Two weeks ago, students celebrated their successes across the region and we wanted to give a big shout-out and round of applause to our graduate level practicum students as they wrapped up the 2024-25 school year! You have been a beloved part of our team and your contributions to our organization and community at large will be long-lasting. Congratulations on your upcoming graduations and best of luck in all your endeavors!
My nine months as a specialized practicum student (administration and policy practice) with the Coalition Ending Gender-based Violence provided me with a variety of learning and growth opportunities. Their values of connection and collaboration were present in all I participated in; I had the chance to work alongside all staff members at CEGV and many member agencies. Additionally, I was able to utilize my existing skills and knowledge from being a community advocate at a member agency. Major projects I worked on include:
- Support with planning and implementing an advocacy gathering
- Support CEGV housing systems support staff in DVCHAP assessment review and development
- Support with training member agencies on GBV topics
- Attending CEGV trainings including Value Aligned Collaborative Supervision Through Appreciative Inquiry and Supporting Trans Survivors of Gender-based Violence Training Series
- Attending and supporting CEGV events including: the annual celebration and the Domestic Violence Awareness moth meeting
- Attending Seattle City Council budget committee meetings
- Developing a comprehensive Power and Control wheel model
- Providing onboarding and orientation to A New Day database for member agencies
- Maintaining, evaluating, and improving A New Day database
A major project I worked on with my practicum supervisor and a fellow practicum student utilized qualitative research concepts and skills in a real-world environment. Over the course of the year, we conducted two focus groups and seven 1:1 interview session with GBV advocates and MH therapists. The aim of this process was to discover strengths and challenges therapists and advocates are experiencing while working to support the mental health and wellness needs of survivors of gender-based violence. Following data collection, we performed thematic analysis and generated a report on major themes to inform future programming at CEGV.
Thank you to CEGV for an informative and enriching year. If you’re looking for a community-based practicum experience with a team of compassionate, fun, and highly qualified folks, this is the place for you! – Mary Schmitz, MSW
I have loved my time working with the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence. I was fortunate to spend a whole year with them both for my specialized social work practicum and my public health capstone project. It has been heartening and inspiring to witness and be a part of a collaborative, transformative team, especially during these tumultuous times.
I’ve had the opportunity to follow many professional and academic interests while with CEGV, but the bulk of my work has gone to building the foundation for their new eLearning Lab. This includes much research into online training and its effectiveness for professional development, as well as training needs for those who work with survivors with behavioral health needs. As part of a team, I helped develop and conduct listening sessions and interviews with advocates and mental health providers to further explore these needs. From this, I have outlined a project plan for eLearning course development and created a guide for the staff and future practicum students on how to make effective training modules.
I’ve really enjoyed my time at CEGV and am proud of the work I was able to accomplish with them. I would like to thank the whole team for welcoming me during this last year. I want to give a special thank you to Mary, my fellow MSW student, and Nykki, my direct supervisor. You have both been wonderful, inspiring, and joyous thought partners and mentors. I will miss you all. – Harrow Holly, MSW