By: Alerga Roybal

If you look at my blog when I first started I said that this place was different. It still is. I came to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women in August 2018 and I am leaving in June.

It has been an incredible honor to be a part of this team and to be welcomed into so many communities across the Southwest. The Native communities that have been impacted by violence are immensely strong, brilliant and resilient. Whether it was during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our Tribal Leader Summit or MDT meetings the communities CSVANW serve are among the most inspiring I will likely encounter in my lifetime.

The people here are special. I have made lifelong friends, learned so much from each one and I look forward to the work they will continue to do. These are hardworking, passionate people. These are empowered Indigenous human beings that are going to change the world. I am blessed to have been a part of it.

This place is different. They are under the best leadership I have seen, and their passion has never been stronger. Thank you all for letting me in, and everything you do for your communities.