Program
In 2017 The DC Public Library collaborated with Defend Yourself, a local company that works to empower people — especially women and others targeted for abuse and assault — to end violence and create a world where they can be fully themselves. Our students learn skills to help them prevent, heal from, and end violence and abuse.Together, DCPL and Defend Yourself developed a library-specific safety training for staff that teaches self-defence concepts such as avoidance and prevention, assertiveness, direct communication, and boundary setting, deescalation, and bystander intervention. DCPL piloted this training with twenty frontline staff from throughout our system of twenty-seven libraries. Based on the positive feedback from staff, DCPL launched system-wide training in the summer of 2018. The plan included training each branch as one cohort with the intention that this type of training can build staff cohesion, provide a shared toolbox of skills and language that the branch staff have and to develop staff resiliency to address difficult situations. This session will discuss the process involved in developing the training, key concepts within the training, and how this training is a part of a larger DCPL vision for building staff resiliency.
ALA Unit/Subunit: PLA
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
Farah Fosse
Trainer
I studied self-defense with Wendo in Argentina and then with Defend Yourself starting in 2005. I’ve also studied martial arts and received self-defense instructor training with the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation.I especially enjoy supporting women and girls in finding their voices and becoming more assertive.A common thread in these activities is a desire to support people in developing tools to take control of their lives, fight back against oppression and create spaces based on consent and cooperation. (Farah teaches in English and in Spanish.)
Defend Yourself
Yvette Davis
Supervisory Librarian
Yvette Davis has worked for the District of Columbia Public Library for over 30 years in various positions working with youth and informational services. She is currently the Supervisory Librarian at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library and manages the day-to-day operations and workflows of neighborhood library services including overseeing the condition of the facility. Davis establishes and evaluates work schedules, employee performance, training, and program development. She is a proactive, high energy professional with a proven ability to build trust and develop effective relationships and teams. 30+ years of experience creating learning environments that are safe and informative in an urban library setting and with an additional 5+ years of experience as a Coordinator of Youth Services and Budget Manager. Excellent organizational skills combined with the ability to adapt to new challenges. Davis possesses outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with expertise in dealing with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. She is dedicated to achieving customer satisfaction and surpassing expectations.
DC Public Library