How Do You Know it's Time to Go?

From Surviving to Thriving

In this episode, Steph sits down with Mariam from RAFT and Jackie from The SOAR Collective to explore what helps anti-violence organizations not just survive, but thrive. Drawing on findings from the What Works: Insights for Thriving Anti-Violence Organizations project, the three discuss small actions organizations can take to create a big impact. They dig into the practices, leadership approaches, and workplace cultures that help advocates stay connected to their work, and what the field can learn from organizations that are building healthier futures for both staff and survivors. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." — Maya AngelouLinks * RAFT’s RAW Survey [https://www.raftcares.org/resources/community-blog/who-are-advocates-a-deep-dive-into-our-raw-survey-data-short-reports/] * WDBP Assessment Key Findings [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/key-findings/] * What Works: Insights for Thriving Anti-Violence Organizations [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Copy-of-Interview-Process-Report-2.pdf] * Small Actions, Big Impact: Organization & Supervisor Support [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Small-Actions-Big-Impact-Report-Organization-and-Supervisor.pdf] * Small Actions, Big Impact: Flexibility and Trust [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Small-Actions-Big-Impact-Report-Flexibility-and-Trust.pdf] * Small Actions, Big Impact: Transparency & Communication [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SmallActions_BigImpact-Report2025.pdf] Guest Bios Mariam Hashimi is the Outreach and Engagement Manager for RAFT. She manages data and evidence-based projects for RAFT, and is a main point of contact for agencies to connect with RAFT programs and workshops. Mariam is a trained social worker and public health professional with a Masters of Public Health and a Masters in Social Work, specializing in mental health. Jackie Strohm is one of the co-founders of The SOAR Collective and the We Deserve Better Project. She’s a Licensed Social Worker who loves evaluation and data. More from the We Deserve Better Project * We Deserve Better Project website [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/] * Get Involved with the WDBP [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/get-involved/] If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast to share your experiences in the anti-violence field and/or your visions for a better future, email wedeservebetterproject@gmail.com with the subject line, “Podcast Guest” Did this episode inspire you to donate to continue the work of the We Deserve Better Project? When you give to the We Deserve Better Project, you’re fueling a movement for worker rights and survivor justice. Your support keeps our website alive, helps us share our vision through outreach materials, and provides the tools we need to connect with more anti-violence workers. Show Credits Host: Steph Klotz Guests: Mariam Hashimi and Jackie Strohm Producers: We Deserve Better Project team Editors: Mo Lewis & Steph Klotz Graphic Designers: Merlin Paton-Usry & Jackie Strohm Social Media Manager: Jackie Strohm Music: Breathe In by Sappheiros This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wedeservebetterproject.substack.com [https://wedeservebetterproject.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How Do You Know it's Time to Go?

In this episode, Steph sits down with Rita to explore her decades-long journey in the anti-violence movement—from her early days as a young survivor facilitating peer support groups to becoming a leader shaping healing-centered work. Rita reflects on what sustained her over the years, the challenges and harms embedded within the field, and how she ultimately recognized it was time to step away. Together, they unpack the weight of long-term care work, the complexity of leaving a movement you still believe in, and what it means to reimagine both healing and collective futures beyond burnout. Guest Bio Rita Flores is a survivor leader, facilitator, and consultant with over 25 years in the movement to end gender-based violence. Her work focuses on healing-centered strategy and building collaborative spaces. She joined the We Deserve Better Project in 2025. If you’d like to connect with Rita, reach out to her via Collective Capacity Consulting [https://www.collectivecapacityconsulting.org/]. More from the We Deserve Better Project * We Deserve Better Project website [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/] * WDBP Assessment Key Findings [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/key-findings/] * Get Involved with the WDBP [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/get-involved/] If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast to share your experiences in the anti-violence field and/or your visions for a better future, email wedeservebetterproject@gmail.com with the subject line, “Podcast Guest” Did this episode inspire you to donate to continue the work of the We Deserve Better Project? When you give to the We Deserve Better Project, you’re fueling a movement for worker rights and survivor justice. Your support keeps our website alive, helps us share our vision through outreach materials, and provides the tools we need to connect with more anti-violence workers. Show Credits Host: Steph Klotz Guest: Rita Flores Producers: We Deserve Better Project team Editors: Mo Lewis & Steph Klotz Graphic Designers: Merlin Paton-Usry & Jackie Strohm Social Media Manager: Jackie Strohm Music: Breathe In by Sappheiros This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wedeservebetterproject.substack.com [https://wedeservebetterproject.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Flip the Script

In Episode 9, Jackie flips the script and interviews Steph about her journey through—and out of—the anti-violence field. Steph reflects on what drew her to the work, the realities of workplace harm within mission-driven organizations, and the moment she knew it was time to leave. Together, they explore the emotional and physical toll of staying, the mix of grief and relief that comes with stepping away, and the broader systems pushing workers out. It’s an honest conversation about burnout, healing, and what it looks like to choose yourself while still believing in the mission. Guest Bio Steph Klotz is a social work educator with over twenty years of experience in the field of domestic violence and a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University. During her career, Steph spent twelve years working directly with individuals and families impacted by abuse. She brings expertise in domestic violence, the impact of DV on children, case management, values and ethics in family casework, substance abuse, trauma, mental health, and cultural considerations in DV. As an educator, Steph strives to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment and values the power of connection within a classroom. Outside of the teaching space, Steph is a dog mom with a passion for social justice, the arts, cooking, and self-care. More from the We Deserve Better Project * We Deserve Better Project website [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/] * WDBP Assessment Key Findings [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/key-findings/] * Get Involved with the WDBP [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/get-involved/] * What Works: Insights for Thriving Anti-Violence Organizations [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/InsightsforThrivingOrgs.pdf] If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast to share your experiences in the anti-violence field and/or your visions for a better future, email wedeservebetterproject@gmail.com with the subject line, “Podcast Guest” Did this episode inspire you to donate to continue the work of the We Deserve Better Project? When you give to the We Deserve Better Project, you’re fueling a movement for worker rights and survivor justice. Your support keeps our website alive, helps us share our vision through outreach materials, and provides the tools we need to connect with more anti-violence workers. Show Credits Host: Jackie Strohm Guest: Steph Klotz Producers: We Deserve Better Project team Editor: Mo Lewis Graphic Designers: Merlin Paton-Usry & Jackie Strohm Social Media Manager: Jackie Strohm Music: Breathe In by Sappheiros This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wedeservebetterproject.substack.com [https://wedeservebetterproject.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Coming Together Because We Deserve Better

As the original solution for protecting workers’ rights in exploitative workplaces, unions are starting to make their way into anti-violence organizations across the nation. In Episode 8, Steph is joined by Lorraine, a survivor and direct-service advocate who has played a role in three successful unionizing campaigns. Steph and Lorraine explore the benefit of advocates coming together for collective bargaining power, debunk common myths about unions, and highlight tips for anyone thinking about unionizing their workplace. They also dive into “union-busting” strategies used by employers, from the subtle to more extreme…and how engaging in these tactics signals just how threatened an organization is by workers advocating for their rights. The We Deserve Better Project has a Unionizing Survey launching March 15—more information coming soon on how you can participate! Links * Organize Your Organization [https://www.organizeyour.org] * Labor Notes: Secrets of a Successful Organizer [https://labornotes.org/secretshttps://labornotes.org/secrets] * Fight Like Hell [https://store.iww.org/shop/fight-like-hell/] * Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee [https://workerorganizing.org/] Guest Bio Lorraine is a survivor and direct-service advocate based in the Bay Area, California. With over a decade of experience in the field, their work is driven by a deep commitment to survivor-defined justice. She is proud to have played a role in three successful union campaigns, and most recently, has further honed their leadership skills as a shop steward. Lorraine is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Restorative Justice Leadership & Facilitation and continues to bring their passion and expertise to advancing dignity for workers and survivors in her community. More from the We Deserve Better Project * We Deserve Better Project website [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/] * WDBP Assessment Key Findings [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/key-findings/] * Get Involved with the WDBP [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/get-involved/] * What Works: Insights for Thriving Anti-Violence Organizations [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/InsightsforThrivingOrgs.pdf] If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast to share your experiences in the anti-violence field and/or your visions for a better future, email wedeservebetterproject@gmail.com with the subject line, “Podcast Guest” Did this episode inspire you to donate to continue the work of the We Deserve Better Project? When you give to the We Deserve Better Project, you’re fueling a movement for worker rights and survivor justice. Your support keeps our website alive, helps us share our vision through outreach materials, and provides the tools we need to connect with more anti-violence workers. Show Credits Host: Steph Klotz Guest: Lorraine Producers: We Deserve Better Project team Editor: Mo Lewis Writers/Researchers: Steph Klotz Graphic Designers: Merlin Paton-Usry & Jackie Strohm Social Media Manager: Jackie Strohm Music: Breathe In by Sappheiros This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wedeservebetterproject.substack.com [https://wedeservebetterproject.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

So You're Telling Me There's A Chance!

With so many anti-violence workers experiencing abuse and navigating toxic work environments, it can be hard to envision a brighter future. But there are pockets of change and hope all around us! This month, Steph connects with Emil to chat about their experiences in the anti-violence field—both positive and negative—and the concrete factors that shape those environments. We know perfection doesn’t exist, especially in the systems we live in, but Steph and Emil dig into some of the small things anyone in a position of power can do to better support staff and survivors… and what we can learn from other movements. Links * Million Experiments [https://millionexperiments.com/] * Interrupting Criminalization [https://www.interruptingcriminalization.com/] * Anne Helene "Imagine Your Flexible Office Work" [https://annehelen.substack.com/p/imagine-your-flexible-office-work] * National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence [https://lgbtqipvinstitute.org/] * FORGE Forward [http://forge-forward.org] * LGBTQ+ Survivor Advocacy Network Monthly Meeting Sign Up Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer1OGEfgkHElReNG5R8TomuzBU7tbh15NC3Or4LAvvts60wA/viewform] Books (note: if folks buy from these links it will benefit FORGE) * The Revolution will Not Be Funded [https://bookshop.org/a/113166/9780822369004] * What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures [https://bookshop.org/a/113166/9780593229361] * Everything for Everyone [https://bookshop.org/a/113166/9781942173588] * We Will Rise Again [https://bookshop.org/a/113166/9781668095959] Guest Bio Emil has worked in survivor support and violence prevention for over twenty years. They’re white, genderqueer, and living with Long Covid in Florida. They strive to bring abolitionist and liberatory values to all of their work. More from the We Deserve Better Project * We Deserve Better Project website [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/] * WDBP Assessment Key Findings [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/key-findings/] * Get Involved with the WDBP [https://www.wedeservebetter.work/get-involved/] * What Works: Insights for Thriving Anti-Violence Organizations [https://www.raftcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/InsightsforThrivingOrgs.pdf] If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast to share your experiences in the anti-violence field and/or your visions for a better future, email wedeservebetterproject@gmail.com with the subject line, “Podcast Guest” Did this episode inspire you to donate to continue the work of the We Deserve Better Project? When you give to the We Deserve Better Project, you’re fueling a movement for worker rights and survivor justice. Your support keeps our website alive, helps us share our vision through outreach materials, and provides the tools we need to connect with more anti-violence workers. Show Credits Host: Steph Klotz Guest: Emil Producers: We Deserve Better Project team Editor: Mo Lewis Writers/Researchers: Steph Klotz Graphic Designers: Merlin Paton-Usry & Jackie Strohm Social Media Manager: Jackie Strohm Music: Breathe In by Sappheiros This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wedeservebetterproject.substack.com [https://wedeservebetterproject.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]