Call for Proposals

Our 2024 conference theme is Cycle of Justice, reflecting the reality that justice is not a one-time event, or even a series of discrete events. A true experience of justice must unfold over time, cycling through ongoing interactions and practices that consistently convey respect, honor, and compassion for everyone affected. 

Each of us has a unique vision of justice. This vision is powerfully influenced by our personal worldview, as well as a lifetime of experiences ‒ including our experiences of gender, age, race, class, culture, and sexual orientation. A Cycle of Justice takes these experiences into account, as well as the complex impacts of trauma and suffering. 

With an understanding of trauma, an appreciation of cultural differences, and an attitude of humility, all professionals who engage with the criminal justice system can “sprinkle a little justice” into all our moment-to-moment encounters. These encounters could range from a brief phone call with a survivor or their support people, to minor changes in agency practices or procedures, to a comprehensive overhaul of an outdated process.  

In our 2024 conference proposals, we are looking for creative and compassionate strategies that reflect a Cycle of Justice. How can we improve responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence, in a way that unfolds for survivors, moment-by-moment, step-by-step, over time? How can we overcome obstacles, including the Cycle of Doubt that so many survivors face? Perhaps most important, how can we sustain positive momentum moving forward? Start working on those proposals now, to share your unique view on the Cycle of Justice! 

Proposal Deadline

Proposals must be received no later than Monday, May 8, 2023, to be considered. 

All proposals will be reviewed, and letters of invitation emailed in early August 2023.

Our Mission

Proposals must fit with the mission of our conference, which is to:

• Improve responses to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, elder abuse, and other gender-based crimes
• Enhance collaboration among criminal justice and community professionals through a multidisciplinary approach
• Improve the investigation and prosecution of those who perpetrate gender-based violence
• Promote effective prevention and risk reduction programs

EVAWI’s mission tackles interpersonal violence against adults and adolescents of all genders (female, male, and non-binary). We do not address child abuse because there are other organizations already doing this essential work. If your proposal focuses exclusively on crimes against children, we encourage you to submit it to another organization that addresses this critically important topic.

Sample Topics

Within that broad mission, the possible topics are unlimited. Examples include:

• Groundbreaking policies and practices
• Innovative collaborations and models
• Strategies for overcoming resistance and inertia
• Methods for sustaining change
• Building equitable and inclusive responses and services
• Personal resilience and wellness
• Research and evaluation to guide practice
• Case studies that teach and inspire

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Concrete and innovative recommendations for best practices
• Quality and clarity of written materials
• Relevance to the field and multiple disciplines
• Timeliness with respect to current and emerging issues in the field
• Practical and empirical basis, bridging research and practice
• Focus on crimes against adult or adolescent (not child) vicitms of any gender

Diverse Voices

EVAWI is committed to equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage proposals that reflect the full spectrum of our communities, both to elevate diverse voices and to ensure that our shared work is informed by differing perspectives. We especially welcome proposals from members of communities who have been traditionally underrepresented or underserved including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. 

Compensation

Priority consideration may be given to presenters who are able to pay some of their own travel expenses using grant funding, agency support, or personal funds. If your proposal is selected, EVAWI may pay for some or all of the following expenses:

• Conference registration
• Travel expenses
• Hotel accommodations (the night before and the night of your presentation)

No honorarium or speaker fee will be paid to conference presenters.

Submission Requirements

You may submit more than one proposal, showcasing multiple examples of how your work is changing lives – but make sure each proposal includes all the requested information. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. 

Limit of 2 Presenters

EVAWI generally limits conference workshops to two presenters. This ensures that speakers have enough presentation time, and it also helps reduce our expenses. We may make an exception if the applicant can cover registration fees and travel expenses for additional speakers. To request an exception, please contact Janelle Buckley at janelle@evawintl.org. 

Questions? Email proposals@evawintl.org or call (509) 684-9800.

Click here to view information about previous EVAWI conferences.