Behind the Scenes: Volunteering at the Healing Justice Summit
- DVRP Admin
- Aug 4, 2025
- 3 min read
DVRP’s annual Healing Justice Summits are powerful events that bring together community members, activists, and volunteers dedicated to showing up for domestic violence survivors and building safer, more connected communities. Claire and Dragon, two passionate volunteers, recently shared with us their unique journeys and insights getting involved with the event.
Claire’s involvement began with her attendance at DVRP events, where she found inspiration in our mission. “I loved DVRP and the mission, and so I saw the opportunity to volunteer, and went for it,” she recalls. Her commitment to supporting marginalized genders is clear, as she also volunteers with the DC Abortion Fund, stating, “As an Asian woman, I want to help support Asian people of all genders who are facing oppression based on their gender.”
The summit itself serves as a platform for healing and artistic expression. Claire mentions a DVRP altar-making event she had attended previously, where community members left heartfelt drawings and messages for survivors of domestic violence. “The altar was sort of preserved and then I helped set it up again at the Healing Justice Summit... it was really powerful for me to be part of it. I think the altar being in the front of the main room really laid the foundation and tone for the summit,” she shares, “The summit is a survivor-centered space.”
Dragon, another dedicated volunteer, also shared the significance of their experience at the summit. “I volunteered at the summit last year because I had attended multiple DVRP healing spaces, and I wanted an inside look on such meaningful, rooted programming,” they explained. Volunteering allowed them to connect with others, stating, “I was able to connect with other volunteers, DVRP staff, facilitators, vendors, and attendees with ease and support an organization that has offered me and others so much pause, reflection, resources and interconnectedness!”
We Keep Us Safe
During the event, it’s important everyone feels supported and safe. “I felt very prepared for the volunteer shift because of DVRP staffs’ pre-summit volunteer call, information and all their support on-site the day of,” said Dragon. Claire reflects on her role in making the event welcoming: “Seeing all the attendees enjoying this space; it’s really rewarding to know that I helped make that space possible.”
Dragon said: “As someone who takes in covid-precautions, it was really refreshing to be able to come out of my bubble and be in a large event comfortably because of all the covid precautions DVRP instituted. I am not able to participate in large, public events the way I used to, and miss it dearly. I really appreciated being able to tap into a part of myself that loves the buzz of big crowds while the on-going pandemic continues.”
Join Claire and Dragon at Radiant Roots
The Healing Justice Summit is more than the programming and workshops, it’s about the community that emerges from it. Claire encourages others to volunteer, stating, “It feels so great to be in community with folks, especially in person.” Dragon adds, “Many hands make light work... your effort and time will feel considered and valued.”
To make “Radiant Roots” a success, we need passionate volunteers like you!
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