NCADV’s 2010 Conference Theme: Changing Faces of the Movement

The 2010 conference theme of Changing Faces of the Movement is meant to stimulate thoughtful dialogue and discussion around the changes, challenges and successes the domestic violence movement has undergone since its beginnings over 30 years ago.

We are no longer a small movement of radicals working out of the trunks of our cars and sheltering victims in our own homes. The umbrella of our movement has grown to include the voices and influence of many cultures, ages, faiths, backgrounds and genders. We have become more colorful, savvy and organized politically, culturally and intellectually than when this movement began. Our response is no longer singular in focus as we have learned that combating domestic violence includes addressing, analyzing and responding to the multitude of issues that factor into it.

We have organized. We have responded. We have done well.

But we are still changing. Many of us have been involved in this movement since its inception and longer; many of us are just getting started. How do we learn from and support one another? How do we encourage and support leadership? How do we nurture and encourage our youth and involve them in ending violence? How do we continue to support and empower victims, survivors, allies and others working to end violence? What challenges are we facing now and how do we combat them—child custody and domestic violence, fathers rights groups and their actions against survivors and advocates, human trafficking? Are we truly an inclusive movement? Are we truly serving the needs of victims of domestic violence? Are we still the radicals we once were?

If domestic violence still exists, are we doing enough?

As you complete your workshop submission, we encourage you to keep these thoughts in mind. All submissions will be analyzed for relevance to this and other NCADV philosophies.