Courtney's Allies

Our Words have an Impact It is interesting that in a world where we have the capability to post anything at any time, many people still think that their words don't matter, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. Our voices are so incredibly powerful that we literally have the ability to start movements with them. Some of the more famous examples of people using their voices to enact change include Martin Luther King and his "I have a Dream Speech" and in 2018 the "Me Too" movement. Knowing that we have everything we need to create change living right inside of us makes it even more important to understand how conversations about domestic violence can save lives. Read below for some do and don't tips when it comes to having a discussion about domestic violence with those you think may be in an abusive relationship. Do Offer your support to victims of domestic violence Let the person know that you are not there to judge them Let th

If trauma can be passed on, so too can wellness "To me Courtney's Allies is a potlach to Courtney's life, a celebration of who she was and a way to use our grief to bring hope to the lives of others."  Independence Day: Measured by days before and days after July 4 has always been one of the happier American holidays, a day of celebration, a day to remember the day our country broke free from oppression. It is one marked by bright fireworks, yummy food, and a fun, lighthearted atmosphere, but on July 4, 2018, that all changed for anyone who knew Courtney Gaboriault. What once was a day to look forward too, is now a day filled with heartache and dread. A day that will forever be changed and one that has forever changed so many lives. I think I speak for all of Courtney's Allies when I say that July 4 has become a day that is now largely measured in days before it and days after it. There were the days before the 4th, when even as late 20 somethings who k

Where are Courtney's Allies? The short answer is we are everywhere . We have Allies in Vermont, New England, and we are dotted across the country in every single time zone. I am actually writing this blog post to our readers from beautiful Alaska where I currently reside. While the Allies may be spread out across the country, we all have the same common goal, advocating for our friend Courtney Gaboriault to ensure that people everywhere know the signs of domestic violence . One of the things I have been doing to assist Courtney's Allies from afar is figuring out a way to help pass legislation in the state of Vermont that can mandate domestic violence education for students in Vermont schools. If it's one thing that has become readily apparent these last few months as we have immersed ourselves in learning about domestic violence, it is that DV doesn't care who you are, where you came from or currently reside, what your education level is, what the color of your