It is amazing how quickly time passes. This NO MORE Week was my fourth as Chief Executive Officer and it also marked NO MORE’s 10th Anniversary. We kicked off the week by acknowledging how much has been achieved in our sector’s movement to end domestic and sexual violence over the last 10 years, but also reminding ourselves how much farther we have to go. It is certainly not a time to rest on our laurels, as domestic and sexual violence persist at epidemic levels.
So, we have committed to doing and fighting for “More”… more awareness, more funding, and much more progress. The bottom line is that we need “More NO MORE,” which was not just a theme for the Week but a new call to action. We launched a new campaign during NO MORE Week for people to fill in a downloadable sign and share on social media what they’d like to see “More” of to help stop and prevent all forms of abuse and assault. It’s a powerful way to raise our collective voices and urge global leaders to get more engaged. We’re so grateful to all those who have already joined the effort – such as Mariska Hargitay, Justin Baldoni, Julianne Moore, Kyra Sedgwick, Joselyn Dumas, Jayce Baron, Tim Gunn, Alysia Reiner, Commonwealth Secretary General Right Honorable Patricia Scotland, Jodi Picoult, and so many others. This is an ongoing initiative throughout our 10th anniversary year so we hope you will take part.
I also truly appreciate everyone who joined in the wide array of other activities and programs throughout the 2023 NO MORE Week. Whether you participated in the 5K Race sponsored by our great friends at the NFL and State Farm, attended one or more of the KNOW MORE Global Dialogue Series conversations or webinars, or held your own community event; you made a huge difference! It was particularly heartening to see so many young people involved and carrying the work forward for future generations.
For anyone who missed any of our KNOW MORE events, I encourage you to check out the available videos. We had a remarkable group of guests discussing timely, relevant and bold topics, including conversations with:
- The NFL’s Troy Vincent and chef, life coach and host Tommi Vincent sharing their personal stories as survivors and advocates;
- Actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur and changemaker Justin Baldoni talking about the importance of healthy masculinity;
- Tracey Breeden and Michelle Pelton The Disruption Podcast talking about Disrupting Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Survivor and activist Mildred Muhammad giving us her very personal perspective on mass shootings and domestic violence;
- Founder of H.O.P.E Training and Consultancy Meena Kumari talking about challenges for minority background workers providing frontline services
- CEO and Founder of Unsilenced Voices Michelle Jewsbury, who inspired us with her journey and leadership,
- Founder of CryptoConexión Monica Talan speaking about important innovations and technologies to combat gender-based violence,
- Ujima Inc. Executive Director/CEO Karma Cottman discussing the unique challenges of Black women and gender-based violence.
We finished the series with a great radio talk with our Washington Says NO MORE Chapter led by Michelle Bart.
Our panels were equally impressive – we had survivor-led panels focusing on survivors healing through art, the power of support groups and speaking up as a victim, and raising awareness of forced migration and gender-based violence in Latin America. NO MORE was joined by nearly 20 panelists with true global insight. We also supported external efforts of other organizations like The Disruption Podcast, and Business Fights Poverty that focused on the role of the private sector in the prevention of gender-based violence.
In addition, we went to NGO CSW67 in New York to discuss the role of technology in ending gender based violence and to launch the Bright Sky app in the US. with our great partners at the Vodafone Americas Foundation, the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, DomesticShelters.org, Aspirant and Thames Valley Partnership. This new app. is an important tool that can help survivors access critical resources and support, such as safety planning, helplines, and emergency contacts.
Bright Sky is one of those true cross-sector collaborations that exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together. Throughout our journey, we have been fortunate to team up with our Chapters and so many dedicated partners who have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. It is critical that we continue to unite to increase awareness and inspire greater action to end domestic and sexual violence, once and for all.
As we move forward through our 10th year and beyond, I want to thank you again and humbly ask for your continued support. Together, we can accomplish much MORE to create a better, safer, fairer world.
Sincerely,
Pamella Zaballa CEO, NO MORE