Neighbors, Friends, this just in: Our opportunity to honor those we've lost and a chance to help those they left behind. Please read on to find out how.

—Lisa Vaas, Moderator

 

Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month: One Voice: From City Hall to the State House

 

Enacted in 2000, Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month is an annual observance for survivor of homicide victims held November 20th through December 20th.

 

 

 

During awareness month, survivors across the state are provided with many opportunities to honor the memories of the loved ones, reflect on their journey as survivors, connect with other survivors and needed services, learn more about the Massachusetts Victim's Rights Movement, as well as explore healthy ways for them heal.

 

 

 

Each year, there are a number of events and activities that take place in communities across the Commonwealth impacted by homicide held by providers serving survivors and survivors who are transforming their pain and anger into power and action.

2. Now Accepting "One Voice" Event Listings

The holiday season is one of the most difficult times of years for survivors of homicide victims, organize an event that will remind them that they are not alone and there is on-going support throughout the year toward their journey toward healing.

 

In addition to supporting families impacted by violence, it is also important to provide the space and support for the providers who serve them (see LDBPI-sponsored and co-sponsored events

 

HOSTING AN EVENT?

1. Complete the event listing template, then email to marisa@ldbpeaceinstitute.org

 

 

SHVAM Event Listing Template (survivors and providers)

 

Date:

 

Name of Event:

 

Time:

 

Location:

 

Description:

 

Event Sponsor(s): This event is sponsored by {insert name(s)}

 

Contact Name:

 

Contact Phone:

 

Contact Email:

 

NEED EVENT IDEAS?

1. Host an open house or holiday gathering at your local police station, DA's office, health facility, community center, program, etc.

2. Encourage your place of worship to host a special healing services fro survivors.

3. Invite a survivor to speak at your meeting, program or event.

4. Send holiday cards to survivors.

5. Keep survivors informed on existing and new programs and services.

6. Write a media statement to let community leaders, elected officials, survivors and the media know what you and/or program are doing to promote peace.

7. Recognize those who are making contributions on behalf of victims and survivors.

8. Submit a request for your city or town selectman or mayor to issue a proclamation for Survivors of Homicide Awareness Month (click here for language)

9. Adopt a school in your community and make it a Peace Zone school

10. Re-connect with survivors (relatives, friends, colleagues, students, significant others, neighbors, etc) and attend an event with them

 

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT?

1. Attend one or more events taking place during SHVAM 2011. Make sure your city is represented at the Opening Ceremony on November 21, 2011.

2. Re-connect with a survivor and/or a family

3. Promote SHVAM 2011 by emailing calendar of events out to your networks and contact lists

4.

 

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

 

 

 

11th ANNUAL SURVIVORS OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS AWARENESS MONTH

 

NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 20

 

 

 

Join us as we honor the lives of loved ones lost to homicide, celebrate survivors of homicide victims who have made it through another year, and recognize city and state officials, providers and community-based organizations who help families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of homicide.

 

 

 

OPENING CEREMONY

 

November 21, 2011

 

Massachusetts State House

 

Grand Staircase

 

 

 

 

10:30 AM

 

 

 

Currently accepting event listings for the SHVAM calendar of events.

 

If you and/or your organization would like to submit an event to be promoted on our website and at PI-sponsored events, please complete the event listing template, then email it to marisa@ldbpeaceinstitute.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact Marisa Luse at

 

617-825-1917 or marisa@ldbpeaceinstitute.org

 

 

 

www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org