There is a way of being that is common across Africa called, “Ubuntu”. Ubuntu means, “I am because we are” and it speaks to the interconnections that exist between all people, all beings, our planet. Here in Vermont, the community of advocates who work with survivors embody Ubuntu every single day. These incredibly dedicated professionals, along with all the other people with whom they work (who might have job titles other than “advocate” but who are advocates to their cores), are bound together by our individual and collective humanity. They are bound by their dedication to survivors, bound by their efforts to create safe and flourishing communities, bound by their belief in preventing violence, and bound to a future world where families and individuals thrive.

Last week we gathered with many of the staff members, advocates and others from our member organizations to celebrate their work and their hearts. We joyfully talked, laughed, played cornhole and ate mountains of pizza as a community. Central Vermont Playback Theater offered poignant performances reflecting the experiences of advocates. It was a glorious time.

At the Vermont Network, we sit in Ubuntu with our member organizations and all the people who work and volunteer for them. These people are a lot of the reason we get up each morning. We truly are because of them. Speaking for the Network team, our faith in advocates never, ever falters. Our respect, affection and admiration for them keep growing. We honor and love them.