Class of 2021
Political Science, History, Legal Studies
Women’s Advocates
(she/her/hers)
For my project, I decided to work with Women’s Advocates, the nation’s oldest domestic violence shelter helping women and children in crisis. I was drawn to Women’s Advocates because of the hardworking staff and the organization’s dedication to educating the community on the issues of domestic violence. My work for Women’s Advocates over the summer was as a member of this education and outreach team, helping to expand social media efforts and establish a new volunteer program.
Women’s Advocates is unique from other shelters in that they believe in a holistic approach to ending violence, which includes engaging the local community. The outreach and education team provides presentations about domestic violence in schools, community centers, and workplaces. Educating the community on the signs of domestic violence plays a crucial role in ending the cycle, as it really is a public health issue.
My projects were focused on supporting the efforts of the outreach and education team. This included a number of smaller tasks, such as expanding the organization’s social media profile, establishing an organizational presence at Pride, and conducting historical research. However, my main project was creating a new volunteer program designed to distribute Women’s Advocates’ safety resources to local businesses, healthcare centers, and community spaces.
This summer, I learned a lot of things about both my organization and myself. I learned about the inner workings of a nonprofit and got to experience the decision making processes that steer the organization. I also learned a lot about domestic violence as a community issue, and that involving even people who are not touched by this issue makes a huge difference. In addition, I learned about my personal work habits, including areas I excel in and areas where I could stand to improve. Overall, I am very grateful for this experience and the things it has taught me about myself.