Bernice Hancock, Executive Director of Community Education Network, coordinating agency of Southwestern Coalition to End Violence, welcomed everyone to the 11th Annual General Meeting of SWCEV. A special welcome was given to those who were participating in the Inclusive Communities Regional Conference.
Providing a brief history and background of Southwestern Coalition to End Violence, Bernice acknowledged the continued financial contribution provided by the Provincial Government through the Violence Prevention Initiative. Identifying the uniqueness of the SWCEV, one of nine Regional Coordinating Committees (RCC), being it is the only RCC that has three local coordinating committees (LCC) under one umbrella: Peaceful Communities (Port aux Basques and coastal communities); H.E.L.P Committee (Burgeo & area); and the Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence (BSG area).
Following the recommendation of Violence Prevention Newfoundland and Labrador, she announced that SWCEV has officially changed their name to Violence Prevention Southwest (VPSW) with all social media and website reflecting the change.
The 2017-2018 Annual Activity Report, Financial Report and the Audited Financial Statements was presented. Members from each LCC was invited to highlight their respective committee and year.
Krystal Hill of Peaceful Communities; Kathy Cutler of H.E.L.P Committee and Janice Kennedy of BSG Coalition to End Violence highlighted activities over the past year. Common highlights included:
- Sexual Violence Awareness activities
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events
- Violence Prevention Month initiatives and partnerships in the community and schools.
- Community Education and Public Awareness Activities ongoing
- Suicide Prevention presentations
- Lunch and Learn activities
- 16 Days of Activism
Those in attendance were thanked by Bernice and invited to view a 45-minute all-access documentary revealing Gemma Hickey’s physical changes and internal struggles during their gender transformation.
Gemma is best known for co-leading the movement that legalized same-sex marriage in Canada and they’re the founder of Pathways, an organization that offers support to survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Following the screening participants enjoyed a time of networking and socializing including offering a traditional ritual of making one of Egale Canada’s facilitators a honourary Newfoundlander.