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When survivors speak, change is possible 

Earlier this year, Esperanza United hosted our first Congressional Week of Action – five days dedicated to bringing more survivor voices into national policy conversations. Over the course of the week, we organized 23 meetings between survivors and congressional representatives and trained 31 advocates – all of which proved what we’ve […]

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Conversations Over Cafecito: Spotlight on Enlace Comunitario

In this episode of Conversations over Cafecito, the second part of a special series for Hispanic Heritage Month, we sit down with Michelle Vilchez, a Latina leader with over 30 years of community service and advocacy experience. Michelle shares her journey of working across movements for democracy, education, and civic engagement, […]

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Leadership in Community with Vivian Huelgo and Brisa De Angulo

At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take communities, working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values.  To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D. is […]

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Breaking assumptions, building bonds 

When a Spanish-speaking father picked up the phone to call Esperanza United, he did it with a knot in his throat. He wasn’t sure anyone would believe him. In his mind, echoed the same old phrases he had heard too many times: “Men are not victims. Men endure. Men don’t cry.”  […]

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Thank you, survivors, for climbing Capitol Hill to demand justice

Marina Lacerda, Danielle Bensky, Anouska De Georgiou, Courtney Wild, Haley Robson, Annie Farmer, Teresa Helm, Liz Stein, Jena-Lisa Jones, Lisa Phillips, Jess Michaels — and every survivor who stood, spoke, or showed up — thank you. Thank you for speaking up for those who are no longer here, and for saying […]

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Leadership in Community with Vivian Huelgo and Gloria Perez

At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take communities, working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values.  To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D. is […]

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Community engagement with faith-based organizations: Supporting Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence  

Supporting Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence through faith-based community engagement  Faith-based organizations often serve as trusted hubs for spiritual, emotional, and material support. For Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence, these spaces can be both healing and challenging. Domestic violence organizations can better support survivors by building intentional partnerships with […]

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What is youth participatory action research?

Through active participation in research, youth develop critical skills while addressing issues that deeply matter to their communities. Youth participatory action research (YPAR) supports youth on their path to academic and professional success and creates opportunities to reflect on the root causes of social problems. It also promotes civic engagement, leadership, […]

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Burnout in domestic violence and sexual assault organizations

Burnout matters in domestic violence and sexual assault organizations because advocates carry a heavy emotional and practical load. They are often exposed to stories and experiences of violence through their clients, while also navigating their own personal histories. At the same time, they juggle high caseloads, limited resources, and the lasting […]

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