Summer in Minnesota means festivals and outdoor events and Sojourner is taking advantage of the season! Staff, board members and volunteers have been happily heading out into the community to raise awareness about domestic violence, share our services and connect with potential new partners. First we celebrated at the Twin Cities Pride Festival before heading over to Hopkins Raspberry Days. In September, you’ll find us in Wayzata to celebrate James J. Hill Days. It has been wonderful to see many new and old faces and to share our work to prevent violence, advocate for safer communities and support the immediate and long-term needs of survivors. It is essential that we are a visible part of the community because, as we tell those who stop by our table, you may not need our services but chances are you’ll know a friend, neighbor or family member who will. Unfortunately, with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men being victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, we know that this is likely to be true*.
Many people living in our community would be shocked by the number of clients Sojourner serves who come directly from their neighborhoods. Last year, Sojourner worked with almost 1,000 people specifically from Western Hennepin county. With nearly 350 children whose lives were impacted by our community advocacy services.These are the communities in which we are working to dispel myths and break the silence around domestic violence and sexual assault. Sojourner was started by two women who saw the secrecy and pain of domestic violence and decided to speak up and do something. Each of us has the potential to raise awareness and further the cause of safer communities for all.
Here are three ways you can help:
Educate yourself! Follow Sojourner on Facebook for articles and news, watch documentaries and attend events.
Start conversations about domestic violence with friends and family by sharing articles on social media, inviting people to attend public forums with you and speaking up when you hear jokes or comments which downplay the issue.
Invite Sojourner to speak at your business, community group or religious organization. We provide free, awareness raising presentations tailored to fit the needs of each specific organization.
Sojourner is honored to be a part of the incredible communities we serve and to partner with so many wonderful supporters. We have important resources to share and by inviting us into your workplace or group you have the potential to truly impact your community. You may not know who is in need of our services but by opening the door to us, you may also open the door for a victim to become a survivor. To schedule a presentation or simply discuss how you can be involved, contact Laura@SojournerProject.org.