“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall Activism is all about taking action, whether those actions big or small. To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we’ve chosen 16 action words to suggest ways you can get involved. We encourage you to think about what activism means to you and to come up with your own list of actions! What can you commit to do – right here and right now – to help end gender-based violence? Day One Activism can sometimes be as simple as checking in on those in your community. Connect with others to ask how they’re doing and if they’re feeling safe. Trust your instincts. Seniors, neighbours, friends, and family can all benefit when we keep our eyes and ears open and reach out from time to time. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to get help from one – shelters can give advice in person or over the phone, for you or someone else. Call the 1-866-331-3933 hotline to be connected to a shelter near you, or visit acws.ca/shelters. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. Day Two Advocate for shelters and the women, children, and seniors they serve. Visit our website for a letter template to send to your elected representatives. Let them know that shelters are needed, now more than ever. Find the template at acws.ca/advocacy Day Three Do you know how to respond to a disclosure? Believe survivors. Listen to them and acknowledge their experiences and feelings. Even if you haven’t seen it. Even if you know or care about the person harming them. Thank them for trusting you enough to disclose what happened, and let them know help is available. Shelters are more than a bed – shelters can connect survivors and their supporters with many different resources and services. Find a shelter near you at acws.ca/shelters Day Four Learn about the various tactics those who cause harm use to control and dominate. Abuse is not limited to physical violence, and you can learn more about other forms of abuse at acws.ca/domesticviolence New for lawyers: Would you like to learn more about recent changes to the Divorce Act? ACWS is offering training for lawyers in partnership with the Legal Education Society of Alberta in January 2022. Check out our calendar of events to find more information and to register: acws.ca/events Day Five Listen to women. Women are the experts about their experiences. There are some amazing women to listen to on the ACWS Legal Matters Podcast, now available on our website. The podcast examines topics that affect survivors of domestic violence and the frontline organizations that support them. You can watch or listen to the first episode, Changes to the Divorce Act: acws.ca/podcast Day Six “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.” – Margaret Wheatley Have a conversation about ending gender-based violence with a friend or a colleague. How we understand who we are, or are supposed to be, defines how we act in the world, and gender roles play a big part in our interactions. Need ideas for conversation starters? Check out the Leading Change Expansion Pack, which provides activities and prompts to spark conversation, at leadingchangepack.ca Day Seven “When I hear a sexist or homophobic joke, I now respond by saying, ‘that’s not funny.’ If I see someone getting agitated for no reason, I sometimes interrupt them to ask for the time, if it seems like it will be safe to do so. It doesn’t need to be a big showy thing. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. And those times I’ve told a friend it’s not funny? It was uncomfortable, but others nearby later told me they were glad I said something – because they were tired of comments like that too.” Day Eight Give to shelters in your community. Whether it’s a monetary donation, a grocery gift card, or your time as a volunteer, shelters rely on the support of people like you. You can find a shelter in your area by visiting acws.ca/shelters – reach out and ask them what they need. Day Nine Visit acws.ca/library for a collection of reports and research focused on shelters in Alberta, community responses to gender-based violence, and initiatives to prevent violence. ACWS also published a book this year: Project Impact Reports: Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (2021). Visit our website to learn more and order a copy: acws.ca/news/project-impact-reports Day Ten Recognize Assisting survivors of domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility. Would you recognize the signs of domestic violence? You can call the shelter hotline to ask for advice, 24/7: 1-866-331-3933 Signs might include: Bruising or injuries, often blamed on clumsiness or accidents Unseasonable clothing (turtlenecks) that may cover bruising Changes in ability to concentrate Unexplained absences from work Upsetting phone calls/texts throughout the day Uncharacteristic sadness, withdrawal or exhaustion Uncharacteristic fear or anxiety Hints about trouble at home (partner’s bad temper, alcohol use, third-party concerns) Controlling behavior of spouse Turned off web camera Day Eleven Join the movement to end gender-based violence and abuse. You can find current job openings at shelters across the province on our website. Do work that makes an impact in community-based centres of trauma-informed care, programming and research. Visit acws.ca/shelter-jobs Day Twelve Everyone has a circle of influence. How can you use yours to help end gender-based violence? Share content from our social media channels and those of shelters in your area. Let others know about the help that’s available, and create awareness about domestic violence and the work that shelters do. Day Thirteen Leading Change is the call to action of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and includes training, resources, and tools grounded by evidence and the experiences of women’s shelters. Leading Change can help individuals and organizations learn about gender-based violence and build skills to lead from where they stand. Email leadingchange@acws.ca to book a presentation. Challenge yourself to lead by modelling equity-enhancing language and behaviors, and develop awareness about your unconscious biases. Day Fourteen The generosity of donors like you is integral to the work we do. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly commitment, by investing in ACWS you are advancing an organization that shifts culture. We are asking for your donation so that you can be a part of ending the violence and helping transform lives. Visit acws.ca/donate Day Fifteen You can organize a fundraiser for ACWS, or for a shelter in your community. The possibilities are endless – how can you activate your network to support the vital work of shelters? Whether it’s a virtual walk-a-thon, a donation drive, or an event, there are limitless ways to get some friends together and mobilize support from your community. Contact us at voice@acws.ca to learn how we can support your fundraising efforts. Day Sixteen What does a world without gender-based violence look like? What actions can you take today, big or small, to help realize that vision? We hope that our 16 days of action words have inspired you to make change. What action words are on your own list, and what steps will you take this year to help end gender-based violence? Share them with us on social media (#Reimagineaworld) or by sending us an email at voice@acws.ca
