Welcome to the 2019 December issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' (DSVS) volunteers.

In this Issue:

Table of Contents
Notes from Nadia New Name, Same Great Services Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Goodbye to Summer!	Reviews: No Visible Bruises Raising My Voice: Gulira Alieva Birthdays Trainings, Meetings Make A Note

 

I am very excited to announce the reappearance of Volunteer Voices, our volunteer newsletter. You can expect to find information on upcoming trainings and volunteer trainings and happenings around the office, while staying in the loop on articles, books, media recommendations and more. As we head into the new year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on 2019 and the generous amount of time and outstanding service you all continue to dedicate to our programs. We could not do the work we do without your support. Thank you for playing your part in supporting our community. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and here’s to wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

Nadia Hoonan, DSVS Community and Support

The Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services officially became Domestic and Sexual Violence Services earlier this year. The old name was quite the tongue twister and it didn’t capture the breadth of services we provide. The refresh feels like a better fit. And we’ve got a new logo to go along with our new name!

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in prevention work with a youth focus, uplifting the work of our Teen Ambassadors, and looking for a creative outlet. Check out some of the ways you can plug in:

• TDVAM Committee - This group coordinates awareness activities and events for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), which occurs every February. The committee raises awareness around teen dating violence, provides leadership opportunities for teens and offers resources available for county youth, supportive adults, county employees and community members. The TDVAM committee meets once every other week leading up to January, and then weekly in January. The TDVAM committee began meeting once every other week in October and will switch to weekly meetings in January until the end of February. 
• Education/Facilitation Opportunity - We need folks interested in facilitating community workshops about teen dating violence during the month of February. These workshops will be about topics related to the chosen TDVAM 2020 theme, and the intended audience is parents and other supportive adults who want to learn how to support teens who may be experiencing dating violence or have other relationship concerns.
• Event Support - Volunteers can support events by manning tables or helping with event set-up/break down. These events include (but are not limited to):
  • TDVAM Proclamation and Reception (Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, daytime commitment)
  • TDVAM Teen Talent Showcase (Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, evening commitment)

We’re shivering now, but in July, DSVS celebrated warm weather at the Summer 2019 Volunteer Recognition Picnic at Huntley Meadows Park.