GREENVILLE, S.C. — The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) will hold its first annual roundtable conference on Aug. 3, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, 4295 Augusta Rd. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
This event is being sponsored by Sean’s Last Wish, which was started by Elke Kennedy after her son Sean became the victim of a hate crime on May 16, 2007.
This free conference will address key issues with workshops on LGBTQ-inclusion in social services, the political landscape of the queer South, engaging faith communities and The Trevor Project Lifeguard Workshop or Connect, Accept, Respond, Empower (CARE): How to support LGBTQ youth.
Kennedy told qnotes in an interview via email that her organization has been a member of NCAVP for three years. She has been working with them on issues as they relate to hate violence, domestic and sexual violence and bullying. She added, “The past two years we have collected data on violence and bullying as well as suicide. NCAVP creates a report each year on the above mentioned topics, and since we collected our data and shared that with them, for the first time southern data on these topics was included in this national report.”
Sean’s Last Wish had made requests for the last three years for NCAVP to hold its national round table and regional training academy in Greenville, adding that she knew how important it was to finally get a national organization to accept the invitation.
Kennedy’s organization was selected because “we are working on the same topics as does the NCAVP and we were willing to hold and organize this event. This is a historic event for Greenville,” Kennedy added. Lastly, she commented that by working together with organizations from all across the country and other southern states, Sean’s Last Wish and those organizations can share their successes and struggles for full acceptance.
Other organizations that will be participating include, but are not limited to, The Trevor Project, Campus Pride and Southerners on New Ground.
NCAVP member organization representing states from across the country will be attending for this historical event. AVP empowers LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy. NCAVP is the only national coalition dedicated to reducing violence and its impacts on LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities in the U.S. It currently brings together LGBTQH anti-violence programs in cities and regions across the U.S. and in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. It is comprised of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change, its mission states.
Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Lunch will be provided. Deadline to RSVP is July 29 and should be directed to elke@seanslastwish.org, with name and organization, if applicable.
Hotel reservations can be made by calling 877-859-5095. Mention NCAVP to obtain special rates.
info: ncavp.org. seanslastwish.org.