Why We Advocate: A podcast for advocates by advocates.
The Why We Advocate Podcast is a project of the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) which highlights initiatives and resources for advocates and communities through a culturally responsive, trauma-informed and survivor-centered lens. Whether it be through training, credentialing, crisis response, or public policy this podcast will dive deeper into the strategies that strengthen support for victims of crime, and will focus on fostering meaningful change towards justice and healing for future generations.
“What’s more important than just forming partnerships is fostering them. We need to stay connected, continue to collaborate in all ways so when there is that need, people are trusted and ready to go.”
Season 3: Stronger Together
This season of the Why We Advocate Podcast centers on the theme “Stronger Together” as we lead up to NOVA’s 52nd Annual Training event. Across the season, we will spotlight advocates, practitioners, and community partners who are advancing victim services in powerful ways.
Episode 1: Motivational interviewing Skills for Victim Advocates
In this episode Dr. Kate Watson explains the importance of Motivational Interviewing and how to amplify your support for survivors. Learn more about these skills, and the full day program Dr. Watson will facilitate on July 20, 2026 at NOVA’s 52 Annual Training Event in Las Vegas.
Episode 2: Standards for Campus-Based Advocacy Services
In this episode, we explore the development of standards for campus-based advocacy services and what it takes to build a coordinated, survivor-centered response within higher education systems. Our guests Shannon Collins (NOVA) and Andrew Echols (Every Voice Coalition) will share insights o
Season 2: Making the Connection
NOVA explores how advocates can mobilize communities through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community centered efforts. We will discuss programs that reach communities in various ways, and how NOVA collaborates, engages, and empowers advocates and aspiring advocates doing critical work to support victims and survivors of violence and crisis.
Episode 1: Mobilizing Communities in Crisis
Dive into crisis response, how it relates to mass violence, and how NOVA supports and mobilizes communities.
Episode 2: Engaging Advocates on College Campuses
Explore strategies to engage advocates working on campus, and how NOVA supports advocates to build their leadership to respond to emerging trends of student survivors on campus.
Episode 3: Unpacking Youth Engagement and Leadership
We are discussing the importance of youth advocacy, how to build effective and sustainable youth leadership opportunities, and how NOVA aims to elevate the next generation of youth advocates in the field of victim advocacy.
Episode 4: Revisting “Advocates Unplugged”
Revisit NOVA’s Advocates Unplugged initiative, bringing back Colleen Phelan to discuss what has been done since the last chat about Advocates Unplugged this summer. Some big news to share, in this light hearted – semi-unfiltered conversations that brings the laughs and joy all advocates can benefit from.
Episode 5: Awareness to Action: Building Male Responsiveness
Alejandro Palacios, NOVA’s Victim Advocacy Training Manager, shares his own experience as an advocate in the field, and offers insight on the strategies to expand male advocacy while navigating cultural, social norms that often hinder male responsiveness and engagement in the field of victim advocacy.
Episode 6: Building a community of Advocates: NOVA Membership
Mariel Jewell, NOVA’s Membership Experience Sr. Manager, shares information on NOVA’s Membership program, what to expect, the benefits and some added incentives for new members to join!
Episode 7 – Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 16 years later
In this episode of the Why We Advocate podcast, host Jasmine Uribe speaks with Melissa Siegel-Barrios about the evolution of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, reflecting on their personal journeys and the importance of youth advocacy.
Advocates Unplugged
This is a monthly segment of the Why We Advocate podcast that takes an intimate look into the life of advocacy. It is a conversation among advocates of the moments between work and the honest (sometimes even humorous) realities of being an advocate. Unwind with Advocates Unplugged!
Season 1: Celebrating Community
Why We Advocate: Celebrating Community was our chance to spotlight NOVA’s 51st Annual Training Event and explore the initiatives that bring thousands of advocates around the world together as one community.
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