By: Kenneth E. Noyes, Executive Director
It is often said that change is good and my transition presents new opportunities for DCCADV. The Coalition’s transformation in the last five years has yielded extremely positive results for victims and survivors of domestic violence. DCCADV and its membership have strengthened partnerships, enhanced training efforts with law enforcement and member advocates, increased statutory rights and protections for victims and survivors and successfully increased the number of emergency and transitional shelter beds in the city. As a coalition we can all be proud.
Our strength as a community of providers has been the linchpin for increased credibility and influence with policy makers and systems’ leadership. Government leaders increasingly rely upon the Coalition’s knowledge and membership resources as they evaluate the effects of new policies or legislation. This is a testament to the vision and shared expertise all of you bring to strengthening the Coalition. When you think of the Coalition, think of yourselves and your roles in our successes.
Last year, Councilmember Phil Mendelson commended the Coalition for its memberships’ expertise and ability to galvanize to educate about the needs of victims and survivors. This statement truly reflects the added value we bring as a cohesive group with shared priorities. Councilmember Mendelson indicated that he wished more organizations worked together to present a plan that addresses the communities they represent. I can think of no higher compliment that attests to our victories on behalf of those facing the challenges of domestic abuse.
As we embark upon funding advocacy for FY11, our power as a coalition is critical and will continue to be recognized among policy makers. At no other time during my tenure at the Coalition have we faced such difficult funding challenges. In the next fiscal year, the DC Government faces a $500 million budget deficit. As such, we must unify to make our most convincing case for sustained funding.
The Coalition is preparing not only a plan that represents the needs of our membership but also new revenue generating ideas that the District Council can use to create long-term funding for services. No matter what the future brings, the Coalition will remain united and our city’s leadership will recognize and respond to our shared resolve to better the lives of those we serve.
Finally, I want to thank the Coalition staff and board of directors for their outstanding work. In the last 15 months alone, we have jointly helped change city policy on workplace violence, trained and educated hundreds of member program staff and community stakeholders, repeatedly educated policy makers on the effects of proposed legislation, and begun the overhaul of our website to better serve membership and the community. All of this is just a snapshot of our work and it was all achieved by a brilliant and committed group of folks that never waivered from addressing the needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence and the organizations that serve them. I am extremely gratified to know that their leadership will continue to strengthen the coalition in the years to come.
All the best,
Ken
