I can’t believe Human Options will be celebrating 30 years in 2011. Thirty years of working passionately to break the cycle of domestic violence here in Orange County. It’s even harder to imagine that the whole domestic violence movement started even before I was born. It was begun by passionate individuals in the feminist and civil right movements of the sixties. Those first leaders are now ready to hand over the reins to a younger generation, my generation. But how and what will that look like? We, too, are passionate but not for the same reasons as the earlier generation. Next week I get to be a part of what that future will look like.

I have been asked to be a part of creating a new vision for domestic violence shelters and prevention for future women and families. Next week I go to meet with others like myself as part of a statewide initiative. Blue Shield of California has initiated The Strong Field Project. The project is a four-year effort aimed at bringing small, individual non-profit agencies, like Human Options, together to build a strong, coordinated network of domestic violence service providers in California. Its goal is to inspire others, make smart business decisions, and consider new ways of service delivery.

This is exciting, overwhelming, puzzling, challenging, and a variety of other adjectives I can’t put all down here. I feel like I’m now the pioneer. This is our new vision. Where and how do we begin? I will let you know of the progress, challenges, and stumbling blocks over the next four years, ask your opinions, and listen to your feedback. Tell me what you think now. Is there any advice, experience, or opinions I can carry with me?