The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) is seeking workshop proposals for our 24th Advocates’ Retreat and Conference! 

We recognize that working in this field can feel like we’re on the never-ending path to create change that we’ll never see. It’s work that can consist of equal parts hope, optimism, frustration, and exhaustion. Through this year’s conference theme “Forging Ahead: Our Map to a World Without Violence,” we hope to bring opportunities for the advocacy community to connect, share information, and engage in efforts needed to address and prevent intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and/or stalking. We also recognize the urgent need for opportunities to identify and explore how to sustain ourselves and our workforce in the movement to end violence.

When is the conference and where is it being held?
We are excited to return to the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach, DE on May 5-6, 2025!

Who attends the conference?
Advocates, survivors, victim service providers, offender treatment providers, preventionists, and other direct service professionals are typical attendees.  The majority of attendees are from Delaware, though out-of-state attendees are welcome!

What kinds of workshops are we looking for?
Workshop proposals being sought include, but are not limited to, the following topic areas:

• Advocate wellness/sustaining the workforce
• Advanced DV intervention/service skills (for providers who have been in the field 5+ years)
• Delaware-specific services/programs
• Legal services/remedies for survivors
• Building effective collaborations
• Strategies to strengthen economic supports and promote economic justice
• Family violence/non-intimate-partner violence
• Innovative approaches to policy, systems, and/or environmental change
• Increasing access, services, and support for culturally-specific/underserved populations
• Best practices/core skills for direct service providers (including advocates, counselors, therapists, hotline workers, etc.)
• Technology safety

We recognize that the roots of domestic violence and trauma are grounded in issues of power and privilege.  We encourage workshops that use an intersectional, anti-oppression framework, and address issues like racial or gender equity.

Preference will be given to workshop proposals that:

• Enhance the skills of participants in building and/or strengthening collaborations and improving advocacy practices, policies, programming and services;
• Are interactive, learner-centered, and incorporate adult learning principles;
• Center the experiences of marginalized groups and how to provide more inclusive services;
• Align with the identified topics or conference theme

Submissions that advertise a product, service for profit, book or other effort meant to make money during your presentation will not be considered.

How many workshops will be selected?
The conference typically consists of two keynote presentations, 1-2 plenary sessions, and approximately 15 breakout sessions over two days.  This structure is subject to change.

How long is each presentation?
Breakout session workshops are 90 minutes, while keynotes and plenary sessions range from 45-60 minutes.

How many learners should I prepare for?
Keynote and plenary sessions are open to all attendees (115-125), but workshops will range from 35-50 attendees.

What will I receive for presenting?

• Limited financial assistance is available for travel and lodging expenses for presenters.
• Presenters are welcome to attend any sessions on the day of their presentation.  If a presenter wishes to attend the entire conference, a discounted registration rate will be available.
• A/V equipment (projector, computer, speakers, Internet, flip chart) will be provided.

How do I submit a proposal?

• Proposals are due to DCADV via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DERETREAT25 by Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
• Submissions will also be accepted via email at training@dcadv.org.  However, using the proposal form is highly preferred wherever possible.

In your proposal, please include:

• Title of proposed workshop (12 words or less)
• Presenters’ name(s) and contact information (organization, title, address, email, phone)
• Biography of presenter(s) (150 words maximum)
• Workshop abstract (75-100 words to be used in conference materials if selected)
• Description of your presentation that discusses the content, main points to be covered, relevance to conference attendees, and how the session is unique from others that might address the same topic (300-500 words)
• 2-3 measurable session learning objectives
• Level of workshop (introductory; intermediate; advanced)

What happens after I submit my proposal?
Proposals will be reviewed by the Retreat Planning Advisory Committee in late January 2025.  All those who have submitted a proposal will be notified of their selection status in mid-February 2025.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Courtney Winkler, DCADV's Training & Outreach Coordinator, at training@dcadv.org or 302-658-2958 ext. 115.

This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention and Services Program.