Upcoming events, webinars, and news from the field
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Dear MAC Members and Allies,
The Minnesota legislative session ended a few weeks ago, and thanks to you and your support, we were able to secure $12 million in one-time funding for crime victims services. This is a massive victory in a tough political and financial landscape, and it avoids the 20% cut that was anticipated for 2027.
This was not the ask we went into session with when it started in February. We hoped to pass long-term funding solutions that eliminated our need to ask for one-time funding. But when OJP released their grant funding forecast for 2027, we had to pivot to avoid devastating cuts.
In addition to the $12 million, there were a number of policy changes that passed this session. To learn more about those, I refer you to VFMN's fabulous webinar they did last week.
We also managed to advance several long-term funding solutions, and learned of the potential fiscal impact of them. Spoiler: a 3% tax on lodging in Minnesota could fully fund crime victim services. Passing meaningful solutions is a marathon, not a sprint. We have also gained key allies in the legislature who have become champions for the work.
This fall every seat is up for election, and we don't know what the legislature will look like next year. What we do know is that for the next 365 days, your coalitions will be hard at work building relationships, pushing for solutions, and asking you to get involved. Because of the groundwork we have laid the last two years, I am very hopeful for next year. A stable funding source for crime victim services in Minnesota is within our grasp, we will just have to fight for it.
Take care,
Becca
The next Sexual Violence Prevention Network Meeting is on June 18th. It will be held at the Dakota Lodge in West St Paul from 10am-4pm. Click here to learn more and register.
The Federal Trade Commission has released a new report on imposter scam trends. In 2025, the FTC received more than 1 million reports about such scams, with reported losses increasing by nearly 20% to $3.5 billion. Learn more and get tips on how to spot scams here.
Healing Justice is hosting regional, peer-to-peer virtual support groups this summer for victims, survivors, and families impacted by exonerations and overturned convictions. Led by trained facilitators, these sessions offer a safe space to navigate complex challenges and connect with others who share similar experiences. Sessions are held on a rotating national schedule. Contact connect@healingjusticeproject.org to learn more.
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month— use AEquitas' resources to help you in your cases involving firearms, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual violence.
Monday June 8th at LTD Brewing in Hopkins, MN is Give Back Monday! 20% of the brewery's sales from 2pm-9:30pm will be donated to Tubman. Come out at support an amazing organization while having a drink with friends! Non-alcoholic options are available!
The Minnesota Justice Research Center is hosting a community report-back on Bail, Jail, and Pretrial Policy. This is an in-person event at the Groundwork Institute in St. Paul. June 9th 5:30pm-7pm. Dinner is provided!
The MNJRC is studying the impact of fines and fees in the justice system. If you have paid fines, fees, or restitution, the MNJRC would love to talk with you about your experience. You could receive a $50 gift card for participating.
The Sentencing Project is seeking to better understand how second look resentencing impacts crime survivors. If you were impacted by a crime by someone whose sentence was later reduced, we invite you to participate in a confidential conversation with our research team. To learn more, contact Cherrell Green: cgreen@sentencingproject.org
Fundamentals in Victim Services
A 2-day virtual training for newer victim advocates
Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16th
9:00am-4:15pm
The July 2026 Fundamentals in Victim Services Training is a virtual training for newer victim advocates to develop core knowledge and skills to provide victim-centered services. Topics covered in this training:
The Neurobiology of Trauma
Advocating within Systems
Experienced Advocate Panel
Occupational Identity Management and Preventing Burnout
Crime Victims' Rights
Financial Assistance for Crime Victims
Understanding Implicit Bias
Training participants will have opportunities to connect with one another and with experienced professionals.
The Prosecutors Alliance Survivor Center is hosting Healing Justice for a webinar about Post Conviction Resource Centers. June 2nd, 2pm CT
The National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) are hosting a 3-day intensive online academy on Child and Family Advocacy. June 2-4, 9am-4pm CT. $300 for non-NOVA members.
Check out more of NOVA's trainings in their training center.
The Council on Criminal Justice is hosting a webinar: Collaboration of Conflict? Local Police and Immigration Enforcement. June 2nd, 11am CT.
The Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy is hosting a three-part webinar series about AI in the justice system. Registration is now open for part one on June 4th at 12pm CT.
The Minnesota Elder Justice Center is hosting a webinar all about Safe at Home- address confidentiality. June 4th 12pm CT.
NOVA, Zero Abuse Project, and the Prosecutors Alliance have partnered for a series calledPurposeful Pathways for survivors who are ready to turn their experience into impact- whether it’s a career in advocacy, a memoir, a speaking platform, or a consulting business. Each panel is led by survivors who’ve done it. The four one-hour webinars are June 8th-10th at 11am CT.
The Independent Justice Consultants Network is hosting a webinar on Mutual Aid and Support in the Safety and Justice Community. Thursday, June 11th | 2–3 PM ET
First Witness Child Advocacy Center is hosting a number of webinars this year:
Building Advocacy Relationships with Resistive and Reluctant Caregivers. June 16th, 10am-11:30am CT
Self Care to Sustainable Wellness: Avoiding Burnout in MDTs. August 6th, 10am-11:30am CT
Normalizing the Conversation: Talking with Families about Body Safety. September 17th, 10am-11:30am CT
Courtroom Advocacy for Non-Legal Advocates. October 6th, 10am
Each webinar is $50, and you can sign up for one or all of them here.
The Minnesota Elder Justice Center is hosting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference. June 17th 8:30am-4:30pm CT. In-person at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center.
The Justice Clearinghouse is offering a training on financial tools for those who care for others. You’ll learn practical financial tools and habits that help you feel steady, prepared, and more in control of your future, even when the work around you is demanding and unpredictable. July 9th, 12pm CT.
NOVA's Annual Conference is in Las Vegas July 21st-23rd. This is the largest gathering of victim advocates in the country, with over 100 workshops designed specifically for victim serving professionals. Use code NOVA_Friend52 to receive 10% off your registration!
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) is hosting a free daylong advocate academy in Chicago on September 8th. This is for advocates with less than 5 years of experience. Learn more and apply here.
The Stearns County Attorney's Office is hosting an in-person two-day training on Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution. Location: Waite Park, MN. September 22-23. Cost: $300. Lodging available at a group rate at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Cloud.
The National Center for Victims of Crime have a number of online courses you can take at your own pace on their e-learning platform.
"Serving Native American Victims of Crime" – Learn about Native American history and current issues facing AI/AN survivors of crime.Start learning.
"The Impacts of Parental Incarceration on Children and Families" – Learn about the causes and risk factors for incarceration, the impacts on families and children, and examples of programs and policies that can better support them.Learn now.
"Introduction to the Dynamics of Human Trafficking and Incarceration" – Learn about the complex inner workings of human trafficking and the outcomes of sufficient support services.Learn now.
Job Opportunities:
MNCASA hosts a job board for advocacy positionshere.
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota is hiring a number of positions. Learn more here.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities:
RedRover offers Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 to help organizations create pet housing programs. Applications are reviewed three times per year: March 1, June 1, and September 1. More information, including eligibility and sample budgets: 👉 RedRover.org/SafeHousing
Blandin Foundation: Rural Funding Resources
Beyond its own grantmaking, theBlandin Foundationoffers one of the most comprehensiverural funding directoriesin Minnesota. Organizations can use its maps and interest area tools to identify additional funders working in their communities. It’s the best rural funding directory available in Minnesota.
MAC is a membership coalition of more than 90 crime victim service providers in Minnesota, including prosecution-based victim/witness programs, community programs, law enforcement agencies, and individuals committed to supporting crime victims. We support our membership through training, technical assistance, resources, public policy and legislative initiatives, and networking opportunities.
To join our coalition of Minnesota crime victim service programs,click here.
Want to share something in next month's newsletter? Email Becca!
The Minnesota Alliance on Crime advances a collective movement to eliminate the systemic barriers experienced by people impacted by crime.
VISION
The Minnesota Alliance on Crime envisions a world where people impacted by crime, particularly those who are historically marginalized, can heal, achieve justice, and restore balance to their lives.
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