DCADV is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2027 Advocates' Training & Networking Event!

The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) is preparing for our 26th Advocates’ Training & Networking Event! 

For decades, victim service professionals and advocates have worked tirelessly to support victims and survivors, navigate evolving challenges, and advance safety, justice, and healing in their communities. Through changing policies, funding uncertainties, and an ever-evolving landscape of victim services, their compassion, dedication, and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. Every connection made, every voice heard, and every survivor supported contributes to lasting change.

Advocates and victim service professionals are catalysts for change, helping survivors navigate their own paths forward while working to create communities where safety, dignity, and empowerment are possible for all. This year, as we gather for the Advocates’ Training & Networking Event, we embrace the theme, “Making Waves, Creating Change: Advancing Survivor-Centered Advocacy and Empowerment.” Like waves that create ripples far beyond the shore, our collective efforts have the power to strengthen services, challenge barriers, and transform how we support victims and survivors.

Through this year’s event, we hope to foster meaningful connections, encourage thoughtful dialogue, and share knowledge and innovative approaches that strengthen our collective response to intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking. We invite workshop proposals that inspire learning, elevate survivor voices, promote empowerment, and advance survivor-centered practices. Together, we can exchange ideas, build skills, and explore new possibilities for creating meaningful change. Just as importantly, we recognize the people behind this essential work and the importance of supporting one another as we continue to learn, grow, and make waves in our communities.

The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) is seeking workshop proposals for our 26th Advocates’ Training & Networking Event!

When is the conference and where is it being held?
We are excited to return to the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach, DE on May 3-4, 2027!

Who attends the conference?
Advocates, survivors, victim service providers, offender treatment providers, preventionists, and other direct service professionals are typical attendees.  The majority of attendees are from Delaware, though out-of-state attendees are welcome!

What kinds of workshops are we looking for?
Workshop proposals being sought include, but are not limited to, the following topic areas:

*Advanced DV intervention/service skills

We have a number of seasoned providers who are looking for training beyond the basics

*Building effective collaborations across systems and services

What are some innovative ways we can work together across community-based and systems-based services to improve outcomes for victims/survivors-- especially when so many of us are doing more with less?

*Increasing access, services, and support for culturally-specific/underserved populations

How are you ensuring access for all survivors?

*Innovative approaches to policy, systems, and/or environmental change

Share how you’re working toward preventing or eliminating gender-based violence and how we can apply those strategies.

*Legal services/remedies for survivors (civil or criminal)

How can victims/survivors pursue justice in different ways? What rights and services are available to them? How can advocates and providers help?

*Family violence/non-intimate-partner violence

We know that domestic violence can reach beyond intimate partners. How can we better address those other dynamics?

*Best practices/core skills for direct service providers

There are so many foundational skills that are essential for advocates, counselors, therapists, hotline workers!

We recognize that the roots of domestic violence and trauma are grounded in issues of power and privilege.  We encourage workshops that use an intersectional, anti-oppression framework, and address issues like racial or gender equity.

Preference will be given to workshop proposals that:

• Enhance the skills of participants in building and/or strengthening collaborations and improving advocacy practices, policies, programming and services;
• Are interactive, learner-centered, and incorporate adult learning principles;
• Center the experiences of marginalized groups and how to provide more inclusive services;
• Align with the identified topics or conference theme

Submissions that advertise a product, service for profit, book or other effort meant to make money during your presentation will not be considered.

How many workshops will be selected?
The conference typically consists of two keynote presentations, 1-2 plenary sessions, and approximately 15 breakout sessions over two days.  This structure is subject to change.

How long is each presentation?
Breakout session workshops are 90 minutes, while keynotes and plenary sessions range from 45-60 minutes.

How many learners should I prepare for?
Keynote and plenary sessions are open to all attendees (115-125), but workshops will range from 35-50 attendees.

What will I receive for presenting?

• Limited financial assistance is available for travel and lodging expenses for presenters.
• Presenters are welcome to attend any sessions on the day of their presentation.  If a presenter wishes to attend the entire conference, a discounted registration rate will be available.
• A/V equipment (projector, computer, speakers, Internet, flip chart) will be provided.

How do I submit a proposal?

• Proposals are due to DCADV via  by Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. via Survey Monkey.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCADV2027.  
• Submissions will also be accepted via email at training@dcadv.org.  However, using the proposal form is highly preferred wherever possible.

In your proposal, please include:

• Title of proposed workshop (10 words or less)
• Presenters’ name(s) and contact information (organization, title, address, email, phone)
• Biography of presenter(s) (150 words maximum)
• Workshop abstract (75-100 words to be used in conference materials if selected)
• Description of your presentation that discusses the content, main points to be covered, relevance to conference attendees, and how the session is unique from others that might address the same topic (300-500 words)
• 2-3 measurable session learning objectives
• Level of workshop (introductory; intermediate; advanced)

What happens after I submit my proposal?
Proposals will be reviewed by the Retreat Planning Advisory Committee in late January 2027.  All those who have submitted a proposal will be notified of their selection status in mid-February 2027.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Courtney Winkler, DCADV's Training Manager, at training@dcadv.org or 302-658-2958 ext. 115.

Lodging

A limited number of hotel rooms will be available at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center at the group rate of $150.00/night (plus 10% hotel service fee and 11% occupancy tax; single/double occupancy). To reserve a room, please call 1-800-422-0600 and refer to Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence Booking ID #DELAW27. The group rate is in effect for stays from 5/1/27- 5/7/27. Rooms must be reserved by April 2, 2027 to receive the group rate.

Attendees are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements and for the associated costs.

This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention and Services Program.