RAFT

Join the RAFT Team in a conversation about self-empathy and self-compassion. Jeremie, Nicole, and Joy discuss the three main components of self-compassion, the challenges of focusing on yourself, how socialization affects our views on self-compassion, and how they each practice self-compassion. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 00:45 Jeremie gives definitions of self-empathy and self-compassion 01:55 RAFT Podcast team introductions 02:42 Joy discusses the three main components of self-compassion 04:12 Nicole talks about the challenges of focusing on yourself 07:03 Jeremie discusses how socialization affects our views on self-compassion 09:01 Why Joy finds self-compassion so challenging 13:16 Why Nicole finds self-compassion so challenging 17:02 Jeremie's experience with self-compassion 23:18 How Joy practices self-compassion 28:22 How Jeremie practices self-compassion 32:46 How Nicole practices self-compassion 41:01 Team's final thoughts 44:46 Outro

In this heartfelt episode, our founder, Indrani Goradia speaks to Ajmal Qureshi, a former diplomat and proud father about raising strong daughters, the power of education and what it means to build a lasting legacy—rooted in love, equity, and intentional parenting. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 01:05 Ajmal Qureshi introduces himself 03:05 Indrani shares why Ajmal and his daughter's story resonated with her 04:30 "What did you realize early in your career that you knew you had to teach your daughters, so they would grow up to be as strong as they are today?" 07:28 "What did you know, as a young man, about girls and women that informed how you showed up as a father?"" 13:40 Ajmal shares what he would tell other young men to help them honor the girls and women in their lives 18:10 Jeremie poses the question: "What do you do when you see someone treating women in a way that doesn't reflect how you raised your daughters?"" 23:54 Indrani recounts a story where she chose to advocate for a young woman rather than stay silent 26:45 Ajmal's final thoughts 29:25 Outro

In today's episode, Jeremie Miller is talking with the authors of Ditch the Ditty: Doing What Matters Instead of Doing it All about their work and how it applies to the work of advocates. Episode Time Codes 01:28 Introductions 04:26 Can you share the story that lead to the concept of ditties and the importance of ditching them? 08:22 "Ditch the Ditty" focuses on the unique dynamics women face, can anyone be impacted by ditties? How do these hidden pressures show up differently for caregivers, first responders, and other helping professionals? And How does the book help people recognize when they're taking on more than they should? 10:35 The four Ds: ditties, delights, duties, and deeds 14:11 Do you have any suggestions on how to make ditties a team effort? 20:43 What role do differences in power play when trying to ditch a ditty? How can I possibly ditch a ditty that my boss is handing out? Or as a leader, how can I navigate the difference between delegation, which is something I'm supposed to do? 31:20 How can colleagues and teams help each other avoid taking on unnecessary ditties? 38:26 Do you have a suggestion on how to handle people who are struggling with this new version of you both at work and family and friends? 44:39 Can you give some ideas on how an organization can work towards changing the culture of ditty distribution and acceptance of ditties in an equitable fashion? 51:39 Get more information about the book and the authors Resources Ditch the Ditty: Doing What Matters Instead of Doing it All by Lindsey Godwin, Molly McGuigan, and Miriam Novotny

In today's episode, the RAFT team is talking about PERMA, a simple, but powerful, way to think about well-being and resilience. It comes from Dr. Martin Seligman, a leader in positive psychology, and it's all about five key elements: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. During the conversation, the RAFT team unpacks what PERMA looks like in our work and lives, why it matters for advocates, and how we can use it to build sustainable joy and resilience in a field that demands so much of us. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 01:25 RAFT intros 02:45 What is PERMA? 05:50 The team shares personal stories and how they reflect the PERMA categories 19:27 Using PERMA at work 33:10 Final thoughts from the RAFT team 36:00 Outro Resources Advocate Resources

In this episode, the RAFT team is joined by survivor, author, and advocate Emily Bernath. She shares her survivor story, how she healed through spirituality, and how that led to her book series, Broken Lenses. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about sexual violence and assault, including personal survivor experiences. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being while listening. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 00:25 Trigger Warning 00:55 Gratitudes 05:00 Who is Emily Bernath? 06:55 How Emily's writing started 09:30 Emily discusses levels of healing through her advocacy journey 15:15 "How do you know that it's love?" -- How did you know who to trust through this journey 16:15 "Coincidences don't just happen" - Emily speaks about faith leading her journey 19:10 "Freedom brings healing" 21:10 "The world hasn't given survivors a lot of hope to report" 21:30 How Emily knew she was being sexually assaulted 23:15 "As soon as a survivor comes to me - the one thing I can not do is nothing" 25:38 Emily shares how she found her trust in her faith 33:05 "What do you believe is the biggest challenge in the sv/dv field?" 39:00 Emily speaks on trusting and obeying the voice of God. 46:15 Emily discusses a peak point of advocacy 49:50 Emily discusses her books. 52:55 Should everyone write/share their story? 57:10 Emily tells us more about her social work/grad school journey 1:00:55 "How do you stay healthy and balanced?" 1:03:35 Nicole talks about leaning into our strengths & Emily shares her individual strengths 1:11:00 What's in the future for Emily? 1:12:55 Appreciations 1:14:35 Outro

Join Jeremie, Nicole, and Joy as they focus their conversation around human-centered workspaces, specifically what a workspace that is human-centered looks like, and how it's done at RAFT. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 01:05 RAFT's mission statement 01:50 What is a 'Human-Centered Workspace?' 06:01 The 4 principles of Human-Centered design 13:10 Designing A Human-Centered Workplace: 13:35 Planning for job outcomes 21:20 Launching a collaborative work group 28:50 Learning from your employees 37:15 Designing and testing solutions 51:00 How RAFT can help you create a more Human-Centered Workplace 52:00 Outro

Join Joy, Sophie, Mariam, Jeremie, and Nicole on the RAFT Team as they discuss the RAFT core values—1) Fail, Learn, Grow; 2) Support; and 3) Transparency—and how those values impact their mission and teamwork. Episode Time Codes 00:00 – Intro 00:40 – RAFT's 3 core values 01:05 – Value #1 – Fail, Learn, Grow 01:35 – Joy's take 03:00 – Sophie's take 03:45 – Mariam's take 04:20 – Jeremie's take 06:53 – Nicole's take 08:40 – Is there a downside to Fail, Learn, Grow? 13:10 – Value #2 – Support 13:40 – Joy's take 16:30 – Sophie's take 18:40 – Mariam's take 19:12 – Jeremie's tale 20:50 – Nicoles take 23:10 – RAFT's DEI survey and how we used it to support each other 24:55 – Are there any downsides to our support value? 30:30 – Value #3 – Transparency 31:00 – Nicole's take 32:22 – Joy's take 34:20 – Sophie's take 35:55 – Mariam's take 36:30 – Jeremie's take (being a transparent leader) 45:15 – What are any unofficial values in how we work together as a team? 50:35 – Contact RAFT at info@raftcares.org to learn how we can help you discover your organization's core values 51:00 – Outro

How do you take care of your mind, body, and spirit when you don't have the time, money, or resources? Join the RAFT team as they share their own budget-friendly self-care tips. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 00:25 Welcome 01:05 RAFT Team Intros 02:40 What would you do on a self-care day but you had no money to spend? 07:40 Match your time available to what you're trying to do 10:20 Being present in the moment is very free self-care 11:00 Being clear on what you want from your self-care activities 13:47 Scheduling in self-care is self-care in itself 17:50 What do you do when you NEED to leave the house, but just don't have a lot of money? 27:35 Self-care is a learned journey 28:50 What do you do when you need "alone" self-care time? 35:20 What's a self-care thing we can do to help out our future financial self? 46:10 Outro

Join Maegan, Nicole, Sophie, and Joy as they come together to reflect upon Women's History Month and answer questions about what womanhood means to them, inspiring women, strengths, and advice they received and wish to share with others. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro 00:25 Welcome 00:55 RAFT Team Intros 02:55 What does womanhood mean to you? 03:05 Maegan 04:05 Nicole 06:25 Sophie 07:50 Joy 10:15 What does it mean to us to be women in the anti-gender-based violence movement? 10:30 Joy 12:10 Maegan 13:50 Nicole 33:20 Sophie 17:20 Who is a woman you know personally who has greatly inspired you? 17:30 Sophie 17:58 Nicole 18:30 Maegan 21:50 Joy 24:15 Nicole 26:20 Who's a famous woman that you greatly admire? 26:30 Nicole 29:44 Joy 31:45 Maegan 33:25 Sophie 35:30 What's a special power that women have? 35:35 Maegan 37:25 Joy 38:50 Sophie 39:20 Nicole 41:03 The best advice we've gotten from a fellow woman 41:10 Nicole 42:15 Joy 43:30 Maegan 45:10 Sophie 46:35 What's some advice that you would share with other women? 46:50 Joy 49:50 Nicole 51:15 Maegan 53:25 Sophie 54:15 THINK FAST Questions 1:00:00 Outro

In this episode, the RAFT Team comes together to reflect upon their personal highlights of 2023 and discuss all things gratitude. From embracing gratitude through challenges and reminding yourself to practice gratitude, you will learn a few ways to incorporate gratitude in your daily life. Episode Time Codes 0:00 Intro 0:35 RAFT Team Intros 01:20 Reflections on our personal highlights of 2023 01:30 Nicole 02:10 Jeremie 03:10 Joy 04:55 Sophie 05:55 Maegan 07:30 Embracing gratitude through challenges 07:55 Joy 09:50 Maegan 11:20 Joy 12:45 Nicole 16:10 Sophie 18:45 Jeremie 22:15 How do you remind yourself to practice gratitude? 22:35 Maegan 23:45 Jeremie 25:00 Nicole 26:50 Sophie 28:10 Joy 30:40 How will you lead with gratitude in 2024? 30:50 Joy 31:45 Maegan 32:15 Nicole 33:20 Sophie 34:35 Jeremie 36:00 Thank You! 36:50 Outro Resources New Year Gratitudes Worksheet

You've seen changes you want to make in your organization, you're collaborating with co-workers, but now you might be wondering, "What are the leaders thinking about and looking for with change initiatives?" Join Jeremie and Amber as they continue discussing how to make organizational changes by focusing the conversation around the leadership's point of view. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro01:00 Jeremie recaps part 1 episode and highlights topics of episode 202:25 Amber introduces herself04:45 How to respond, as a senior leader, to a passionate pitch07:25 How to encourage gratitude and be positive without making someone think you've said "Yes"10:35 How to prioritize a good idea when it's bad timing14:15 How to empower your team member after the first pitch meeting18:30 Tips for leaders on how to reflect on their own biased21:55 How to push through the hesitancy and let go when you should say "Yes"27:05 Your responsibility, as a leader, to announce a new idea to your team28:15 How to continue the thread of change and support your team member when the change works out30:40 What to do, as a leader, when the change maker's goal fizzles out, and they aren't prioritizing their initial goal32:50 What can leaders do when the change pilot flops37:20 "What happens when the pitch comes in and it's just not going to work?"41:25 Final Thoughts44:15 Outro

Join Jeremie in a conversation with Charlie Gilkey about principles from his book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results, including small actions that bring lasting change and creating a team that can solve problems without you. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro00:40 Jeremie highlights talking points and welcomes Charlie01:40 Charlie introduces himself04:55 Charlie shares his view on the challenges of trying to make a big change / Broken Printer analogy08:10 Grants and development challenges10:15 Time allocation and management12:30 Eight Categories of Team Habits15:10 Feeling a sense of belonging in an organization with a high turnover rate20:30 Cynicism as an effect of burnout22:40 A different approach/breaking down a challenge into pieces25:25 Three dimensions of power in an organization37:00 "When you go into an organization, you treat changing team habits like you're walking on someone's land that they have been tending and cultivating"44:25 "Am I being affected by the inertia that we've just always done it this way?"46:15 How to get through "If we try to change this and break it, that's not good"49:40 Future-ready your business by creating a team that can solve problems even without you52:10 Charlie's last thoughts54:25 How our partners and listeners can receive a copy of "Team Habits" gifted by RAFT55:10 Outro Resources Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results by Charlie Gilkey

Have you ever seen something you want to change in your organization, but not sure how to get others involved or talk to your boss about it? Join Jeremie in a conversation with Amber Beam about making changes in your organization by collaborating with co-workers and successfully bringing ideas to leadership. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro01:40 Amber introduces herself & speaks on her passion for closing the gender gap02:55 What is it that makes a winning pitch when trying to make a change in your organization?06:45 How can you approach speaking to your leader, & how to prepare for that conversation?10:10 What's one thing most people who bring a new idea to leadership ignore?11:50 Should we go in as an individual or bring in co-workers who support the change?14:15 How to bounce back from a soft-no16:20 How to use your strengths and your team's strengths to strengthen your pitch19:00 Accountability and Responsibilities between yourself, team, & leadership21:00 Fail, Learn, Grow23:00 How to manage pushback/conflict from other team members26:00 How to coordinate the team's "big ideas" for change and not overwhelm leadership30:00 What do you do when they say no?37:00 Final thoughts & Amber's words of wisdom40:00 How to contact Amber41:15 Outro

Join Nicole and Joy from RAFT in a conversation with Dee, Jackie, and Tatiana of The SOAR Collective, an organization working "to mobilize advocates to demand accountability and revolutionize the way anti-violence organizations operate." Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro00:50 RAFT & SOAR Collective Introductions01:50 Who SOAR Collective is, their mission, and how/why they started04:00 Survivors Know assessment/research09:30 The key findings & powerful data12:15 Jackie and Dee share how prioritizing their mental health meant leaving their prevention job14:40 Tatiana speaks on "the power that someone in a supervisor role has to create a safe environment" and psychological safety16:00 "Leadership at anti-violence organizations often replicate the same toxic, abusive, violent environments, & power dynamics that this movement is aiming to prevent" Jackie20:45 The potential for change, issues that have come to the surface, and solutions for systemic change24:55 What are some tangible things that anti-violence workplace can do to create a healthy/safe working environment for staff?35:00 "We cannot possibly serve ALL survivors, if we don't have the resources to serve ourselves” Tatiana40:10 "When you support advocates, you support survivors" Dee43:00 How can advocates get involved with the amazing work SOAR Collective is doing?48:00 Gratitudes54:00 Outro Resources The SOAR Collective Survivors Know

In this episode Raft's founder, Indrani Goradia, introduces us to a friend she met by chance when their flights were delayed. Monique shares her past experience navigating life as a leader & advocate in the domestic violence field while in an actively abusive relationship. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro00:28 How Indrani met Monique & how they connected01:35 Active abuse & being part of society is in our everyday lives03:14 How Monique navigated her "two lives" as a victim of active abuse & a domestic violence advocate05:45 "Was I drawn to this work (as a helper & nurturer) the same way that sometimes I have been drawn to that relationship?"06:35 Helping from an HR perspective & having to report personal details to HR13:23 "What advice do you have for your younger self?"16:30 "Nobody needs pity... but, we all need empathy"18:02 How to reach out without overstepping20:45 Safety planning31:22 A Thanks to RAFT for support, education, & training32:33 Send questions to Monique for a follow up podcast!33:35 Outro Resources NCDSV Personalized Safety Plan National Domestic Violence Hotline Interactive Safety Plan

This month's podcast features Grace Harvey, who recently stepped away from advocacy work and was surprised to see her advocacy skills transferred to work in a completely different field. If you think you need a change but are hesitant to look for something new, Grace has an encouraging message to share with you. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro01:13 Grace's Origin story04:34 Grace shares why she left the advocacy field08:00 How Grace's life has changed & the positive impacts of leaving advocacy12:30 What is it like working a job where you're not advocating?18:30 Finding a new job after leaving the advocacy field & the transferable skills20:15 Task prioritization & time management24:35 Good communication skills & adapting to your audience28:40 Attention to detail & guidelines32:35 Problem-solving skills36:32 Finding what you're doing in your current work & turning it into a resume skill40:43 Grace's final thoughts

In this episode, the RAFT team is joined by our Founder, Indrani Goradia, to discuss our "Why?" Inspired by Simon Sinek's theory of starting with your "Why?" to help connect your work to your purpose in a meaningful way. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro00:24 Nicole introduction - Explains inspiration for Podcast02:40 Maegan introduction - Shares strengths/value statement03:22 Indrani introduction - Shares why she started RAFT/core values05:00 Nicole's core values07:04 Mariam introduction - Shares her why for joining & growing with RAFT08:09 Joy introduction - Shares her strengths & her why09:28 Sophie Introduction - Shares strengths & her why11:45 Nicole shares why connection is important to her13:13 Mariam shares why data and research is important to her14:21 Maegan shares why growth & process mapping is important to her16:23 Indrani talks about strengths - how to recognize them, how to use them21:32 Joy shares why love of learning & kindness is important to her22:21 Indrani, Nicole, & Joy speak on Kindness & Empathy for ourselves30:36 Mariam - How RAFT answers her “Why”30:48 Maegan - How RAFT answers her “Why”32:19 Sophie - How RAFT answers her “Why”33:09 Joy - How RAFT answers her “Why”36:07 Thanks for listening!

Today we welcome Joy Ingram to our team as a new workshop facilitator and learn a little about her background. Join RAFT as we discuss some reasons for high turnover rates within SV/DV advocacy organizations and a few ideas to combat this issue. Episode Time Codes 00:00 Intro01:10 Nicole introduces new RAFT team member, Joy2:45 Joy shares her background and advocate experience6:45 Joy presented at NCADV in August 20229:20 Joy's workshop experiences10:00 Why is turnover so high?11:55 Challenges and Support13:30 Barriers to support15:00 Support strategies for organizations17:55 Why is it difficult to schedule time for support at work?21:06 We need to prioritize our wellness22:15 Lunch practices24:00 Reassessing workplace culture25:35 Generational impact on turnover27:05 Boundaries to learn28:35 Overlapping personal and organizational values30:30 Outro

Today on the RAFT podcast, Jeremie and Johnanna Ganz continue their discussion about occupational identity and how it connects to leadership and the development of organizational culture. Episode Time Codes 0:00 Intro0:45 Johanna reviews what it means to have a strong occupational identity.2:51 What is “Organizational Culture Development”? How does it relate to leadership?3:00 Definition of formal and informal organizational culture4:20 How organizational culture connects to occupational identity management through leadership.5:36 Johanna shares 6 factors that can promote or prevent the rate of burnout that people experience in an organization.6:30 Johanna emphasizes the role that leaders play in shaping these 6 factors.7:01 Discussion.8:41 How a strong occupational identity amongst advocates and leadership can create an “us” vs. “them” dynamic.9:41 Johanna discusses 3 factors that can cause this “us” vs. “them” mentality to occur.13:49 How to better manage and/or alleviate this dynamic.14:31 Discussion.16:06 If we know that strong, potentially unhealthy occupational identity exists in an organization, how can that organization ensure that new advocates entering the organization maintain a healthy occupational identity?17:30 Johanna shares 6 ways that leaders can help promote healthy occupational identity among new advocates in an organization.23:08 Discussion.25:00 Johanna and Jeremie discuss what leadership can do for a brand new advocate that comes into an SV/DV organization with an interest in the work but limited experience and/or connection to the movement (both personally and professionally).27:49 Johanna explains the relationship between micromanagement and occupational identity.30:00 Johanna shares advice for advocates who might be dealing with a supervisor that struggles with micromanagement.33:39 Johanna shares advice for leaders who notice micromanagement occurring in their organization.34:25 Discussion.37:29 Discussion about the challenges that come with grant reports: Johanna explains 4 ways that leaders can encourage their successful completion.44:27 Jeremie and Johanna discuss how to change organizational culture and cultivate healthier occupational identities in a field that can be resistant to change because they have operated in one specific way for such a long time.46:59 Johanna shares tips for creating structural change in the SV/DV field in order to move towards healthier occupational identities.50:39 Discussion.53:06 Johanna shares how to get in touch with her and learn more about her work.54:43 Outro Resources Learn more about Johnanna and her work

Today on the RAFT podcast, Nicole and Mariam share their reflections on NCADV's National Conference on Domestic Violence. This year's NCADV National Conference Keynote Speaker was Tommi Vincent. Episode Time Codes 0:00 Intro1:40 Nicole and Mariam talk about meeting each other in person for the first time and how it felt to connect with so many advocates at the conference.4:20 Discussion about planning for the conference: Travelling, making time for self-care activities, breaks, navigating the conference schedule, etc.7:00 Mariam and Nicole discuss their connections to Saint Louis, Missouri: Exploring the city and visiting friends while there.10:45 Discussion about making time for self-care while at the conference. Knowing when to decline activities in favour of rest or personal time.13:05 Nicole and Mariam discuss the different workshops they attended at the conference and choosing workshops which interested them specifically.14:30 “Circle, Square, Triangle” Reflection Tool.15:11 “Circle” Takeaway: Nicole and Mariam share the questions still circulating in their mind as they reflect on their time at the conference.19:43 Transition to “Square” Takeaway: Mariam and Nicole discuss what points from the conference reaffirmed what they already think and know about SV/DV work.27:03 “Triangle” Takeaway: Nicole and Mariam share what takeaways from the conference they hope to implement in their work and life.31:00 Mariam shares her appreciation for the innovative discussions and topics covered at the conference.33:05 Nicole discusses the impact of trauma and holding empathy for people who have experienced trauma.35:51 Final appreciations from the conference.38:49 Outro Resources NCADV Tommi Vincent, NCADV Keynote Speaker