Monthly update – CASASC Connections – November

Welcome back to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of November.

 

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in need of volunteers to join the 24/7 help line, with shifts available through the phone and text/webchat.

We are looking for minimum of five volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

 

Community Connections

If you are aware of any community events or booths (across Central Alberta) that we could attend throughout the year, please share with us at education@casasc.ca

Our presence at events is informative and awareness-based, educational, interactive and applicable for all audiences and ages. We do not talk about sexual health or sex education and can adapt our messaging to need topics or programs and services.

 

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Use the colour purple to show your support all month long.

Visit our webpage to stay updated on all we have going on all month

Shine Bright – Purple is the colour of choice for Family Violence Prevention Month. Show your support by sporting purple lights and decorations throughout the month. Turn on those purple Christmas lights early, buy a purple light bulb for your porch light or get your workplace to shine purple.

November 25  – Purple Day of Action

Mark your calendar for November 25 and plan to wear purple. Join us as we wear purple and celebrate a Family Violence Prevention Day of Action with our communities.

Re-share Awareness

One of the most impactful and effective ways to show your support this November is to re-share and like messages on social media. Help organizations like CASASC to spread awareness far and wide about preventing family violence.

Start a conversation

There are so many ways to get involved:

-Start conversations with family and friends, let them know you are there to support them, show them you care

-Dispel myths about family violence

-Donate to a family violence prevention organization

Join in the action

Participate in one or more of our suggested social action activities. Complete them on or by November 25 and celebrate your successes with us.

-Kids/Teens – Make a card with a kind message for someone who you are grateful for (bus driver, librarian, teacher, counsellor, family member). Tell them how much you care about them or thank them for something nice they have done.

-Kids/Teens – Do something nice for a family member, sibling, cousin etc.

-Family – Do an activity together, something you’ve never done before or a game you all enjoy

-Family – Do an activity for each letter of the word P-U-R-P-L-E (ex. For the first P – go to the Play ground, U …, R – eat some red candy etc.)

-Adult – Do something fun/spontaneous with a friend – go for coffee, show them you care and are there to support them. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

-Create a safety plan, just like how we should have a safety plan in place for a natural disaster (even though we may never need it), we should have a safety plan in place for if we ever are in a place of harm/discomfort.

 

November editions of our online learning series

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline (45 min)

Monday, Nov 28 @ 6-6:45 pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/390733202527

 

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support

Wed, Nov 30 @ 4-5 pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

 

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Thurs, Nov 10, 9:30-10:00 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305069279427

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Tues, Nov 8, 10-11 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305057193277

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Mon, Nov 21, 11-11:45 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305060773987

 

Consent 101 (60 min)

Fri, Nov 18, 3-4 pm MST

Tues, Nov 29, 9-10 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305082248217

 

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

January 24 and 25, 2023

9:00 am – 5:00 pm MT

Calgary, Alberta

Join us for FRT training – Facilitated by a member of our CASASC team.

Early bird cost available to those who register by November 15.

Registration Required

$250 before Nov 15, 2022

$299 after Nov 15, 2022

Register here

This comprehensive training is intended to build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals, and community members to respond effectively to disclosure of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment from children and adults. Training covers the full continuum of topics related to sexual violence across the lifespan.

 

Celebrating one year of the Only Yes Mean Yes Consent Campaign

November 4 marks one year of Only Yes Means Yes consent campaign out in the community.

Need a poster refresh or would you like some business card sized information for public? Let us know and we’re happy to share with you.

OYMY changes how we look at and understand consent. It focuses on positive consent in which only affirmative consent matters.

Read more about the poster campaign and how to get involved here