Upcoming events.

Disability Justice
Feb
5

Disability Justice

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

The Disability Justice workshop aims to center the social and colonial context surrounding the experiences of people with disabilities. Participants will learn about the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the way people with disabilities are perceived and treated in society, across all facets. The workshop will also cover topics such as accessibility, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities. By attending this workshop, participants will gain a roots-centered understanding of disability justice issues and how they can work to deconstruct supremacist values and actions that perpetuate harm onto people with disabilities.

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Restorative Justice
Feb
6

Restorative Justice

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

In this interactive workshop, we will explore the principles and practices of restorative justice as an approach to conflict resolution that focuses on repairing harm, building relationships, and restoring community. Through a variety of activities, including breakout discussions and reflection activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how restorative justice can be used to address a wide range of issues, from relationship and communication ruptures, to addressing community violence.

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Cycle of Liberation
Feb
7

Cycle of Liberation

Facilitated by Meleani Bates Online via Zoom

The Cycle of Liberation illustrates how we can identify our own impacts toward equity, healing and liberation, to actively interrupt our participation in the cycle of socialization. Liberation can be described as critical transformations that empower us to analyze how systemic and dominant assumptions, structures, prescriptive rules, and roles are inherently flawed and violent. In this session we will explore our own socialization. Each session is 2 hours. The Cycle of Socialization offering is a prerequisite to the Cycle of Liberation workshop. 

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Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification: Winter Cohort
Feb
14

Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification: Winter Cohort

Presented Online via Zoom

YWCA offers the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training to community members who are looking to become domestic violence advocates. Each certification is for 40 hours of training in advocacy for Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault. This training ensures that the needs of domestic violence Survivors have been met and served through a trauma informed, culturally responsive lens.

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Domestic Violence 101
Feb
18

Domestic Violence 101

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

This workshop is geared towards individuals and organizations that see the need to take a bold move to improve the way they provide an environment of equity and inclusivity in the workplace.

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Showing Up for Teen and Young Adult Survivors
Feb
19

Showing Up for Teen and Young Adult Survivors

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

Remember what was most important to you as a teen or young adult? Through a voluntary group role play, we will try to set the stage for understanding youth between the ages of 16 age 24, who statistically experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Why do youth stay in abusive relationships?  In addition to the numerous barriers adults face, there are a myriad number of reasons unique to their age group; peer pressure, distrust of adults, conflicting emotions and more. We will explore how best to support and safety plan with teens and young adults while helping to maintain their confidence and trust. 

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Working Outside the System
Feb
20

Working Outside the System

Presented by Tyesha McCool-Riley Online via Zoom

In this workshop we will discuss how survivors work outside of dominant systems when they aren’t safe and reliable. We will discuss underground avenues of responding to domestic violence; what barriers impact the willingness to seek support; identifying ways systems can respond; and identify DV support outside of mainstream channels. My hope is that the audience will leave the workshop feeling empowered and equipped to navigate DV support-mainstream and underground- with confidence, comfort, and optimism.

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Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Feb
21

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV), sometimes known as sexual assault in the context of domestic violence, is a pervasive and often hidden problem. IPSV creates a highly dangerous situation and is associated with increased risk of death, severe long-term trauma for victims, and repeated victimization. In this workshop we will describe the nature and prevalence of IPSV.  The dynamics and impact of IPSV and the specific challenges faced by survivors will be identified.  And we will investigate the use of sex as a weapon of power and control and strategies for supporting and providing services for survivors.

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Culture of Gender Violence
Feb
25

Culture of Gender Violence

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

e will explore the 3 main components that contribute to the existence of gender violence: sexism, sexual objectification and victim blaming. Looking through the lens of history and our current culture, we will reveal the pervasive myths and norms that justify sexual violence and that keeps the focus on blaming and silencing survivors. We will explore how gender violence highlights a male-patterned violence: a prevalent violence committed most often but not always by men, often motivated by aggression, revenge, competition, and entitlement used to help to maintain patriarchy, male dominance, and oppressive stereotypes. 

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Understanding Gender
Feb
26

Understanding Gender

Presented by Kevyn Way Online via Zoom

You have probably been taught that gender is determined by one’s sex. However, this is not the case, and I am here to explain why! As more and more nonbinary, transgender and gender-nonconforming people starting to feel safer to live in their truths, it is important that others have a base level of understanding the difference between gender and sexuality. Join me as we dismantle the binary and learn about the beautiful mosaic of gender identities. In this interactive workshop, we will break down terms, participate in activities and engage in interactive learning focusing on gender and sexuality.

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Power & Consent in Communication
Feb
27

Power & Consent in Communication

Presented by Mara Martinez-Hewitt & Brianna Suslovic Online via Zoom

In this 3-hour workshop we will use Spring Up’s power mapping tool to discuss the intersectional power dynamics at play between partners, and explore how social norms of coercion and control show up in everyday communication and decision making in relationships. Participants will collaboratively uncover how both survivors and people who cause harm to internalize social scripts that shape their communication and expectations within relationships as well as from external interveners like the police and advocates. Finally, we will analyze a scenario to learn how to shift coercive and controlling communication into consensual healthy conversations.

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Understanding Oppression
Feb
28

Understanding Oppression

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

Through open dialogue and critical thinking, participants will seek to understand the root causes of oppression, challenge oppressive narratives, and identify strategies for dismantling these systems of injustice. Participants will explore the role of education, activism, and collective action in promoting social transformation and creating a more just and equitable world for all.

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Dynamics of Poverty
Mar
3

Dynamics of Poverty

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

Dynamics of Poverty aims to raise awareness about the social issues related to poverty and its impact on individuals and communities. Participants will learn about the root causes of poverty, the effects of poverty on health and well-being, and strategies for addressing poverty at the individual and community level. The workshop will also cover topics such as the impact of poverty on wellness, communities, and employment opportunities. By attending this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding of the dynamics of poverty and how to work towards creating a more equitable society.

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Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries
Mar
4

Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

A boundary is a limit or space between you and another person; a clear place where you begin, and the other person ends.  In this workshop we will explore what our personal and professional boundaries are and how to establish and maintain them with the people in our lives. Setting limits takes time and thought, enforcing the limits takes energy and consistency. Boundaries ultimately provide us with more time, energy and happiness and deepens our connections with ourselves and others. The purpose of setting boundaries is, of course, to protect and take good care of ourselves.

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Trauma Informed Practices
Mar
6

Trauma Informed Practices

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

Participants will explore the intersection of trauma-informed practices (TIP) and social equity webs. Participants will gain an understanding of how trauma can be shaped by social inequities, and how TIC can be used to promote equity and inclusion. The workshop will also provide participants with practical strategies for implementing TIC in their own settings.

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Dynamics of Abusive Men
Mar
10

Dynamics of Abusive Men

Facilitated by Chris Huffine Online via Zoom

Cis men are responsible for the vast majority of most of the violence in the world, including domestic violence. Why is this so? In this workshop underlying drivers of men’s violence will be discussed and identified, particularly related to domestic violence. Time will also be spent reviewing programs that work with male abusive partners and what the change process involves. 

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The Digital Underground
Mar
11

The Digital Underground

Presented by Tyesha McCool-Riley Online via Zoom

In this workshop, attendees will review various types of abuse but focus on digital/technological and identify the impacts of digital abuse. We will talk about tips for preventing digital abuse and review the steps for creating a safety plan to maximize digital and technological safety. Attendees will also identify characteristics of healthy and abusive relationships. We will end the workshop discussing various ways to provide survivors support who may be experiencing digital abuse.

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Safety Planning and Advocacy Skills
Mar
13

Safety Planning and Advocacy Skills

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

During Safety Planning & Advocacy Skills attendees will learn and practice advocacy skills vital to supporting survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault. Using real-life scenarios, we will work in small groups to apply these learned skills in crisis response situations & when creating safety plans. Discussions will also include healthy boundaries & tips for working with survivors.

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Dynamics of Stalking
Mar
14

Dynamics of Stalking

Presented by claire barrera Online via Zoom

This workshop covers the definition and signs of stalking behavior, the various relationship dynamics in which a person may experience stalking, the ways that society normalizes stalking, and the support systems/resources a person may access when experiencing stalking. Participants will walk away with practical knowledge and ideas for how to address stalking and create a safer environment for all.

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Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality
Mar
17

Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

The Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality workshop will explain and clarify the requirements put forth by the State of Oregon for advocates working with domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking survivors. We will discuss the importance of confidentiality and privacy and how it enhances survivor safety. Confidentiality protects survivor dignity and autonomy as well as increases the likelihood that survivors feel safe in coming forward to seek the help they need and deserve. We will review VAWA and funders’ confidentiality requirements and discuss releases of information, mandatory reporting, record-keeping and confidentially navigating our working with community partners. 

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Saviorism in Domestic Violence Work
Mar
18

Saviorism in Domestic Violence Work

Presented by Tyesha McCool-Riley Online via Zoom

In this workshop, attendees will consider how their actions may impact a survivor despite having good intentions. As advocates, we often want to provide as much access to resources/opportunities as possible because many of us can relate to their experiences because of our own. But sometimes our actions start to misalign with a survivor's goal(s) causing us, as the advocate, to make decisions unwanted by the survivor. Saviorism is often rooted in those good intentions. Join us as we discuss how to stay person-centered when supporting survivors. 

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Anti-Racism Practices Certification: Spring Cohort
Mar
27

Anti-Racism Practices Certification: Spring Cohort

Presented Online via Zoom

Whether this is your first social justice workshop or you are at the advanced level, we encourage participants at all learning levels.
After completing the certification, you will take this knowledge outside of the workshop space, commit to being an lifelong social justice learner and engage what you’ve learned to better your community. 

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Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification: Spring Cohort
Apr
21

Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification: Spring Cohort

Presented Online via Zoom

YWCA offers the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training to community members who are looking to become domestic violence advocates. Each certification is for 40 hours of training in advocacy for Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault. This training ensures that the needs of domestic violence Survivors have been met and served through a trauma informed, culturally responsive lens.

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Cross Cultural Communications
Jan
31

Cross Cultural Communications

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

In this workshop, we will break down the nuances with language & cultural norms to examine how they fit into institutional expectations. We’ll spend time discussing how power moves in and out of spaces shaping the ways in which we engage with one another. For us to discuss several facets within sociocultural groups, we must dissect how our organizations and structures contain a US-centric lens. We will look at how white supremacy shows up within the US versus other countries. By identifying ways in which we can dismantle US culture taking dominance within our institutions, we can start to build a foundation that supports multi-cultural, multi-lingual sociocultural identities..

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De-Constructing Anti-Blackness & Misogynoir
Jan
30

De-Constructing Anti-Blackness & Misogynoir

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

This workshop aims to dissect functions of anti-Blackness by providing nuance, reflection, and tools to guide participants in recognizing their own anti-Black biases, an ability to recognize anti-Black practices and policies at a macro level, and to encourage the dismantling of anti-Black practices at all facets of social existence.

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Understanding Bias, Implicit Associations, & Microaggressions
Jan
29

Understanding Bias, Implicit Associations, & Microaggressions

Facilitated by Kaycie López Jones Online via Zoom

In this workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how bias in both its explicit and implicit form informs implicit associations and can lead to microaggressions. Participants will explore the different types of microaggressions and gain tools that can help them identify and interrupt microaggressive moments and behaviors.

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The Language of Equity
Jan
28

The Language of Equity

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

Language is ever changing and manifests our world view. When we have access to language, we are better able to understand and articulate community needs. It is important for our growth that we be mindful of the language we use, as it cultivates our patterns and determines our routes to liberation. In our ever-changing, technologically-advanced modern world, we have more access to shared language than ever before. And, in the world of equity work, fluidity and understanding of terms and definitions is necessary as we work collectively to dismantle antiquated, oppressive systems that have for too long been barriers for marginalized communities.

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Cycle of Socialization
Jan
25

Cycle of Socialization

Facilitated by Meleani Bates Online via Zoom

The Cycle of Socialization helps us to understand the ways in which we are all socialized to help maintain oppressive systems and human hierarchies.

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Interrupting + Recasting Harmful Conversations About Race
Jan
24

Interrupting + Recasting Harmful Conversations About Race

Facilitated by Meleani Bates Online via Zoom

Developing critical consciousness about race and oppression requires us to first understand our own racialized identities. This workshop aims to support ongoing exploration of our positionality, strengthen our ability to read racially stressful encounters, and recast/reframe situations using skillful interruption strategies that preserve our collective humanity.

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Dismantling Racism
Nov
15

Dismantling Racism

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White Online via Zoom

Understanding that racism is systemic is key to dismantling it. Leading with racial equity means to approach all systems, organizations, groups, and culture with a contextually-racial lens. To acknowledge context, its historical and present impact, as well as contemporary impact.

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Dynamics of Stalking
Nov
6

Dynamics of Stalking

Facilitated by claire barrera
Online via Zoom

This workshop covers the definition and signs of stalking behavior, the various relationship dynamics in which a person may experience stalking, the ways that society normalizes stalking, and the support systems/resources a person may access when experiencing stalking.

View Event →
The Digital Underground
Nov
5

The Digital Underground

Presented by Tyesha Online via Zoom

In this workshop, attendees will review various types of abuse but focus on digital/technological and identify the impacts of digital abuse.

View Event →
Dynamics of Abusive Men
Nov
1

Dynamics of Abusive Men

Facilitated by Chris & SJET Staff
Online via Zoom

In this workshop underlying drivers of men’s violence will be discussed and identified, particularly related to domestic violence. 

View Event →
Trauma Informed Practices
Oct
31

Trauma Informed Practices

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White
Online via Zoom

Participants will gain an understanding of how trauma can be shaped by social inequities, and how TIC can be used to promote equity and inclusion.

View Event →
Power & Consent in Communication
Oct
24

Power & Consent in Communication

Presented by Spring Up Online via Zoom

In this workshop we will discuss the intersectional power dynamics at play between partners, and explore how social norms of coercion and control show up in everyday communication and decision making in relationships.

View Event →
Understanding Gender
Oct
23

Understanding Gender

Presented by Ari Schill Online via Zoom

In this interactive workshop, we will break down terms, participate in activities and engage in interactive learning focusing on gender and sexuality.

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Culture of Gender Violence
Oct
22

Culture of Gender Violence

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

We will explore how gender violence highlights a male-patterned violence: a prevalent violence committed most often but not always by men, often motivated by aggression, revenge, competition, and entitlement used to help to maintain patriarchy.

View Event →
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Oct
18

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

In this workshop we will describe the nature and prevalence of IPSV and the dynamics and impact of IPSV and the specific challenges faced by survivors will be identified.

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YWCA of Greater Portland and Freeland Spirits
Oct
17

YWCA of Greater Portland and Freeland Spirits

You’re Invited! Please join YWCA of Greater Portland on October 17th from 5pm-8pm at Freeland Spirits. Meet members of the YWCA team, learn more about our programs, and support a woman owned and operated distillery by purchasing a cocktail or two! Brief remarks from our new Interim Executive Director, Miriam Barnett, and featured program staff will begin at 6pm.

Attendance is free, but spots are limited. Please RSVP below!

RSVP

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Domestic Violence 101
Oct
15

Domestic Violence 101

Presented by Debbie Elias Online via Zoom

This workshop is geared towards individuals and organizations that see the need to take a bold move to improve the way they provide an environment of equity and inclusivity in the workplace.

View Event →
Restorative Justice
Oct
8

Restorative Justice

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White
Online via Zoom

This workshop will explore the principles of restorative justice, how they may be applied, and strategies toward creating more equitable and just communities.

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Organizational Culture
Oct
3

Organizational Culture

Facilitated by Ruby Joy White
Online via Zoom

In this workshop, participants will be able to discuss systems of White Supremacy Culture that impact their organization/businesses’ culture and overall innerworkings.

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