Alianza Newsletter and Annual Report #4.pub

Alianza 2304 Ada NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 2008 NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT 800.216.2404 www.dvalianza.org NATIONAL LATINO ALLIANCE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF DOMESITIC VIOLENCE Alianza 2304 Ada NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 800.216.2404 www.dvalianza.org FINANCIALS ALIANZA The National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence is part of a national effort to address the domestic violence needs and concerns of under-served populations. It represents a growing network of Latina and Latino advocates, practitioners, researchers, community activists, and survivors of domestic violence. Alianza’s mission is to: promote understanding, initiate and sustain dialogue, and generate solutions that move toward the elimination of domestic violence affecting Latino communities, with an understanding of the sacredness of all relations and communities. INCOME/INGRESOS The Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) funding supports our program services. Private grants and contributions provide Grants 5% OVW 18% Private Grants 5% DHHS 76% Other 1% DHHS 27% partial support for the administration of Alianza. La Oficina de Violencia contra las Mujeres (OVW) y el Departmento de Salud y Recursos Humanos apoyan financieramente (DHHS) nuestros OVW 18% programas. Fondos y contribuciones privadas apoyan parte de los costos administrativos de Alianza. Other 1% La Alianza Latina Nacional para la Erradicación de la Violencia Doméstica (Alianza) es parte de un esfuerzo nacional para atender las necesidades y preocupaciones sobre violencia doméstica para grupos menos favorecidos. Representa una red cada vez mayor de latinos y latinas activistas comunitarios, promotores y defensores, personal de las clínicas, investigadores y sobrevivientes de la violencia doméstica. La misión de Alianza es: promover el entendimiento, iniciar y mantener el diálogo y generar soluciones hacia la erradicación de la violencia doméstica que afecta a la comunidad latina, entendiendo cuán sagradas son todas las relaciones y las comunidades. Program Services 94% Administration 6% EXPENSES/COSTOS Program Services 94% Program Services represents 94% of all Alianza expenses. community and Program services and include research education Administration 6% development, public policy advocacy, specialized technical assistance. The remaining 6% of all expenses are for the overall operation of Alianza. COSTOS Los programas de Alianza comprenden un 94% del total de los costos. Estos incuyen educación, investigación y asistencia técnica especializada. El 6% restante representa el costo de operación de Alianza. OUR BOARD AND STAFF Board of Directors/Junta Directiva Fernando Mederos Co-Chair Zulema Ruby White Starr Co-chair Grace Perez Treasurer Diana Prieto Secretary Etiony Aldorondo Juan Carlos Arean Patricia Castillo Jerry Tello Staff/Personal Agnes Maldonado Executive Director/Directora Ejecutiva Rosie Hidalgo Director of Policy and Research Directora de Politica y Investigacion Ivonne Ortiz Project Coordinator Coordinadora del Proyecto de Asistencia Técnica Thurza Torres Executive Assistant/Ayudante Ejecutiva WELCOME Dear friends, colleagues, and supporters of the National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence (Alianza), As many of you are aware, Alianza lost a very large proportion of its federal funding in the last few months. We are no longer funded as one of the Specialized Outreach Demonstration Projects for Services to Underserved and Diverse Populations. The Board and staff responded with intense discussions about our future, our mission, and options for the future. We realized that we have a deep commitment to move forward as a national organization advocating for a strong role for Latino communities in developing responses to domestic violence that reflect the positive values and strengths that are part of our culture and our history. We are excited about our mission. In addition to reaffirming our vision and our commitment to our work, this is a time of changes for us. One of these is the departure of Adelita Medina, Alianza’s Executive Director for the last eight years. Adelita’s work to address domestic violence in Latino communities has been crucial in helping Alianza to evolve from a small partnership of dedicated individuals to a leader in the domestic violence field. Under her direction, Alianza established itself as a highly credible national organization that represents the interests of Latino communities regarding domestic violence programming and policy development. Above all, she was a contributor and a participant in developing and affirming a Latino vision of wholeness and healing for our communities and families. Effective January 15, 2009 Alianza will operate under the directorship of Agnes Maldonado. Agnes formerly served as the Executive Director for the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV) and as interim Director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She has a strong background in finance, planning, implementing, and managing various types of programs and a track record of achievement as a leader and builder of strong, principled, organizations. We feel blessed to have her on board at this juncture in Alianza’s history. Under Agnes’s leadership, Alianza will increase its national visibility and integrated program initiatives; increase and diversify it’s funding sources; maintain it’s standing and credibility as an organization for ongoing dialogue, research, policy, education, and advocacy; and continue to partner with local and national organizations such as Caminar Latino, the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Casa de Esperanza, SCESA, and the Domestic Violence Resource Network, including the Asian and Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence and the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community. We are moving forward with a passionate commitment to Alianza’s mission, and we have been strengthened and supported by the many people in sister organizations who have told us that we have made a difference and that we have a unique contribution to make. Thank you for your continuing support, Fernando Mederos Co-Chair, Alianza Board of Directors Z. Ruby White Starr Co-Chair, Alianza Board of Directors Board and Staff of Alianza Alianza would like to thank outgoing Board Co-chair Grace Perez for her dedication and hard work. She served as Co-chair for the past 4 years, alongside Fernando Mederos. She will remain on the Board as Treasurer. Alianza would also like to thank outgoing Executive Director Adelita M. Medina for her hard work and dedication. She served as Executive Director for nine years. We wish Adelita the very best in her future endeavors. Fernando Mederos MEDIA/MEDIO Alianza staff and board members helped with the production of two major Spanish language shows on Univision (Don Francisco Presenta and El Show de Cristina) that aired in October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In addition to having survivors and experts as guests, Don Francisco Presenta featured public service announcements by two popular Latino singers, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Juan Luis Guerra. The Mexican singer/song writer Reyli also made a special appearance and sang a very moving song dedicated to the women in his life and to his father for teaching him to respect women and never to hit them. El Show de Cristina featured the stories of several survivors, including 7 celebrities who star on popular television telenovelas (soap operas), as well as Victor Rivers Rivas, the actor, author and domestic violence advocate. The show sent the message that anyone can be the victim of abuse and that you can find help, survive abuse, and live a full and happy life. As a result of the shows, the National Domestic Violence Hotline received hundreds of additional calls the nights the shows aired and during the following days. The DV hotline operated by the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) in New York City also received hundreds of calls during the two days following Don Francisco Presenta. Calls came in from across the country, many of them from older women who, for the first time in their lives, were inspired to take some form of action. LEARNING ACROSS BORDERS BRIDES MARCHES In 2006, the Mexican legislature approved the Ley General de Acceso de las Mujeres a Una Vida Libre de Violencia (General Law of Women’s Access to a Life Free from Violence). This law requires that the Ministry of Health establish programs throughout the country to help break the cycle of violence by providing services for women who have been victims of domestic violence. It also requires the development of separate programs for men who have been abusive with the goal of eliminating the use of violence in their relationships and fostering gender equality. The Instituto de Salud Publica (the Institute of Public Health) convened a meeting on October 16-17, 2008 in Cuernavaca, Mexico, to present their project proposals and to gather input and feedback from other Latinos/as with diverse experiences in the domestic violence field. Alianza participated in these roundtable discussions to share information about promising practices and lessons learned. It was an opportunity to learn about experiences and approaches in Mexico, as well as from those representing other Latin American countries. As the project develops, Alianza will continue to participate in follow-up meetings arranged by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Personal y miembros de la mesa directiva de Alianza, contribuyeron con la producción de dos programas de la cadena televisiva en español Univisión (Don Francisco Presenta y el Show de Cristina) estos se enfocaron en el tema de la violencia en el hogar, y fueron al aire en octubre como parte del mes para la concientización de la violencia en el hogar. Además de entrevistar a sobrevivientes y expertos el Show de Don Francisco, presento avisos de servicio público encabezados por dos figuras del ambiente artístico muy populares, Gilberto Santa Rosa y Juan Luis Guerra. El cantante/escritor mexicano Reyli, hizo una presentación especial e interpretó una canción muy emotiva dedicada a las mujeres de su vida y a su padre, por enseñarle a respetar a las mujeres y nunca golpearlas. El Show de Cristina presento las historias de varios sobrevivientes, incluyendo 7 celebridades de telenovelas y Victor Rivers Rivas, actor, autor y portavoz del movimiento en contra de la violencia domestica. Como resultado de esta programación la Línea de Crisis Nacional para la Violencia Domestica recibió cientos de llamadas las noches que los programas fueron al aire y durante los días siguientes. La línea de crisis del programa de Intervención de la Violencia (VIP) en la ciudad de Nueva York, también reportó recibir centenares de llamadas durante dos días después de la presentación del Show de Don Francisco. En el 2006, la Legislatura Mexicana aprobó la Ley General de Acceso de las Mujeres a Una Vida Libre de Violencia. Esta ley requiere que el Ministerio de Salud establezca programas a través del país para ayudar a romper el ciclo de violencia domestica mediante la provisión de servicios a mujeres que han sido víctimas de la violencia domestica. Esta también requiere el desarrollo de programas para hombres que han sido abusivos con la meta de eliminar el uso de violencia en sus relaciones y fomentar ideas sobre la igualdad de género. El Instituto de Salud Pública, convocó una reunión en octubre 16-17, 2008 en Cuernavaca, México, para presentar el propuestas iniciales sobre el proyecto, recopilar sugerencias y contribuciones por parte de otros Latinos con experiencias diversas en el campo de la violencia domestica. Alianza participó en estas conversaciones de mesa redonda y compartió información acerca de prácticas prometedoras y conocimientos adquiridos. Fué una oportunidad para aprender acerca de experiencias y técnicas utilizadas en México y otros países de Latinoamérica. Mientras el proyecto se desarrolla, Alianza continuara participando de reuniones de seguimiento organizadas por el Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). BRIDES MARCHES/MARCHA DE LAS NOVIAS New York City/ Nueva York For the eighth year in a row, scores of women dressed in wedding gowns, accompanied by approximately 100 other women dressed in white and men dressed in black, marched through the streets of Manhattan and the South Bronx to raise awareness about the devastating effects of domestic violence on families and communities. The march which takes place on September 26 is held in remembrance of the death of Gladys Ricart and the many other battered women, children and others who have lost their lives to acts of domestic violence. Decenas de mujeres vestidas de novia, acompañadas por aproximadamente otras 100 mujeres vestidas de blanco y hombres vestidos de negro, marcharon a través de las calles de Manhattan y el sur del Bronx para traer conciencia sobre los efectos devastadores de la violencia en el hogar para las familias y las comunidades. La marcha se lleva a cabo en la conmemoración de la muerte de Gladys Ricart y las muchas mujeres, niños y otras victimas que han perdido sus vidas en manos de actos de violencia domestica. ALIANZA FORUMS More than 170 people from across the country and Puerto Rico attended our two-day national conference in Atlanta on March 7 & 8, 2008. The conference, La Violencia Doméstica: From Emerging Dialogues to Social Transformation: Celebrando 10 Años de Esfuerzos Unidos y Mirando Hacia el Futuro (Celebrating 10 Years of United Efforts and Looking Toward the Future), was both a celebration of our first 10 years of work and an exploration of new and promising strategies and approaches for the next decade. Participants Sacred Circles, led by Jerry Tello, center, lead the Opening Ceremony heard from several powerful and informative at Alianza’s National Conference plenary speakers and had an opportunity to take part in 17 distinct workshops that addressed the following general themes: • • • providing culturally and linguistically specific services to Latina/o families; addressing domestic violence as a human rights/social justice issue; and creating tools for community organizing and community engagement that connect our efforts to end domestic violence with broader social transformation affecting our families and communities. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Women dressed in wedding gowns, accompanied by men and children also dressed in wedding clothes, joined the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to raise awareness about domestic violence. U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), County Supervisor Peggy West and members of UMOS Latina Resource Center and Milwaukee Mujeres Against Domestic Violence led the march. Mujeres vestidas en trajes de novia, acompañadas por hombres y niños también vestidos con atuendos de boda, se unieron a la parada de la independencia de México en Milwaukee, WI el pasado septiembre 14, para la concientización sobre la violencia domestica. La representante del Congreso, Gwen Moore (D-WI), Peggy West Supervisor del Condado y los miembros del UMOS Centro de Recursos para Latinas y de Milwaukee Mujeres en contra de la violencia en el hogar encabezaron la marcha. Conference highlights included a beautiful, moving and powerful Opening Ceremony (Ceremonia), by Sacred Circles, which set the tone for two days of culturally responsive presentations, discussions, and celebrations; the unveiling of two Alianza documents; and a Closing Plenary that included a skit based on Ellen Pence’s Blanketed by Shame/Empowered by Support, which Chic Dabby from the Asian and Pacific Islander’s Institute on Domestic Violence had adapted for their national conference. Alianza’s skit was unique in that it was done bilingually and included a section on men. Another conference highlight was a presentation made by 4 Youth Researchers from Caminar Latino’s Youth Research Program, who shared their findings on the effects of domestic violence on Latino youth. Alianza staff and OVW Technical Assistance Project Partners participated in a two-day MiniInstitute in North Carolina in May 2008. PUBLICATIONS National Directory of Domestic Violence Programs Offering Services in Spanish Alianza has updated its National Directory of Domestic Violence Programs Offering Services in Spanish. The Directory which can be found on Alianza’s website at www.dvalianza.org, can help you locate organizations that provide services in Spanish and help you network with other domestic violence organizations. Please contact us if you would like to include your organization in this directory or if the listing for your program needs to be changed. • LA POLITICA PUBLICA Alianza continúa su participación transformando la legislación y políticas para asegurarse de prestar las herramientas y recursos necesarios para ayudar a erradicar la violencia en la comunidad Latina. Alianza posee una posición de liderazgo a nivel organizacional dentro del Policy Partnership for Communities of Color, en colaboración con el Instituto de Domestic Violence in African-American Communities, Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault, y el API Women and Families Safety Center. Rosie Hidalgo, Directora de Política Publica e investigación, ha participado en numerosos grupos de trabajo para discutir formas en que las pólizas respondan a las necesidades de las comunidades de color y particularmente problemáticas de alta importancia para Latinos. Rosie sirve en el Comité de Política Publica del National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) para ayudar a analizar y guiar a la junta de directores de NNEDV en temas de política publica. Rosie también participa en un grupo de trabajo para traer conciencia a problemáticas que afectan a las comunidades de color revisando las provisiones del Acta del Family Violence Prevention and Services para así motivar estrategias inclusivas y la distribución de recursos para realzar servicios culturalmente competentes y lingüísticamente accesibles para las comunidades de color. Alianza asistió en la planificación del Simposio convocado por el National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, llevado a cabo en junio. La Dr. Julia Perilla facilitó una presentación sobre prácticas prometedoras al trabajar con la comunidad Latina. Rosie Hidalgo participo en discusiones de mesa redonda sobre las problemáticas que enfrentan las comunidades inmigrantes y refugiadas. On the Road to Social Transformation The future well-being of this nation is dependent on our ability to embrace diversity, build cross-cultural understanding, help each individual reach his/her own potential, and to build a more just, non-violent society that vigorously protects the human rights of all individuals. These principles provided the underlying foundation for Alianza’s new publication, On the Road to Social Transformation: Utilizing Cultural and Community Strengths to End Domestic Violence. This document, which was published in March 2008, is the product of a collective effort drawing upon the experiences of Alianza during the past ten years, as well as the rich expertise of a diverse group of Latinos/as who comprise Alianza’s Cultural Proficiency Task Force. Alianza has distributed more than 300 copies of the publication at several forums, including the annual conference for domestic violence coalition directors and FVPSA State Administrators and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence national conference. It is available on our website. • • • • Curriculum and Supplemental Guide for Conducting Support and Empowerment Groups with Latina Survivors of Domestic Violence Alianza will soon publish its updated Curriculum and Supplemental Guide for Conducting Support and Empowerment Groups with Latina Survivors of Domestic Violence. The curriculum and its companion guide are part of Alianza’s work to develop linguistically and culturally responsive materials and trainings to assist service providers to better serve Latina DV survivors. In 2006, the first edition of the Curriculum was presented during a series of regional trainings which were held throughout the United States and attended by more than 300 individuals. The 2nd round of trainings in the use of the curriculum will take place in the fall and winter of 2008-2009. The upcoming trainings have been designed in a way that will provide the facilitator/advocate, practical and culturally proficient tools to enhance and further develop their skills facilitating support groups for Latina survivors of domestic violence. The curriculum and guide, which were developed with a grant from the US Department of Justice/Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), will be provided to those who attend the trainings. INVESTIGACION Durante el ultimo año, como parte del trabajo de investigación de Alianza la Dr. Julia Perilla continuó el trabajo en el área de investigación: • desarrollando y apadrinando futuros investigadores (a nivel de bachillerato, escuela graduada y estudiantes a nivel de post-doctorado) interesados en el trabajo relacionados con asuntos de violencia domestica en la comunidad Latina. identificando y contratando estudiantes a nivel graduado y profesionales novicios que han trabajado o están interesados en hacer trabajo investigativo con Latinos. facilitando a nuevos investigadores las conexiones con investigadores a nivel superior y otros profesionales en el área. mantuvo y expandió los archives conteniendo información sobre violencia domestica, abuso de menores, violencia sexual, violencia entre el mismo genero y abuso a envejecientes en la comunidad Latina. creo un resumen en ingles y español de artículos selectos o capítulos para ser compartidos en nuestra pagina en la red para ser utilizados por asesores de victimas y miembros de la comunidad. • • • • PUBLIC POLICY & RESEARCH POLICY Alianza continues to participate in shaping legislation and policies to ensure that they provide the necessary tools and resources to help end domestic violence in Latino communities. • PUBLICACIONES Directorio Nacional de Programas que Ofrecen Servicios en Español de Alianza Alianza ha actualizado su Directorio Nacional de Programas que Ofrecen Servicios en Español. El Directorio es útil para organizaciones que proveen servicios en español y también para ayudarle a confraternizar con otras organizaciones de violencia domestica. Para adquirir una copia de este directorio visite la pagina en el sitio web de Alianza www.dvalianza.org Alianza plays a leadership role as one of the organizational co-chairs of the Policy Partnership for Communities of Color, in collaboration with the Institute on Domestic Violence in AfricanAmerican Communities, Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault, and the API Women and Families Safety Center. Rosie Hidalgo, Alianza’s Director of Policy and Research, has participated in various task forces to discuss ways that policies can be more responsive to the needs of communities of color, and in particular to issues critical to Latinas/os, and has helped to develop fact sheets and background information on these issues. Rosie serves on the Public Policy Committee of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to help provide analysis and guidance to the NNEDV Board on public policy issues. Rosie also participates on a task force to raise issues of concern to communities of color in reviewing the provisions of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act in order to encourage inclusive strategies and the allocation of resources for the enhancement of culturally competent and linguistically accessible services for communities of color. Alianza assisted in planning the Symposium convened by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, held in Chicago on June 23-24. The focus of the symposium was on addressing the impact of DV and trauma issues in refugee communities. Dr. Julia Perilla provided a presentation on promising practices in working with Latino communities. Rosie Hidalgo participated in roundtable discussions on critical issues facing immigrant and refugee communities. De Camino Hacia la Transformación Social El bienestar futuro de esta nación depende de nuestra capacidad de aceptar la diversidad, desarrollar comprensión transcultural, ayudar a cada individuo a alcanzar su propio potencial, y de construir a una sociedad más justa, no violenta que proteja vigorosamente los derechos humanos de todos los individuos. Estos principios proporcionaron la base para la nueva publicación de Alianza De Camino Hacia la Transformación Social: Utilizando las fortalezas de la Comunidad para Erradicar la Violencia Domestica. El documento esta disponible en nuestro sitio web. • • • Sanación y Empoderamiento para Latinas Sobrevivivientes de Violencia Alianza pronto publicara el Currículo y Guía para Facilitar Grupos de Apoyo Y Empoderamiento con Mujeres Latinas Sobrevivientes de Violencia Domestica. Este currículo y guía integrada forman parte de los esfuerzos de Alianza para desarrollar materiales y entrenamientos lingüísticamente y culturalmente apropiados para ayudar a los proveedores de servicios a mejorar sus servicios a sobrevivientes de violencia domestica. En el 2006, la primera edicion el Currículo Guía fue presentada durante una serie de entrenamientos regionales que se llevaron a cabo a través de los Estados Unidos donde participaron más de 300 individuos. La segunda fase de entrenamientos en el uso del Maria Pavon y la Dra. Julia Perilla, dos de las seis currículo se llevará a cabo durante el invierno del 2008 y colaboradoras del proyecto financiando por OVW para primavera 2009. Estos entrenamientos han sido diseña- la revision del curriculo para facilitadores de grupos de apoyo, añaden efectos personales al altar ceremonial dos para ofrecer al facilitador/asesor de victima herradurante el mini-instituto el pasado 21-22 de mayo. mientas prácticas y culturalmente efectivas para realizar y seguir desarrollando sus destrezas de facilitación de grupos de apoyo para Latinas sobrevivientes de violencia domestica. El Currículo Guía, que fue desarrollado con fondos de la Oficina de la Violencia en Contra de la Mujer (OVW) será distribuido a todos los participantes de los entrenamientos y este será el enfoque de estos. • RESEARCH During the past year, as part of Alianza’s work on research, Dr. Julia Perilla continued to: • • • • • develop and mentor prospective researchers (undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students) interested in working on the issue of domestic violence in Latino communities identify and contact graduate students and new professionals who have worked or are interested in doing research with Latinos. facilitate new researchers’ connections with senior researchers and other professionals in the field. maintain and expand archives on the topics of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence, same gender violence and elder abuse in Latino populations create English and Spanish summaries of selected articles or chapters for posting on the website to be used by advocates and community members. WORKING WITH MEN AND BOYS Alianza firmly believes that the eradication of domestic violence from Latino communities requires the ongoing and committed participation of both Latinas and Latinos. In 2008, Alianza published a position paper entitled Working with Men and Boys to End Domestic Violence to further the dialogue about this important principle. Alianza believes that our work with men and boys is about social change. Cultural values and traditions that may support and condone domestic abuse must be identified and questioned. At the same time, those traditions and values that enhance life-giving and respectful relationships must be emphasized and used extensively in programs, interventions, campaigns and trainings in our communities. Our work with men must be carried out at both the intervention and prevention levels. The safety, well being, and reality of women and children have to be at the center of our work with men. Thus, at the same time that we work with men who have used violence against their partners and children, we must also engage men who have stopped their violence and want to continue their journey towards non-violence, and involve men who have never used violence and want to join the work of eradicating domestic violence from our communities. Although the work with men is an essential part of our effort, prevention initiatives with our youth should also be a major priority in breaking the cycle of violence. As Jerry Tello, one of the founders of Alianza and the Director of the National Compadres Network, says, “The question is not whether we make working with young men a priority or not, but where we will meet them. Will it be in a rites of passage program, or in jail, in the gangs, and in court where we see another generation of wounded men passing on their hurts to all those around them?” The innovation that Alianza proposes goes beyond using traditional models of services, interventions, and strategies that simply have Latina/o staff and clients. True social change requires a profound belief that from the strengths and assets of Latina/o people and communities, new and effective models can emerge that speak much more clearly and powerfully to the people with whom we are doing the work of eradicating domestic violence in our communities. Part of Alianza’s mission is to promote dialogue. We invite you to visit our website at www.dvalianza.org and get a copy of this position paper. Let us know how the content of the paper matches your experiences and principles. Please send your comments/feedback to Rosie Hidalgo, Alianza’s Director of Policy and Research at rhidalgo@dvalianza.org. TRABAJANDO CON HOMBRES Y NIÑOS Alianza cree firmemente que la erradicación de la violencia en los hogares de la comunidad Latina, requiere la participación continua y comprometida de ambos Latinas y de Latinos. En 2008, Alianza publicó un documento de posición titulado “Trabajando con Hombres y Niños para Erradicar Violencia”, para así fomentar el diálogo sobre este importante principio. Alianza cree que nuestro trabajo con los hombres y los niños es sobre cambio social. Los valores y las tradiciones culturales que pueden apoyar y perdonar abuso doméstico deben ser identificados y cuestionados. Al mismo tiempo, esas tradiciones y valores que realzan las relaciones respetuosas y de entrega total, se deben acentuar y utilizar extensivamente en programas, intervenciones, campañas y entrenamientos en nuestras comunidades. Etiony Aldarondo, Ph.D., Alianza Board Member, delivered a plenary speech at Alianza’s Annual Conference, entitled: Engaging Men and Boys in the Struggle to End Domestic Violence. Nuestro trabajo con los hombres se debe llevar a cabo en ambos niveles- intervención y prevención. La seguridad, el bienestar, y la realidad de las mujeres y los niños tienen que estar en el centro de nuestro trabajo con los hombres. Así, a la vez que trabajamos con los hombres que han utilizado violencia contra sus parejas y sus niños, debemos también incluir a los hombres que han parado su violencia y quieren continuar su camino hacia la no-violencia, e involucrar a hombres que nunca han utilizado violencia y quieren unirse el trabajo de erradicar la violencia en los hogares de nuestras comunidades. Aunque el trabajo con los hombres es parte esencial de nuestro esfuerzo, las iniciativas de prevención con nuestra juventud deben también ser una prioridad importante para romper el ciclo de la violencia. Como Jerry Tello dice, uno de los fundadores de Alianza y el director de la Red Nacional de Compadres, “la pregunta no es si hacemos el trabajo con los hombres jóvenes una prioridad o no, pero donde los encontraremos. ¿Será a través de un programa de ritos de paso, o en cárcel, en las gangas, o ante el tribunal donde vemos otra generación de hombres heridos que pasan sus heridas a todo el que esta alrededor de ellos?” La innovación que Alianza propone va más allá de usar modelos de servicios tradicionales, de intervenciones y estrategias que simplemente se refieren a empleados y clientes Latinos. El cambio social verdadero requiere una creencia profunda de que la fuerza y las virtudes de la gente y de la comunidad Latina, pueden nacer modelos nuevos y eficaces que hablen más claramente y sean de mayor alcance para la gente con quien estamos haciendo el trabajo de erradicación de la violencia en nuestras comunidades. Parte de la misión de Alianza es promover el diálogo. Le invitamos a visitar nuestra página en la web www.dvalianza.org para adquirir una copia de nuestro documento de posicion. Envíe por favor sus comentarios, opiniones y sugerencias a Rosie Hidalgo, Directora de Políticas e Investigación de Alianza a rhidalgo@dvalianza.org.