorial mindset for what might be best to serve a community, the collective goal of ending violence unites beyond any discrepancies.

 

Light blue gradient rectangle with a black horizontal line at the top with quotation marks breaking the line in the center. Below the line, black text reads “We have to find ways to come together or else we will not find solutions to these tough issues.” – Judy Woodruff, PBS Journalist

 

Through the strength of a united voice, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) advocates collectively for all survivors throughout the state. As a coalition, ICADV member programs and community partners served over 42,000 survivors and provided over 600,000 hours of direct service to survivors and their children in fiscal year 2024. This was achieved by advocating for State and Federal funding resources including Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants, and IL Department of Human Services (IDHS) grants, among many other funding sources, necessary to provide these services. Together, with nonprofit policy partners throughout Illinois, ICADV continues to advocate for State and Federal policies to support the intersecting issues survivors often face.

 

Light blue gradient rectangle with a black horizontal line at the top with quotation marks breaking the line in the center. Below the line, black text reads "All powers have two sides, the power to create and the power to destroy. We must recognize them both, but invest our gifts on the side of creation." - Robin Wall Kimmerer

 

With the transfer of power to the newly elected and appointed Federal administration, I find myself reflecting on the division across the nation – and within our communities. From differences of opinions on issues of human rights, to the interpretations and challenges of constitutional rights, to regulations for nonprofit operating structures and threat of funding cuts, we may face many changes ahead. But we can hold onto the powers in our control, the powers that have long made up the fabric of our movement to end violence. We maintain the power to share our stories and make authentic connections, the power to build bridges with community partners, and to focus our power on our purpose, values, and missions, to inspire hope for each other and ALL who we serve.

 

Light blue gradient rectangle with a black horizontal line at the top with quotation marks breaking the line in the center. Below the line, black text reads “Even in these times, we remain focused on our vision of a world free from violence and oppression. We will keep fighting—not just for our communities' survival, but for their prosperity.” - KAN-WIN

 

It is clear to me that we must build an even stronger united front to address the tough issues ahead. I invite you to join me in following these three basic tenants to shape your participation in the movement to end violence and stay focused on the work ahead:

              1. Keep relationships and trust at the center.
              2. Show your values by words and actions.
              3. Build community.

Working together as a coalition – including all of our supporters and strategic partners – we must continue to stand in solidarity across the nation and continue the work to end domestic violence.

 

–Ema Phelps, Director of Capacity Building, ICADV