STOPS to Violence Blog

Rhythm of the Seasons

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:50:45 GMT

by Rowan Teasdale

I have often told friends who don’t live rurally, we don’t have rush hour out here, we have seeding and harvest. It’s a seasonal rather than a daily rhythm. Watching the combines out in the fields, and moving slowly along the roads, grounds me in the importance of seasonality. You can’t decide to harvest whenever you feel like it. You have to wait for the crop to mature and the weather to be right. You can tend to your fields and keep an eye on the forecast, but you can’t make them grow and you can’t force the sun to shine.

Life is like that too. Sometimes ideas don’t come in the right season. They come when the crop is already planted and there’s no ground to put them in. Sometimes a project ripens when the weather is about to turn, and extra hands are needed to bring it in. And sometimes snow comes early, and it cannot be harvested at all. Good harvest or bad, it’s a time for helping neighbours and accepting help yourself.

It has always seemed odd to me how January is called the beginning of the new year, when fall has always felt like the true time of beginnings. After all, it is when students of all ages, children and adults alike, return to school. It’s when community groups and activities start up. It’s the time of pottery classes and music lessons, hockey registration and dance clubs. It’s when you plan for all the things you want to do and try for the next year.

As the weather starts to turn, I find myself more open to change. The riot of colours on the trees feels like a celebration of that change, even as it is a reminder of the long cold of the months to come. It gets me thinking, how do I want to spend my winter? What might I do differently this year to make the long, cold months a bit less dark and lonely? Who is out there seeing the change of seasons as the herald for a time of isolation? What help might I need to get through it and who might need my help?

Following the rhythm of the seasons, it’s a good time to prepare for the coming cold. Provision yourself with friends and neighbours. Check around your community for places where the weatherstripping has gotten worn and the insulation thin and offer to help strengthen those groups and organizations. Keep an eye out for people who might need a cup of tea and a friendly ear to warm them up. And take the time to enjoy the beauty of the season on this land we share.Be sure to kick up a few leaves, just because it’s fun.

To read more on the impact of community connection on mental well being, see Working on the Root System of Social Connections in a Community

Resilience as Softness: The Balance Between Self and Community

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:34:25 GMT

Written by Alissa Hill, MPCC-P

In a world where the loudest message is often “put yourself first,” we risk forgetting that true resilience is not only about individual strength but also about our capacity for softness, flexibility, and connection. Resilience is not simply powering through adversity; it’s the ability to bend without breaking, to stay open when it would be easier to close off, and to choose inconvenience when it serves something larger than ourselves.

At STOPS to Violence, we often speak about the importance of natural supports, those everyday relationships and networks that help us weather life’s storms. These supports thrive not because they are always easy, but because people choose to show up for one another, even when it costs them time, energy, or comfort. That willingness is what transforms a collection of individuals into a true community.

The Cost and Gift of Inconvenience

Being part of a community inevitably means that at times we will be asked to do things that are difficult, uncomfortable, or simply not convenient. It could be taking the time to check in on a neighbour, attending a community gathering when you’d rather stay home, or speaking up when silence might feel easier. These choices are not always ideal for us individually in the moment, but they are essential for the collective good.

The “price” of community is sometimes inconvenience. And yet, when we lean into that price, we find that the return is much greater: safety, trust, belonging, and the knowledge that when we are in need, others will inconvenience themselves for us too.

Softness as Strength

Resilience is often portrayed as toughness, hard edges that allow us to withstand challenges. But there is another kind of resilience: one that looks like softness. Softness does not mean weakness. It means being willing to listen, to compromise, to hold space for others, and to admit when we need help ourselves. It is this softer form of resilience that allows communities to adapt, grow, and heal together.

When we practice softness, we open ourselves to shared responsibility. We create space for different voices and experiences. We allow for relationships to deepen, because we are not only looking out for ourselves but also for each other.

Resource to explore: Our work is informed by Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which flips the narrative from “what’s wrong” to “what’s strong.” By starting with community strengths and gifts, we make space for more voices and more possibilities...

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) - Nurture Development

How STOPS Puts This Into Practice

Much of the work STOPS to Violence leads is about strengthening the web of relationships that make up communities. From the Strengthening Natural Supports Framework to Asset Based Community Development that encourage people to check in, reach out, and support each other, the focus is on building a culture where everyone has someone to turn to.

This work recognizes that preventing violence and creating safety is not the responsibility of a single program or professional service, it’s something we all hold together. That means sometimes saying yes when it’s inconvenient, practicing softness when it would be easier to harden, and remembering that resilience is both an individual and a collective practice.

Serving Ourselves by Serving Each Other

The paradox is that by stepping into community care, we also serve ourselves. A strong community makes each of us safer, more supported, and more resilient. By balancing self-care with care for others, we build a world where both individuals and communities can thrive.

As STOPS continues this work, we invite you to reflect: Where might you choose inconvenience for the sake of community? How can softness become a strength in your own relationships? And what would our communities look like if we all leaned a little more into both?

A Call to Courage

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:44:42 GMT

Re-imagining safety, belonging, and leadership in uncertain times

In a world increasingly shaped by disconnection, division, and harm, what does it truly mean to come together — not just in proximity, but with purpose?

A Call to Courage is just that — an invitation.
To pause.
To reflect.
To re-imagine what’s possible when we lead with empathy, build relationships across difference, and practice the kind of courage that creates real, lasting change.

At the heart of this gathering is a powerful question:
What does it take to create communities where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported — and what role does courage play in getting us there?

Building Courage as a Collective Practice

Courage isn’t only an individual trait — it’s something we grow together. It shows up when we speak truth into systems that silence.When we listen across difference with curiosity and compassion.When we stand up to harm, even when it’s uncomfortable.
When we choose connection over control.And when we ask brave questions of ourselves and each other.

Violence prevention and courage go hand in hand:

Courageous Connection as Prevention
How can we nurture relationships and belonging as protective factors that prevent violence and promote well-being?
Courageous Leadership in Complex Times
What does it mean to lead with heart, humility, and bravery — especially when systems feel stuck or fractured?
Courage to Cultivate Right Relationship Between Communities and Institutions
How do we move from transactional service delivery to shared power and from systems of control to cultures of care?

Join us on September 11, 2025 as we gather near Saskatoon for ‘Reconnecting Communities: A Call to Courage’. An invitation to a daylong gathering to learn together, grow together and take our next steps into courage… together.

Go to www.stopstoviolence.com/rcconference to learn more and register.

Weaving in Circles – Threads, Yarn, Stories, People

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:25:51 GMT

by Harvey Gibson

Start with a magic circle. Make an ‘e’ shape with your yarn, insert your hook through the ‘wrong’ side. Yarn over, pull up a loop with your hook. Crochet in the round and join with a slip stitch in the first stitch of the round. Repeat.

There are circles on circles in crochet—a hobby I picked up just under two years ago. I still struggle to pull off a magic circle (a basic technique used to start off certain kinds of projects), I find myself running to Google more frequently that I should at this stage in my learning. However, when I run into bigger problems or come up against a stitch I’ve never seen before, I’m lucky to be able to consult the folks who attend a twice-weekly gathering held at my favourite local yarn store (shout out to Yarn Over Craft and Fiber Co.). People are welcome to come sit in a circle—or wonky oval depending on how many have shown up—and socialize while knitting, crocheting, or simply enjoying company. Formally organized or informally gathered, circles like this have existed for, I suspect, as long as humans have used fiber to weave, knot, twist, braid, loop together to create.

The circle I attend when I’m able is majorly made up of women, a lot of them older than I. Between all of them, there are more years of experience than years I’ve been alive. Thankfully, they are generous with their knowledge and happy to help me when I get stuck or tangled. A member of this circle gifted me a crochet hook when I realized I didn’t have the right size hook for my project; another gave me tips on why what was supposed to be a flat circle was curling into a ball. They celebrated the completion of my first large, crocheted garment and encouraged me when I expressed my frustration at failing to make a single sock, let alone a pair, for the fifteenth or twentieth time. I’ve seen this group hold space for anyone going through a hard time or experiencing challenges in life outside the yarn store.

This is only one kind of community connection that is, to me, the lifeblood of creating a healthier, safer world. There are so many groups like the knitting circle I attend, whether it’s a program running at the local library or through the city, a community group, a rec league, a shared hobby… this is one of many reasons I am anticipating our conference, Reconnecting Community: A Call to Courage, this September. The shift from “what’s wrong” to “what is already here and what is strong?” is one that is so simple, yet so powerful. When you look at your community through that lens, I guarantee you will be surprised at what you find. I bet there are hidden gems all around you that are waiting to be discovered.

PS: if you’re curious about the Reconnecting Community conference, head over to www.stopstoviolence.com/rcconference to learn more & to get tickets. I’ll be the one crocheting!

Marking Belonging: How My Tattoos Hold the Call to Community

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:34:27 GMT

By Nofa Slaeman

In the past, the dominant culture has often described people like me—those who’ve made it from hardship to stability—as resilient. And while I do appreciate the strength I’ve found within myself, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without community and the threads that are woven throughout.

As someone who left her birthplace at a very young age and became a refugee alongside her parents, I spent a long time feeling unanchored—like I had no place to truly call home. But looking back, I realize that at every stage of my journey, there were people—communities—who helped me move forward, who held me up when I couldn’t do it alone.

Some of those communities are no longer physically present in my life, but they live on in my memories—and in my tattoos. Each one tells a story, marks a moment, honors a connection. So I thought I’d share a few of them with you as an example of the journey of weaving community.

Swallows: A Lesson in Worth

The first piece I want to share is a tattoo of swallows. These birds represent a community of young people and women I had the privilege of working with—people who, despite their own struggles, helped me see myself differently. They taught me about kindness, love, and boundaries in ways I had never experienced before.

Some of these incredible souls are here in Regina, while others are across the world in Romania. Regardless of where they are now, they were instrumental in helping me find meaning, build deep connections, and feel, perhaps for the first time, that I truly belonged—that I had purpose.

They reminded me that even in the midst of chaos, we can be each other’s safe harbor.

Cassette Tape: Echoes of Home

The second tattoo is a cassette tape, a tribute to my childhood in the refugee camp and my early years in Canada. Back then, staying connected with our family in Iraq meant gathering around a fire or a coffee table, singing songs while my dad played guitar, telling stories, and recording it all on cassette tapes.

Those tapes were our lifeline. They carried our voices, our laughter, our love across continents. I like to imagine that somewhere in the deserts of Iraq, a few of those tapes still exist—maybe even with some nerdy little clips of my childhood voice, floating through time with our family.

That cassette isn’t just a symbol of nostalgia—it’s a reminder of how we held onto joy, how we created home wherever we were, even when everything around us felt uncertain.

Birth Flowers: The Laughter

The last tattoo is a collection of birth flowers, each one representing a sibling or a friend from my early twenties. Some of these relationships have faded over time; with a few, there’s little or no contact now. But at one point, they were my lifeline.

They were the ones who made me laugh through the messiest, hardest days. One friend in particular had this way of showing up, looking me dead in the eye, and saying, “Well, life sucks, then you die.” It sounds dark, but the way she said it—with her infectious laughter—would have you in stitches.

We laughed so hard together—knee-slapping, tears-streaming-down-our-faces kind of laughter. And for a young girl who didn’t know which way to turn, that kind of joy was everything. It was survival.

Ink as a Map of Belonging

Each of these tattoos is more than just ink on skin. They’re markers of the people who shaped me, the places that held me, and the moments that made me feel alive. They’re reminders that even when I felt lost, I was never truly alone.

So yes, I’ve been called resilient. But if I am, it’s because I’ve been loved. I’ve been held. I’ve been part of communities that saw me, even when I couldn’t see myself.

And that’s what I carry with me—on my skin, in my heart, through every chapter of my life and in the community weaving I do as I journey forward.

Through the STOPS to Violence network, we believe that community animation and weaving relationships are central to our commitment to supporting safe communities and healthy relationships in our province.

Join us on September 11, 2025 for ‘Reconnecting Community: A Call to Courage’ – a conference where we’ll explore how to mend and strengthen the fabric of community through relationship, care, and collective leadership. Learn more at STOPS to Violence - Reconnecting Community: A Call to Courage

Regulate & Relate: Why Your Nervous System Might Be the Secret Ingredient to Building Better Communities

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:11:12 GMT

By Alissa Hill, RPC-C

When you work in community; be it organizing events, supporting families, showing up in crisis, or just trying to make your neighborhood stronger, there’s a lot that can feel out of your control. Emotions run high, funding runs low, and things don’t always go the way we planned.

But, there’s one tool that many of us leave untapped; our nervous system.

It might not sound flashy, but the way we understand and care for our own inner world can be one of the most powerful ways to build trust, connection, and resilience in our communities. At STOPS to Violence Saskatchewan, we’re learning that this kind of emotional regulation, rooted in something called Polyvagal Theory, isn’t just for therapists or scientists. It’s for all of us.

So, what is Polyvagal Theory?

Polyvagal Theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, and in simple terms, it explains how our nervous system responds to stress, danger, and safety.

Consider this:

When we feel safe and calm, we’re more open, kind, curious, and ready to connect with others.

When we feel stressed or threatened, our body shifts into fight-or-flight mode. We might feel irritated, anxious, or on edge.

When things feel overwhelming or hopeless, we may shut down, go numb, or feel like giving up.

These reactions aren’t cognitive choices; they’re our body’s automatic way of trying to protect us. In community work, we see these states show up all the time, in ourselves, our coworkers, and the people we serve.

Why does this matter in community?

At STOPS, we work alongside communities across the province to reduce violence and strengthen natural supports. Whether we’re facilitating gatherings, or supporting local champions and programs, we know relationships are the foundation.

But, it is vital to understand that relationships can only grow in environments where people feel safe, seen, and understood.

Let’s say you’re running a community meeting, and one participant seems checked out, barely speaking. Another is interrupting or getting defensive. You might feel frustrated. What if you could recognize that both people are reacting from a nervous system trying to stay safe; one is shutting down, the other is gearing up?

When we understand these responses, we stop taking things personally. We stop reacting. We in turn, respond with curiosity, not control.

Regulation is contagious:

A misconception is that emotional regulation means, “staying calm all the time.” What a regulated nervous system really means is knowing how to come back to a grounded place; particularly when things get tough.

We talk about this a lot in our Framework to Strengthen Natural Supports. The idea is simple: the more regulated we are, the more we can offer safety to others. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about practicing ways to steady ourselves, so we might help others feel steady too.

Here are some examples of how this might look:

-Taking a breath before responding to tension in a meeting

-Letting your shoulders drop and softening your tone when someone’s upset

-Starting a gathering with a grounding check-in or moment of silence

-Recognizing when you need a break, and taking it without guilt

These small shifts can create big changes in how communities relate and heal.

It’s about the individual and the whole:

It is important to recognize that trauma and stress don’t only live in individuals. They live in systems, families, and neighborhoods too. That’s why this work isn’t just about “self-care.” It’s about community care.

Polyvagal Theory helps us see how trauma shows up in everyday behaviors, and how safety isn’t just about saying the right thing, it’s about how people feel in our presence. Are we regulated enough to help others feel safe to speak? To trust? To show up?

A few ways you might start:

Here are some simple ways to bring in regulation to your being, group and community:

-Notice your body. When do you feel open and engaged? When do you tense up or zone out?

-Practice breath and pause. A slow breath can signal to your body that it’s safe enough to stay present.

-Build in rituals. Whether it’s music, a grounding question, or a short walk, rituals help regulate groups.

-Be gentle. With yourself and others. Everyone’s nervous system has a story behind its response.

Community work is heart work. And that means it can also be hard work. But if we can understand and care for our nervous systems, we can show up with more compassion, more clarity, and more connection for ourselves and those around us.

Convening is Different from Conferencing!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:53:13 GMT

Written by: Tracy Knutson, Network Director

We've just finished up the first round of over 14 gatherings or convenings throughout the province. What a gift to be able to create a space for people to come together to learn, to Co create, and to harvest the collective wisdom present in the room!

One of the things we shared at each of these gatherings is more information about impact networks and the role that such networks, including STOPS to Violence, play in forging connections, spreading information and sparking collaborative action. A core function of an Impact Network is convening people. And my goodness… it’s a beautiful thing!

A convening is different from a conference. While a conference tends to be more passive and focused on sharing information or learning, a convening is alive and focused on connection, co-creation and laying groundwork for learning and growth that unfolds over time. The roles of organizers and facilitators are replaced by the art and practices of hosting.

Carri Munn with Circle Generation, a teacher and mentor of ours, offers insights into how convening stands apart from a conference. A convening is:

designed to be a collective journey for smaller groups with shared experiences

participatory not passive

flexible spaces for dynamic interactions

intentional design for learning that unfolds over time

focused on relationships AND content to connect people for greater possibilities

holistic and diverse to minimize echo chambers

Check out Carri’s full blog about convenings vs conferences here.

We hope to see you at our next convening!

Natural Supports: Empowering Everyday Folks to Prevent Violence

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:49:10 GMT

Written by: Alissa Hill

In every neighborhood, there are unsung heroes—individuals who naturally step up when someone is in need. Empowering these local champions is key to creating lasting, safe communities. While experts and formal support services are crucial, it’s the everyday peopleamong us—friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and community members—who are uniquely positioned to recognize early signs of distress and take proactive steps to prevent violence.

The Role of Community Champions

Community champions are trusted figures who understand the unique ecosystem of their town or city. They’re the friendly faces in the hallways, the attentive listeners in community meetings, and the caring individuals who offer a helping hand during times of crisis. These champions can spot potential issues before they escalate and provide support in a way that is both personal and effective.

Empowerment Through Practical Training

Imagine a community where every person feels confident in addressing unhealthy situations, where support isn’t limited to professionals but is woven into the fabric of everyday interactions. That’s the vision behind REALtalk—a program designed to equip community members with the skills to support others safely and compassionately.

Through REALtalk, participants learn how to:

Identify Early Warning Signs: Recognize subtle changes in behavior that may signal unhealthy or dangerous situations.

Engage with Compassion: Use simple, effective language to open up conversations about safety and well-being.

Connect to Resources:Provide clear guidance on accessing professional help and community services.

Build a Culture of Support: Foster an environment where open dialogue and mutual care are the norm.

Why Community-Based Action Matters

Everyday people in community often have a deep understanding of the cultural and social nuances that shape their communities. When folks are trained and empowered, they become catalysts for change—ensuring that no one has to face challenges alone.

By transforming bystanders into active participants, we create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community. Each conversation, each act of support, builds a foundation for safer, more resilient neighborhoods where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Get Involved!

We invite individuals, organizations, and community groups to learn more about REALtalk and how you can bring this important program to your community. If you’re interested in participating in a REALtalk session, our first open session will take place virtually on March 10th, 2025. Register online here.

For more information, reach out to Alissa Hill at alissa@stopstoviolence.com.

Together, we can create communities where everyone feels supported, heard, and safe. Join us in making a difference.

Natural Supports: The Power of Everyday Conversations in Preventing Violence

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:14:23 GMT

written by: Alissa Hill

At STOPS to Violence Saskatchewan, we believe that every individual can help foster safe and supportive communities. One way to do this is by strengthening "natural supports"—the helpers, friends, family members, coworkers, and community members who are often the first to notice when someone is struggling. These everyday connections can make a big impact, in particular, when it comes to addressing harmful relationships and supporting those affected by violence.

The Power of Language in Creating Safety

When we talk about violence, the words we use matter. Terms like "abuse" and "perpetrator" can sometimes feel overwhelming or alienating, making it harder for people to seek help or offer support. By using more approachable, everyday language, we can create conversations that feel safer, more accessible, and non-judgmental. For example, instead of saying "abuse," we can talk about "harmful relationships" or "unhealthy behaviors." Instead of labeling someone a "perpetrator," we can acknowledge that people cause harm in different ways and that change is possible.

These small shifts in language help open doors for meaningful dialogue, reduce stigma, and empower more people to step into supportive roles without feeling like they need to be experts to make a difference.

Introducing REALtalk:

To support communities in having these critical conversations, we are excited to introduce a new initiative in Saskatchewan. STOPS to Violence is partnering with Sagesse, an Alberta-based organization, to bring their REALtalk program to our communities.

REALtalk was created to help everyday people feel confident and prepared to talk about relationships, safety, and support in a way that is approachable and effective. Through this program, participants learn:

How to recognize when someone may be experiencing harm in their relationships.
Practical skills to listen and respond with compassion.
Ways to connect people to resources and services when needed.
Strategies for creating a culture of support and safety within their communities.

Why REALtalk Matters for Saskatchewan Communities

When more people feel comfortable and equipped to have supportive conversations, entire communities benefit. REALtalk empowers natural supports—friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community leaders—to play a pro-active role in creating safer, more connected spaces for everyone. By fostering an environment where people feel heard and understood, we can help prevent harm before it escalates and ensure that those experiencing difficulties are not facing them alone.

Get Involved!

We invite individuals, organizations, and community groups to learn more about REALtalk and how you can bring this important program to your community. If you’re interested in participating or hosting a REALtalk session, please reach out to Alissa Hill at alissa@stopstoviolence.com.

Together, we can create communities where everyone feels supported, heard, and safe. Join us in making a difference.

Preparing for Something New

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 20:52:34 GMT

- by Shaylyn White

Winter tends to be a time for quiet and stillness; the weather is cold, the days are short, and plants and animals alike tend to take this time to rest. These days, most humans follow different rhythms, but resting in winter is still seen as natural for us too, and I know I’m not alone in cozying up indoors when I can.

That still quality of winter is necessary as a way for us to conserve and recharge our energy. It’s impossible for us to simply go-go-go endlessly without rest; by taking time to slow ourselves down, we’re better able to prepare ourselves for the future. Spring, in comparison to winter, is often seen as a time for rebirth and renewal, for busyness and new awakenings, yet it’s impossible to have that bustling spring without first allowing ourselves a period of quiet.

Because of this, despite December (the month I’m writing this) being the end of the year, it doesn’t feel like an ending to me. It feels, instead, like a time of transition, the same way a cocoon doesn’t mark the end of a caterpillar’s life cycle. There is still something waiting to be born—it’s just a matter of giving it the time and space it needs to do so, and the New Year will take us into that.

This spring and summer past were certainly times of busyness for the Enhancing Impact project, but now, we’re in that still period—a time of reflection, consideration, and planning. Rather than lying dormant, we’re preparing to enter that next phase. And hopefully, the work we’ve done before now will be enough to see us through it.

This blog post marks the end of my musings about the Enhancing Impact initiative. I’ve already shared our reports on campaigns and tools and resources in previous entries,so to close us off, I’d like to now share the collective summary report, which combines the findings from both phases and touches on key learnings to be had. You can read the collective summary report here here.

And if you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to share, you can do so by reaching out to Shaylyn at shaylyn@stopstoviolence.com.

What makes something a campaign?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:52:16 GMT

- By Shaylyn White

We’re in the season of ‘campaigns’, most of them political in nature. Then there’s awareness campaigns, education campaigns, fundraising campaigns, marketing campaigns – campaigns, campaigns, campaigns.

But what, exactly, is a ‘campaign’?

YouTube video essayist Abigail Thorn has a running gag in which she attempts to explain complex philosophical topics by first reading from the dictionary, only for the “definition” to inevitably have nothing to do with the topic itself, instead being nonsense along the lines of “we have stolen your dictionary, send us this ransom if you ever want to see it again.” The joke is that referring to the dictionary is a total cliche, but I can only hope she’ll accept my apology, because I’m about to do exactly that.

When I do, I see that Merriam-Webster defines a campaign as “a connected series of operations designed to bring about a particular result.” Meanwhile, the Cambridge Dictionary defines a campaign as “a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are intended to achieve a particular aim.” As for Collins, they define campaigns as “a planned set of activities that people carry out over a period of time in order to achieve something such as social or political change.” What’s key here seems to be connection—that campaigns are a series of activities linked by a pre-defined strategy, with the belief being that said activities will help achieve a goal. But even that’s a little vague, isn’t it? How concrete a strategy does it need to be? How clearly-defined the goal? Could I call the steps I take to eat breakfast in the morning a “campaign”? (If I can, it’s a campaign I often fail at—sorry, Mom.)

These are the kinds of questions that arose while we at STOPs to Violence were trying to figure out the shape of the Enhancing Impact project. We wanted to know more about Saskatchewan’s violence prevention awareness and education campaigns, but the more we dug into it, the more we realized how difficult it was to pinpoint what did or did not count as a campaign versus, say, an education program. Because the first phase of this project involved a survey asking others to share campaigns they knew of or participated in, it was important to cobble together a working definition that would help us establish a common understanding of what was even being asked. This was more of a challenge than I expected, but it was a challenge that proved to be an invaluable learning experience about the way humans actually think versus how it would be convenient for them to think. Because, as it turns out, (and this feels obvious in retrospect), unique lived experiences mean unique frames of reference! People will always bring their own understanding of what’s being asked to any conversation, and part of our role is to meet them halfway, rather than unilaterally impose our own personal idea of what’s “correct.”

Want to see more of what we are learning about violence prevention and awareness campaigns in Saskatchewan? Click here for our summary report.

(PS: Is there a campaign you run or participate in that you don’tsee listed? Reach out to Shaylyn at shaylyn@stopstoviolence.com)

The laundry at your feet

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:50:57 GMT

- By Shaylyn White

I once read a story in which a character, anxious about the future, was asked to imagine they were surrounded by a mountain of laundry piled so high they couldn’t move. In this situation, if they let themselves worry too much about whether or not they could wash everything, the more anxious they’d become, and time would keep passing regardless. Because of this, the best thing they could do is start with the laundry at their feet. When people look too far ahead, they tend to get overwhelmed; by focusing on what’s within reach, they can gradually start to make progress, and eventually, the laundry gets done.

People have a tendency to become paralyzed when faced with something bigger than they are. But while most people intuitively know and accept this about “bad” things, they’re less likely to realize that this can apply toal most anything. Instead of laundry, imagine you’re surrounded by a mountain of your favourite snacks. Sure, you might like it better than laundry, but you still can’t move, can you?

I once had the opportunity to assist with a research project examining service responses to intimate partner violence within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. In this project, two seemingly contradictory ideas were found to co-exist: first, the belief that there were no tools and resources available for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and second, that people could find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options they had, leaving them with no idea where to start. But these ideas cease to be contradictory when you consider the “proximity” of the individual to the tools and resources being offered. Did these tools and resources feel within their reach? Or did it feel like they were being asked to go across the room when they couldn’t even move?

The term “natural supports” refers to supports for those at risk of experiencing or using violence that don’t fall under the more traditional umbrella of formal service systems, such as family members, friends, neighbours, and coworkers. While traditional supports can appear to simultaneously exist in dearth and in abundance, participants in the aforementioned study spoke highly of natural supports, and I imagine that's because they felt more within their reach. There’s value in strengthening these natural supports, to ensure they’re better able to meet others where they’re at in times of need.

As part of the Enhancing Impact project, we at STOPS to Violence sought to gather information about violence prevention tools and resources specifically geared towards natural supports. To learn more about our findings, click here for our summary report. And if you happen to know of any such tools and resources yourself, reach out to Shaylyn at shaylyn@stopstoviolence.com.

What Makes Something a Movement?

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:16:13 GMT

By Shaylyn White

Growing up, my mother didn’t really believe in “kids” media. Yes, we were kids, but she saw no reason why that should mean we only read or watched things branded as kid-friendly, and she saw it as her responsibility to explain rather than censure so that we’d feel safe exploring and broadening our cultural horizons on our own.

In practice, this didn’t translate to much more than the fact that no bookshelves in our house were off-limits to us and that family movie nights were as likely to feature Hitchcock as Pixar. Still, it had the interesting side-effect of meaning I was raised feeling slightly removed from the elementary school cultural milieu. As I got older, I began to realize there were a number of points of reference my peers shared that I didn’t—films I hadn’t seen, games I hadn’t played, websites I didn’t use—and I began to view those points of reference with an anthropological sort of fascination. Tell me, I’d ask my friend: what does it mean to do the cooking by the book?

(For those of you who, like me, never watched Lazy Town, you can see the answer for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD71JeX4Vk0)

I think about this now because I’ve come to consider it the source of my fascination with the phenomenon of trends—the phenomenon of phenomena, you might say. What is it that makes some things take off with certain demographics while others don’t? What later puts those fires out? And what makes it so hard to do that kind of thing on purpose?

Campaigns for raising awareness about social issues like violence typically aim to be more than trends, as the word “trend” tends to connote something short-lived, but they do still aim to capture the attentions and imaginations of an audience. Yet it can be difficult to craft these bouts of collective interest intentionally, and that can lead to important work becoming stalled or siloed when it fails to spread the way we hope. And so, for the STOPS to Violence Enhancing Impact project—which has the goal of helping strengthen such initiatives—we decided to take a look at the elements of effective movements so we could take a crack at answering those questions on a greater scale.

We found that there are certain characteristics which make messaging more likely to affect behavioural change than others, and that most of it has to do with how messaging is framed. Our report “From Moments to Movements” goes into more detail about the how and why, and with these learnings, we hope to help lay the groundwork for the development of a more coordinated and collaborative approach to violence prevention awareness and education in Saskatchewan. So if you (like me) find yourself curious about what exactly makes things “catch on”, consider giving it a look!

Inviting Departures

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:48:16 GMT

At 7 PM, wandering the streets in search of vegetarian fare, I chanced upon a cozy restaurant recommended by a quick Google search on my recent visit to Tokyo. Inside, a modest crowd of four diners, along with a chef and a woman who I assumed was the owner, filled the intimate space.

I had barely settled with the thought of perhaps taking my meal to go when my drink arrived. The owner and the chef approached with bright smiles, raising their glasses to say "Kanpai," a gesture I understood meant "cheers." This simple gesture instantly transformed my solo meal into a shared celebration, tethering me to the moment and to this new, welcoming community.

When it was time to leave, I was surprised by the heartfelt farewells from the chef and other diners.

In many cultures, farewells are as significant as greetings. As I prepared to leave this restaurant, the warmth of the farewell I received was as heartwarming as the meal. The owner, and his wife walked to the door with me to say bye. But wait… they ended by waving bye, not just at the door but until I was a speck in the distance! This simple attempt of wanting to fill the space in between us with “understanding”, was pure magic to me. Do we always succeed in understanding people that come into our space and lives? From all their lived experiences, different upbringing, language, etc.? No. And that is okay because the answer lies in the depth of our attempt.

Creating Inviting Departures

This experience inspired me to think about the importance of saying goodbye in a meaningful way. Whether you're leaving a restaurant, a neighborhood, a gathering, an event, someone’s house, a warm farewell can create a positive and memorable experience.

The Psychology of Parting
Goodbyes, often underestimated, play a crucial role in human interaction. They're more than a formality, right? More so of a profound psychological moment that can affirm relationships and set the tone for future engagements. A meaningful departure makes the last impression—often the lasting impression—creating a psychological bookmark in our memories of that interaction.

A warm farewell can leave a lasting impression and help to build stronger communities. Reflecting on my restaurant experience parallel with our STOPS events and gatherings, I've realized that the ingredients of a memorable bye-bye are acknowledgment, gestures, mementos, appreciation, and plenty of smiles — are essential in fostering return visits and nurturing community ties. These gestures of farewell are powerful tools that invite a future 'welcome back,' enhancing the community spirit and interconnectedness at the heart of all our interactions at STOPS! Join us one of our upcoming events and see it for yourself!

Community and Togetherness

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:29:56 GMT

I ventured to a Vietnamese temple, one sunny Sunday morn,

Where community and togetherness felt freshly reborn.

Inside the sacred space, eyes glanced with gentle grace,

In this holy place, I stood, an outsider in the race.

A tiny lady, old and wise, approached with a question kind,

Her query about direction, reflecting the curiosity in my mind.

'I'm here by chance,' I said, 'drawn by Sunday's crowd, so bright,

An artist am I, captivated by this temple's light.

Whether sun or rain, night or day, its beauty I admire from afar,

Today, I thought to step inside, to see things as they are.'

I spoke of Buddhism’s call, a childhood intrigue so deep,

In values that felt like skin, in cells forever to keep.

With a nod and a smile, she eased my wandering soul,

Guiding me gently, making exploration my role.

Shoes off, heart open, up the stairs I went,

To discover golden statues and books, in serene content.

A man spoke of their bible, a treasure in plain sight,

His words a new melody in the morning light.

I sat and meditated, planning to leave before the crowd,

But destiny had other plans, in this temple proud.

The kind lady returned, her presence a guiding star,

Explaining the service, near and far.

As the room filled, she invited me to stay,

For service and lunch, in the most welcoming way.

I was cautious, yet intrigued, by this gesture so sweet,

In a community so warm, where heart and soul meet.

Then the master monk appeared, a figure of peace and love,

Inviting me to lunch, as if sent from above.

An hour and a half of chants, a language I didn't know,

Yet their rhythm and energy, in my heart did glow.

Afterwards, an invitation to New Year’s came my way,

From the grandmother, whose sparkling eyes did sway.

She led me to a table, where friendship did await,

Beside her and her best friend, an 80-year-old mate.

A collective prayer we said, before the meal began,

A simple act of unity, part of a larger plan.

Introductions around the table, stories shared with glee,

About temple visits, life, and how happy we could be.

In this moment, I recalled a conversation from the past,

With Tracy and the Ambassador team, questions vast.

How should a community feel, for those both new and old?

Welcomed, informed, embraced in warmth, never cold.

Togetherness, joy, and conversations bold,

Building relationships, stories untold.

This temple visit taught me, more than words can say,

It’s the people, the kindness, that makes us want to stay.

To gather, to share, to act as one,

In a community of warmth, under the sun.

A Sunday Morning of Connection

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:28:37 GMT

I recently visited a Vietnamese Buddhist temple on a Sunday morning. Community and togetherness were foremost in my mind as I took my first look inside. Upon entering, I noticed people glancing at me from the corners of their eyes. Of course, I felt somewhat alien, lost, new, and out of place. I was a new kid in school!

A tiny, elderly lady approached me, asking if I needed directions. I explained that my curiosity about the temple, often observed bustling with people every Sunday morning, had brought me here. As an artist, I am captivated by how different lighting—be it from the sun, rain, evening sky, or streetlights at night—plays upon the temple's exterior. That morning, I decided to venture inside. I've always been intrigued by Buddhism; its values resonate with me deeply, almost as if they were part of my own skin and cells. The lady gave me this warm smile, it put me at ease. She mentioned that on Sundays, services are held on the temple's second floor. I nodded, listening intently. It was 10:15. She invited me to remove my shoes and explore the temple with a welcoming demeanor.

The lady gave me this warm smile.

Upstairs, the place was stunning – golden Buddha statues, and rows of little books on these stands. While I was absorbed in a book, a man informed me that it was their 'bible'. I absorbed this new information with a smile as he returned to his prayers.

I decided to meditate for a bit, planning to head out before their main service at 11. The lady I met earlier came upstairs and sat a few bookstands ahead. After a few minutes, she joined me and explained the service—its format, who leads it, and what follows. As we talked, the room began to fill. She encouraged me to stay for the service and even suggested staying for lunch, which was complimentary—a fact she conveyed with a wink. I was cautious, not wanting to be rude in a new community, so I remained gentle in my actions. I wondered if it would be impolite to partake in the meal without being a regular member.

The master monk entered, and the Yin monk approached the lady, likely having observed our conversation. He asked her in Vietnamese to keep me informed and invited me to lunch. She translated for me, and my heart filled with warmth once more. I felt incredibly welcomed by this community. They had not only ensured that I understood their values and culture but had also invited me to be part of it.

The service wrapped up after about an hour and a half. I might not have understood the chanting, but there was something about the sound and vibrations that just washed over me, leaving a trail of peace. As the service ended, the monk began handing out invites to their New Year celebration on February 9th. He even gave one to me. The kind-hearted grandmother, with a twinkle in her eye, urged me to come along, playfully pointing out that a lot of young folks would be there. Her warm, thoughtful invitation got me thinking about all the reasons I'd love to come back.

After the service, she guided me downstairs to these long, welcoming wooden dining tables. She had already saved a spot for me right next to her and her charming 80-year-old 'best friend'. Just before we started eating, she let me in on a little tradition – everyone at the table would join in for a prayer. It was a beautiful moment of unity. From a distance, the monk, with a caring tone, let everyone know in Vietnamese about the peanuts in the food. The grandmother quickly translated for me, ensuring I was in the loop.

Throughout the meal, the grandmother introduced me to everyone at our large table. We shared stories about our visits to the temple, our daily lives, and our collective love for Buddha, food, the sense of community that brought us all together.

This whole experience took me back to a conversation I once had with the network hub Ambassador team and Tracy. We were brainstorming about how we wanted people to feel when they join the network hub community, and how we hoped we would feel if we entered a new community. This day at the temple, it hit me – this was exactly it. Feeling welcomed and informed, met with smiles and open arms. A sense of belonging and joy, comfortable enough for open, honest conversations. And, most importantly, building those connections that make you eager to come back. Because in the end, it’s all about the people, the bonds we form, and gathering around a cause that unites us all.

Read our network values here.

Why am I feeling so off? The concept of crisis fatigue

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 04:14:00 GMT

- Shaylyn White

Lately, I’ve been finding social media exhausting. I know I’m not alone—social media is designed to generate a fear of missing out, and that compulsion to keep checking can be pretty tiring. I know some people who've gone so far as to delete their accounts completely to erase the temptation to revisit whatever feed they’re trying to wean themselves from.

But I haven’t done that. Because for me, as with many others, social media has become one of my primary sources of news, and there is just so much news I feel obligated to keep up with these days. We’re living in a time of great political or social change, where something potentially globally significant is taking place at nearly every moment: how can I, in all good conscience, just turn that off?

Service providers may already be familiar with the term “compassion fatigue.” Compassion fatigue is also known as vicarious or secondary trauma—emotional pain that emerges in response to witnessing the emotional pain of others. A related but perhaps less familiar term is “crisis fatigue.” Crisis fatigue describes the sense of helplessness or despair that emerges from feeling overwhelmed by ongoing large-scale crises, such as climate change or the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhaustion I feel when I catch myself scrolling endlessly through feeds of bad news—that is a form of crisis fatigue.

While compassion fatigue can be considered a kind of occupational hazard, with professions most in contact with people who’ve experienced trauma (such as social workers and health care providers) being most at risk, the seeming omnipresence of social media means crisis fatigue can happen to almost anyone. All it takes is the feeling of being constantly bombarded by bad news.

No two people will experience crisis fatigue in exactly the same way, but symptoms are generally similar to those associated with burnout, such as weariness and a loss of appetite. However, one of the most common symptoms is apathy. People may struggle to focus on or care about news that would have normally held their attention because, while brains and bodies may be designed to recover from short-term stress, they’re less accustomed to ongoing stress. Over time, such stress can take a real toll on a person’s physical and mental well-being, and when paying attention begins to feel unbearable, even the most compassionate among us may find ourselves emotionally detaching.

It’s important to remember that crisis fatigue is not an individual problem. Crisis fatigue is born of people feeling overwhelmed by macro-level issues emerging from broader institutions, often at national or global levels. While people may be able to remove themselves temporarily, the problems themselves remain, as do the individuals still caught within them.

How, then, can we encourage people to work for social change without wearing themselves out?

Framing plays a key role in how social issues are understood and responded to by the public. When a problem is urgent, it’s common for people to use urgent framing in the hopes of getting and keeping the public’s attention. For example, when it comes to interpersonal and gender-based violence, awareness campaigns may use graphic imagery to emphasize the harm violence causes as a way of establishing the necessity of preventing further harm.

But crisis fatigue means such messaging can actually work against violence prevention efforts. The problem of interpersonal and gender-based violence may be urgent, but for people already feeling overwhelmed by the sense that the world is full of crises they cannot help with, all alarmist messaging does is reinforce their sense of helplessness. It can even lead people to settle on inaction—after all, it’s easier to tell yourself a problem is insurmountable than it is to keep struggling against it. If things are going to be this bad forever, why bother?

In some ways, crisis fatigue is the product of feeling distanced from the rest of the world. We see the impact of collective crises, but not how they’re being addressed, and so we struggle to believe it's possible for anyone to make a difference. That’s why, instead of framing issues around the severity of a problem, it can be more effective to keep discussions solutions-oriented and aspirational, as that’s likelier to reignite people's motivation.

It's important to seek to hold space for ourselves as well as others. Holding space for ourselves means staying grounded in our own needs so we can better recognize when it’s time for us to rest and replenish, and this, in turn, helps us better support others. The compulsion to engage with bad news is often a non-productive one, and it’s healthier and more effective in the long run to use our time and energy with intentionality.

For more information on holding space, you can visit this link. And remember: while it's not possible for any one person to solve every crisis in the world, we're not alone in the world, either. By showing ourselves what grace and compassion we can, we make it easier to bring ourselves more fully into our relationships with others, and if crisis fatigue truly is a product of feeling distanced from the world, then perhaps there is strength to be found in that.

Enhancing Impact: Violence Prevention Education and Awareness

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 04:05:59 GMT

Learnings About Approaches to Education and Awareness

-Shaylyn White

When we gather people to talk about what’s needed to reduce gender-based violence in Saskatchewan, there’s always one thing that tops the list – education and awareness.

There are any number of public education and awareness campaigns throughout Canada aimed at reducing and preventing gender-based and interpersonal violence and abuse. We’ve been asking ourselves: How do we work collectively and at scale to have the impact we are looking for? What is it that makes education and awareness activities and campaigns effective? If the goal is creating change, when are people more likely to…you know, change?

We’ve spent the summer a strategic learning process aimed at answering these questions. These are big questions to explore. Here’s some of what we have come to understand.

Change doesn’t happen instantaneously

You may already be familiar with the Transtheoretical Model of Change, also known simply as the Stages of Change. It’s a model in health psychology used to explain or predict an individual’s likelihood of succeeding or failing in achieving a behavior change. The stages are:

1. Pre-Contemplation

2. Contemplation

3. Preparation

4. Action

5. Maintenance

People aren’t likely to leap from never having even thought about a potential change to actually making that change, let alone keep it up long-term. Because of this, initiatives looking to create social change are likelier to find success when their activities are long term and include reinforcing the rationale for why the change should occur at all. Otherwise, there’s little chance of gaining or sustaining participant interest and investment.

It’s about more than just the message

In science communication, the Information Deficit Model suggests that if people are reluctant to engage with or act on new ideas, it must be because they don’t have enough information yet. The more they know, the likelier they are to embrace the ideas being put forward. But…is that really true? People lead complicated lives! They might be busy, tired or distracted—is bombarding them with facts and information they don’t have the time or energy to think about really the best strategy?

Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that people use to speed up their decision-making process. When someone is busy, or tired, or distracted, they’re more likely to rely on heuristics to determine how they’ll respond to new ideas. These heuristics are typically informed by pre-existing mental models or dominant social narratives; in other words, when considering how to act, most people will subconsciously turn to their understanding of what has been determined to be “correct” by the social groups they value or align themselves with most.

People are more likely to engage with new information when it supports or affirms their identities (who they see themselves to be) and aligns with their values. At the same time, they’re more likely to reject information that shames, challenges, or threatens them. If we want our messaging to be effective, the ideas we’re putting forward should make people feel good about themselves, their actions and how they want to be seen.

Effective messaging

If messaging is overly negative or jarring, people who rely on heuristics or conditioning are likely to reject it. On the other hand, if your message is empowering, people will be more willing to consider it. If message delivery is combined with follow-up opportunities for dialogue and reflection, the extent and direction of the consideration will be affected. This is likelier to lead to behavioural changes that are longer-lasting overall.

In the article “The Science of What Makes People Care”, Ann Christiano and Annie Neimand cite the documentary “The Game Changers” as an example of effective messaging. Most experts agree that reducing meat and dairy consumption would be beneficial for both the climate and for individual health, but asking people to sacrifice a deeply ingrained habit of theirs for the sake of an abstract, faraway future isn’t likely to work. “The Game Changers” instead encourages people to adopt a plant-based diet to achieve their fitness goals. This re-framing gives people a stronger sense of control and fulfillment and is likelier to spread amongst other community members who also value fitness.

Explore further with us

You are invited to join us as we explore next steps in understanding and increasing the impact of violence prevention education and awareness in Saskatchewan. We’re hosting a working session on Monday, September 18 from 1-3 pm. In this session, we will look at the elements of successful education and awareness activities look like and how we might a coordinated, movement building approach to increase the chances of long term change.

Click here for more information and to register.

The mechanics of reaching out.

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:09:40 GMT

- Marley Novotny

Throughout my time with STOPS to Violence this summer, I have had the opportunity to connect with many of the wonderful partners and people from different organizations and communities. Through this, I learned a good amount about relationship building and engagement, especially involving the personal responsibility that attributes to healthy and beneficial communication, and how important relationship building and engagement is to the network mindset.

I believe much of my learning about relationship building and engagement came directly from exploring what a network mindset is. A network mindset is relationship oriented and excels and grows from the webs and ties of the relationships within the network. A network will only be as strong as its relationships and connections are. You can achieve much more through collaboration, and this requires the consistent cultivation of relationships and connections. Through my learning and exploration of these concepts, I’ve found imagining a network as one big spider web has helped create a strong mental image for myself. The structural integrity of the web improves more and more as new threads are added, just as the structural integrity of a network improves more as new relationships and connections are made.

Exploring the process of outreach and engagement has caused some major self-reflection and thoughts about what engagement is, and how to adjust our approaches to be more accommodating to the people you want to connect with. It requires effort towards trust building, which needs focus on improving ourselves to be able to demonstrate consideration and respect, be open and transparent with the way we speak and to work on how we listen and process information that’s being presented to us. These are just a few important steps that I believe help in building a safe environment to communicate.

Trust building is vital to the engagement process. The building of trust promotes transparency, respect, and active listening which raises the potential of better conversations, provides more benefit for both people and creates a safe space for communication. An important part of communication and connecting in a network involves creating these safe spaces for conversation to cultivate the necessary environment to openly share and feel comfortable as well. I feel as if there is an initial fear of connection and that focusing on showing respect, being transparent, and actively listening can combat the initial resistance that may come with engaging with others.

While adjusting my approach to reaching out, I focused on showing respect for people’s time through increased preparation and planning to maximize the quality of time spent with others. I wanted to show that I value the time and energy someone is willing to offer to a conversation with me. I feel that this preparation and planning process can be an extremely good habit to follow in any form of communication, whether it be a large amount or even just simple preparation.

As I focused on transparency and relationship building, I found myself diving further into conversations and sharing about my current studies. In return, I asked about the work and lives of the people I meet with. These conversations supported the building of trust I was aiming towards and allowed me to feel stronger relationships and connections being built in the process. Opening yourself up, sharing about your journey, and listening to someone else’s journey is important to establish a stronger connection.

Finally, I focused a lot on practicing and improving my skills in active listening. I feel that many people can relate to having conversations where you share something with someone and their response seems to not acknowledge the information you’ve shared. It feels like they sort of glance over it. This can be very demotivating for genuine connection and meaningful conversation. I practiced actively listening to what I’m hearing, taking a moment to process, and responding with an answer that acknowledges what’s being shared with me. This was to show that I value the information that I’m listening to through my response. I believe active listening is a skill that everyone should practice as it supports the focus on what someone is telling you, rather than focusing on what you are going to say next.

I believe that what I have learned and experienced this summer will translate beautifully into understanding the importance of networking for myself for career purposes and for social purposes in general. I believe that I am now much more well equipped with the tools to properly make deeper connections with others and cultivate stronger relationships in my everyday life. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the STOPS team this summer.

Want to learn more about the ‘network mindset’? Take a look at this article from Converge: The Network Mindset: Scaling Out, Not Up | by David Ehrlichman | Converge Perspectives | Medium.

Stronger... Together

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:33:12 GMT

By Tracy Knuston

Meet Wilson and Alfred. This is who I spend most of my days with. Both are 'rescues' who have had the type of experiences with humans that mean they have a different take on how to operate in the world. Of our team of three, one is a Vegas street dog, one is a Saskatchewan stray and me, a stray of a whole other kind. We are all different in our own ways however there is one thing we all have in common – our nervous systems carry stories of the lived experience of trauma. These stories in our nervous systems mean that we tend to view the world as mostly not a safe place to be. While it’s not completely wrong, it sure can cause challenges when we want to make connections with others.

This isn’t unique to our triad. Most everyone holds stories in their nervous systems because of lived experience with violence in some way or another. We’re working on shifting our views of the world. We walk a lot to practice the things we are learning about how to be out in the world of humans. Some parts are about safety and trust, which are important. Other parts are about 'manners' and interacting with people in a way that builds relationships. Our focus is to become a strong team that trusts each other and then can trust other people to join our team. Steep Hill, Steep Learning, Together…On one such walk, we went for a hike on the trails near our house with the intent of a short, easy 3 km stroll. Their person (yes - that's me) meandered off into imagination land and missed a turn. The easy, short walk turned into nearly 8 km of steep hills, mud and trails that we hadn't been on before. Scooby-Doo says it best... 'ruh roooooh!' I was worried. We aren't all that good at this kind of thing yet and my bones aren't as strong as I would like them to be.This two-legged human in the team did not have an easy time. And my two teammates knew that. They pulled me up hills, waited while I slid down banks and stopped to encourage me when I had to sit down, catch my breath and try to figure out where the heck we were. I was the navigator, despite my earlier mistake, and they were the muscle. They did what they knew how to do based on their natures - stick together, push, pull and pause. Look out for each other, rest when you need to and keep going because the destination could be right around the next corner. (Did I mention that these two are my best teachers?)And we did it. And we will do it again because now we know we can. Integrating Alignment for Collective Action …It reminded me a lot of collaborative work and network building. We all come from different places, with different values and ways of working. We all have different lived experiences that make us who we are. It takes some good navigation, a heap of trust building, a fair bit of stamina and lots of working together. And when our own stories of trauma show up in the room, when we end up in places we didn't expect or when the going gets a little gritty, we have a choice. Lean in, pull together, work from strength and find a way through together- or go off on our own and hope we end up in the same place somehow. Or not. The Stanford Social Innovation Review is one of the thought leaders that we follow at STOPS to support our learning on what it takes for deep collaboration for effective long term change. The Collective Impact model originated with a paper by John Kania and Mark Kramer in 2011. This framework and body of practice has evolved quite a lot in the past 11 years. Early in 2022, a paper was released called ‘Centering Equity in Collective Impact’ that offers a proposed revised definition of the concept of Collective Impact: “Collective impact is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions that advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems-level change.”

Centering Equity in Collective Impact (ssir.org)

That’s a great description of the STOPS to Violence Network as well. Learning together, aligning and integrating actions for systems change is slow, steady work. Where indeed, like the efforts of my canine-and-me team, we push, pull and pause and grow stronger together. At STOPS, we’ve been busy ‘behind the scenes’ the past several months as we lay the foundation to support next steps together. Keep an eye out for upcoming meetings and opportunities like the Network Exchange, Saskatchewan Violence Prevention Week and the Virtual Community Hub - cornerstones for aligning efforts and acting together. Interested in learning more about joining the STOPS to Violence Network? Email me at tracy@stopstoviolence.com and let’s walk through what that looks like. I promise not to get too lost… but hey. At least we will be together.

A weed trimmer and a wondering

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 00:29:36 GMT

By Tracy Knuston

Over the last many months, I have found myself on a solo adventure managing and taking care of my home on a small acreage in rural Saskatchewan. Having grown up as a farm kid, this is just fine with me. I also love to troubleshoot and solve puzzles - of which there are many.

One of my recent adventures involved re-spooling the trim line on the weed trimmer. Because really “how hard can it be?” (There's that's sentence that often precedes a detour on any adventure!). So I headed down to the local store that sells all things weed trimmer related, bought myself 50 feet of new line and headed home to take care of this easy, peasy task.

I got myself settled in my garage and took my trimmer apart. I tried this, tried that and then set it down knowing full well I wasn't going to ‘just figure this out’. And so off I went to summon the Google for better instructions. Fifteen minutes later, I was back in business.

Yard work is some great pondering time for me. It offers me the space and time to sit with the juicy, random questions that show up in my consciousness. This time it was the question of ‘Geez what did I do before Google?’ (Yes, I am older than the Internet.)

You know what I did? I got on the phone. I started calling people asking my questions - sometimes because I was trying to figure something out and other times just because I had a burning question that I wanted to know other people’s thoughts on. These phone calls most often transformed into a little visit, a check in and a way to reach out to people to say ‘hey I'm thinking about you’.

The Google gave me my answer but it didn't give me connection. Didn't give me a ‘hey… I have a question…’ opportunity for conversation. Sometimes I will post my curious questions on Facebook or send a text here and there. There's a little more interaction but it's still not the same. It’s a transactional exchange. There's no depth. There's no heart. There’s no presence. I still have plenty of questions but very seldom have the deep conversations I used to.

Part of this solo journey I'm on also includes rebuilding relationships and re establishing a circle of support for myself. As I work to build my own natural supports, I think a lot about our shared work focusing on strengthening natural supports to assist survivors of gender based violence and their families. Building deep relationship these days is much different than it was 25 years ago. It challenges me and my introvert nature and I find it difficult at times. I think about people who are in situations where they are experiencing violence, likely isolated and mentally and emotionally exhausted. All of this is further impacted by the past several years of COVID isolation. ‘Get out there and meet people.’ It’s not as easy as it sounds.

And so the string on my weed trimmer has opened up an exploration into what building natural supports really looks like these days. In the busy-busy of day to day life, made more intense by the zip, zip, zip of transactional exchanges, are we really hearing each other? Are we really seeing each other? What does it take to build deep, caring relationships in our current times? When we become isolated, how do we reach out to others? Who do we even reach to?

These are all questions that we're looking to explore with our Network Partners in the coming months as we dig into what it means to strengthen natural supports for people who experience violence and people who use violence. A UK Study released in June 2022 called ‘Protocol, Informal social support interventions for improving outcomes for victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse: An evidence and gap map’ offers insight into the critical roles and high level of influence that natural supports provide. Check it out at this link.

Moose Hide Campaign in Saskatchewan Reflections

Thu, 19 May 2022 00:03:06 GMT

By Nofa Slaeman

At STOPS to Violence one of our key roles is to bring people together and coordinate efforts to create greater impact as a provincial network. The Moose Hide Campaign held May 12, 2022 provided an opportunity to gather together. It is a great example of a well stewarded, well held and coordinated campaign that all can host and/or participate in taking a stand against violence. The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians - standing up to end violence against women and children.

It started with a simple invitation to attend an information session provided by Moose Hide Campaign co-founder, Raven Lacerte, and CEO, David Stevenson, hosted by STOPS to Violence. This event was held on January 6, 2022 and drew many interested network partners and others from across the province. Not surprisingly, with the word out to many, and as ‘somebody told body else’, many efforts were put into organizing varying ways of participation in the campaign.

To create space for a shared experience, reflection, and discussion on the day of Moose Hide Campaign, STOPS To Violence held a live stream session. Approximately 60 people from across the province joined to watch the live stream of the national opening ceremonies, which included messages from the co-founders and keynote speakers. During the session participants also had an opportunity to reflect and share their insights in small group discussions.

This opportunity to gather provided a chance to meaningfully reflect and renew our commitment to taking a stand against violence towards women and children. It gave those in attendance an opportunity to speak what they felt and heard from the speakers and the founders of the Moose Hide Campaign. For me it was to really reflect on who I stand for and renew my commitment to continue to stand for the things that matter most even when the conversations and actions are difficult to do.

We were not alone in gathering and participating - individuals, organizations and communities across Saskatchewan raised awareness and participated in the Moose Hide Campaign. Some of the efforts that we have heard about, to date, include:

Hundreds of students from the community of Indian Head joined for a walk to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. See article here.
Flying Dust in Northern Saskatchewan organized a father-daughter dance as well as an evening held for men to spend with Elders.
The Regina Sexual Assault Centre and Regina Transition House coordinated and partnered with Regina Public Library to spread awareness about the Moose Hide campaign by setting up a display with education materials and Moose Hide Campaign pins.
In Saskatoon, students from10 different grade 8 classes raised their voices for change by gathering for speeches, music and dance followed by a march to Saskatoon City Hall. See the article here.
The First Nations University held an Indigenous Fatherhood Panel and offered Moose Hide Campaign pins on the day of the campaign.

Thank you to all those who wore a pin, participated in the STOPS to Violence live stream session, and to all who held walks, events, and conversations. Our collective efforts create greater possibilities for change.