Announcing Connect to Protect Kids: An innovative strategy to protect children and youth from sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and interpersonal violence

by Illuminate Colorado | Nov 8, 2023 | Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

With aligned values and goals, four founding partners, including the Center for Violence Prevention Research, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, Illuminate Colorado, and Protect Our Children (Oregon) are excited to announce the launch of Connect to Protect Kids.

Utilizing a collaborative approach with shared governance and decision-making, Connect to Protect Kids will develop and disseminate a best-in-class prevention education toolkit to protect children from sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and other types of online, peer, and interpersonal violence. Illuminate Colorado is proud to be a founding partner in this process to develop the next generation of prevention.

Why now?

Schools, organizations, child advocacy centers, and larger networks and initiatives have been asking the founding partners for more. More content for adults and youth with consistent messaging, more flexibility and adaptability in programs to meet their specific needs, more learning opportunities with both traditional, live trainings and technology-based learning modules and resources, and more collaboration. The idea for Connect to Protect Kids was born from those conversations and needs.

By responding to the needs of our communities and networks, and including stakeholders across the nation, we are collaborating to create the next generation of prevention together.

Central to the development of the program is ensuring content is developed at the intersection of research, traditional education, and technology. The Center for Violence Prevention Research has been studying the effectiveness and quality of prevention education for years. “There is a good deal of literature that shows prevention education works. But the challenge has been and continues to be providing this type of programming to students without negatively impacting classroom time given all the other demands placed on educators. Covid caused a shift to online prevention education and the research also shows it can work,” says the Center’s Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Bright. “The blending of some live, in-class education with longer-term follow up education online minimizes the challenge of finding enough classroom time for programs to be effective and actually extends the learning over a longer period, which we know is more effective than just delivering one or two prevention lessons,” says Bright. Dr. Bright, along with Dr. Jeff Todahl at the Center for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oregon will lead the research efforts that will inform the program development and ensure it’s efficacy. Dr. David Finkelhor, Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire has also agreed to an advisory board position to support their research efforts.

Working with communities to develop effective programming

Acknowledging the varied prevention needs of communities across the country is also critical. No community is the same and prevention education is provided and managed differently in each community. Having already established statewide networks to provide input, inform development, and test lessons is an enormous asset to this effort. Collectively, Connect to Protect Kids’ founding partners have been doing prevention work in their own states for several decades and have amassed amazing and effective networks who are now excited about the launch of this project.

“Our goal is to collaboratively develop this new program, but also collaboratively govern it’s dissemination, research, updates, etc. to ensure it is a highly effective and sustainable program,” says Tiffany Sawyer, Director of Prevention Services at the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, one of the founding partner organizations. “We have heard nothing but positive feedback on this new venture from our statewide network of facilitators and partners and have several organizations wanting to engage further in the process of program development and funding development, as well.” Anne Auld, Deputy Director at Illuminate Colorado, another founding partner organization, echoes Sawyer’s sentiment:

“We have informed our network of the plans and have received positive feedback and true excitement for this opportunity. We are thrilled to be a part of this collaboration as it aligns and supports our mission at Illuminate to strengthen families and communities.”

Anne Auld

Illuminate Colorado Deputy Director

The Connect to Protect Kids program will be a flexible and adaptable suite of prevention programs and resources giving organizations, schools, and communities a variety of ways to structure their prevention education initiatives and educate adults AND children/youth. Supported by experts with a combined total of more than 140 years in child abuse prevention, organizations will not only have the right tools, but the support needed to achieve greater impact protecting children in their local communities.

All programming and materials will be created from a collaborative process of engaging networks, partners, and the critical voices of youth and those with lived experiences.

Looking forward

Given the vast amount of content planned, Connect to Protect Kids program materials will be developed in stages over several years. However, within the next year, trainings for both adults and youth will be available for initial pilot testing. Stacy Vaughan, a long-time prevention expert who will be the Executive Director of Connect to Protect Kids, says, “We don’t want to create something and say to professionals, here is our program, go do it and let us know if it works. We are asking those professionals, what do you need? How does it need to work for you? What will be most effective in your community? And their responses, along with the most current research and updated prevention best practices, will inform what we create.”

Vaughan explains, “So essentially, professionals and communities will have a voice in the development of the program they will end up using for years to come. It’s a novel approach and people are so excited for the opportunity to be involved.”

Together, we can create real change in how we safeguard children. Illuminate Colorado is excited to be on this journey with such a collaborative group of partners who are aligned in our values and goals. We truly believe this will be an innovative strategy to help all of us better protect kids and will be the next generation of prevention.

Interested in supporting the development of Connect to Protect Kids, or in providing input or piloting materials as they are developed?

Get Connected

Request for Proposals: Seeking Norms Change Consultant to Support Local Organizations in Strategy Development and Implementation

Request for Proposal: Seeking IT Partner for a Statewide Nonprofit Organization

Collaboration is Key in Ensuring All Infants Sleep Safely

Join us as we shine a spotlight on the Colorado Infant Safe Sleep Partnership (ISSP), a group that is working to ensure that all families, providers, organizations, and policymakers have the knowledge, resources, and support for infant safe sleep practices…

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Request for Proposals: Seeking Norms Change Consultant to Support Local Organizations in Strategy Development and Implementation

by Illuminate Colorado | Oct 24, 2023 | CPTF

Position Overview

Illuminate Colorado and the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families (CPTF) are seeking support for local organizations who are developing and implementing local norms change strategies in coordination with the Colorado Connected campaign, a large-scale effort focused on increasing help-seeking and help-offering behaviors among Colorado caregivers and families. The norms change consultant partner will work with Illuminate Colorado Staff and CPTF members to provide coaching support to local partners around the state. Project details, key responsibilities, and qualifications of the norms consultant partner are described below.

Illuminate Overview

Illuminate Colorado is a statewide 501(c)(3) organization working to strengthen families, organizations, and communities to prevent child maltreatment. With a research-based approach that emphasizes building promotive and protective factors, we address systemic and multi-sector issues by collaborating with families and partners at the community, state, and national level to develop and implement powerful programs, policies, and initiatives that build brighter childhoods in Colorado.

Our organization is working to build an inclusive and diverse team of passionate experts who value each other’s differing lived experiences and backgrounds. All of our work is grounded in the foundations of equity and inclusion, family and community driven, holistic, and multigenerational approaches – and guided by our core values of empathy, innovation, growth, and integrity. Learn more at https://www.illuminatecolorado.org/about/.

Key Responsibilities of the Norms Change Consultant

To offer support for local organizations who are developing and implementing local norms change strategies in coordination with the Colorado Connected campaign, this norms change consultant partner will have the following responsibilities:

1. Local survey interpretation, campaign integration, & strategy development: In coordination with Illuminate’s Evaluation & Communications Teams and contracted Marketing Partner, the norms change consultant will provide coaching support to local partners as they interpret existing local norms survey results in the context of behavior change models, leverage survey results to develop local norms change strategies, and integrate the Colorado Connected campaign into their efforts. This responsibility will also include developing and sharing quarterly summaries of local work.

- - - Anticipated monthly hours (November 2023 – February 2024): 10

2. Ongoing local strategy implementation support: In coordination with Illuminate’s Strategic Initiatives and Home Visitation Teams, the norms change consultant will provide ongoing coaching support to local partners as they implement their local strategies. This responsibility will also include developing and sharing quarterly summaries of local work.

- - - Anticipated monthly hours (March – September 2024): 10

3. Expert consultation in monthly meetings: In coordination with Illuminate’s Strategic Initiatives Team, the norms change consultant will participate in the existing monthly Norms community of practice and Family Support through Primary Prevention Advisory Board as an expert panelist/advisor, including sharing verbal monthly updates on local progress to date.

- - - Anticipated monthly hours: 3

4.Identification of local tool and resource needs: In coordination with Illuminate’s Communications Team and contracted Marketing Partner, the norms change consultant will identify tools and resources needed to support local norms implementation efforts.

- - - Anticipated monthly hours: 2

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

The norms change consultant must bring the following:

- At least 3 years experience leading and/or implementing norms change and/or behavioral change efforts.
- Knowledge and practical application of behavioral change theory/models.
- Experience leveraging data to inform norms change efforts.
- Experience offering coaching and technical assistance related to strategy development and implementation.
- Demonstrable success in closely collaborating, building trust, and capacity building with local, regional, and community-based organizations.
- Strong understanding of family well-being systems in Colorado, including child welfare, human services, and public health.
- Demonstrable commitment to racial and social justice, language justice, and equity-oriented action.

Budget

$10,000. Annual contract renewal is possible, pending mutual interest and initial contract period.

Term of Contract

Upon execution – September 30, 2024, with the possibility of ongoing annual extension.

RFP Submission

Proposals should be digitally submitted by 5:00 p.m. MT on Monday, November 6, 2023 to tkorb@illuminatecolorado.org. Please include “Norms Change Consultant” in the subject line.

Candidate Selection & Virtual Interviews

Proposals will be reviewed by the Illuminate Colorado team, and final candidates may be invited for an interview in mid-November.

RFP Requirements

Each proposal should include the elements below to demonstrate both capacity and approach and should not exceed 3 pages.

1. About You: Describe your organization, agency, or position.
2. Qualifications: What makes you uniquely positioned to serve as the norms change consultant for this work? As applicable, in your response please describe your experience with the following:

i. Norms and/or behavioral change efforts

ii. Leveraging data to inform norms change efforts

iii. Coaching and technical assistance related to strategy development and implementation

iv. Collaboration with, trust building, and capacity building with local, regional, and community-based organizations.

3. Proposed Scope of Work: Provide a high-level plan for how you would support the key responsibilities outlined above, including how you would coordinate with Illuminate staff to ensure ongoing alignment.

Request for Proposal: Seeking IT Partner for a Statewide Nonprofit Organization

by Illuminate Colorado | Oct 24, 2023 | General

Position Overview

Illuminate Colorado is seeking Information Technology (IT) support for organizational technology based in individual staff residences, organizational office and storage, and software / systems utilized internally and shared externally with community partners. This IT partner will work with Illuminate Operational Staff to provide Help Desk support to staff, as well as basic maintenance related to computer systems, hardware and software. Project details, key responsibilities, and qualifications of the IT partner are described below.

Illuminate Overview

Key Responsibilities of the IT Partner

To aid in the support of identified technology needs within the organization, the IT partner will:

1. Help Desk Support: Provide ongoing support to staff related to Illuminate Colorado computer systems, hardware and software located in staff residences. These requests will be submitted through Illuminate internal channels and approved by the Illuminate Operational Team prior to submission through a Help Desk ticket with the partner.

- - - Areas of support from the IT partner may include: supporting computer systems, coaching on use of Monday.com, advising on cybersecurity, supporting hardware and software set-up for new staff, supporting ongoing technology issues related to approved hardware and software adaptation or installations. As needed, the IT partner will train staff on basic system, computer, hardware, and software functions.
    - Current Organizational Softwares (which may or may not fall under the purview of this contract) include: Adobe Creative Cloud, Alchemer, Apricot 360, Docusign, Dropbox, Givebutter, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Monday.com, Mailchimp, Quickbooks, Salesforce, Simplybook.me, SmartSheet, Tableau, Zoom.

2. Advise ongoing and upcoming projects: Providing guidance and support on the delivery, viability and/or implementation of tools used in Illuminate programming, that may include tools used with community partners.

- - - Areas of support from the IT partner may include: support or advice on technology needs for an upcoming organizational conference (including a conference app); support on building or revising an appointment scheduling tool; guidance on software integrations; advice on data security considerations; developing a data security plan; and other topics / projects as identified
    - Identification of softwares or tools that may: be duplicative, be utilized to streamline activities, or be differently integrated

3. Support IT project execution, as needed: as directed by the Operations Team, take on specific execution activities, while ensuring the Operations Team or Designated Representative remains in the primary decision-making role, both internally and with external partners.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

The IT partner must bring the following (statements are listed in order of priority):

- - Ability to support / perform all of the functions listed above
  - The ideal partner will be detail oriented and a motivated self-starter, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer savvy, works well in a team environment, and is always focused on customer satisfaction
  - Understanding administration, data analysis, and programming skills
  - Provide excellent customer service, understanding each individual has varying technological skills, comfort, and needs.
  - 3-5 years of Systems Admin and/or Help Desk experience

Budget

Negotiable. It is anticipated that there will be a flat cost for ongoing help desk and support services, with additional hourly or flat fee for additional projects. Contract renewal is possible, pending mutual interest and initial contract period.

Term of Contract

Contract Execution – December 30, 2024, with the possibility of ongoing annual extensions on a calendar year.

RFP Submission

Proposals should be digitally submitted by 5:00 p.m. MT on Monday, November 6, 2023 by email to tkorb@illuminatecolorado.org. Please include ”IT Partner” in the subject line.

Candidate Selection & Virtual Interviews

Proposals will be reviewed by the Illuminate Colorado operational team, and final candidates will be invited for an interview on the week of November 13th, 2023.

RFP Requirements

Each proposal should include the elements below to demonstrate both capacity and approach and should not exceed 3 pages.

1. About You: Describe your organization, agency, or position.
2. Qualifications: What makes you or your organization uniquely positioned to serve as the IT partner for Illuminate? As applicable, in your response please describe your experience with the following:

i. Working with the Nonprofit Sector

ii. Providing Help Desk Support

iii. Advising on ongoing and upcoming projects

iv. Supporting on IT project execution

3. Collaboration Approach: Describe how you would collaborate with Illuminate to IT support while ensuring the Operations Team or Designated Representative remains in the primary decision-making role, both internally and with external partners. In specific, how would provide excellent customer services to Illuminate (including proposed communication processes, services, and response timelines), as you approach:

i. Providing Help Desk Support

ii. Advising on ongoing and upcoming projects

iii. Supporting on IT project execution

4.Budget: Provide an overview of your pricing structure associated with this proposal and how you would approach ongoing help desk support, ongoing projects, new projects, and execution of projects.

Making a Plan for Safe Sleep in October

by Illuminate Colorado | Oct 10, 2023 | Safe Sleep

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to revisit the crucial practices that ensure the well-being of our little ones during their slumber. Safe sleep is not just a routine; it’s a commitment to providing the safest environment for infants, allowing them to grow and thrive. This month, we’re exploring what safe sleep is, why it’s important, and ways to prioritize it, even in unique circumstances.

When all is said and done, having a plan for safe sleep is the best and most important way to keep your little one healthy and thriving!

What Is Safe Sleep?

Safe sleep is a set of practices and guidelines designed to create a secure sleeping environment for infants, minimizing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

Safe sleep is a set of practices and guidelines designed to create a secure sleeping environment for infants, minimizing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.

A – Alone: Infants should always sleep alone in their own sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, free from pillows, blankets, or toys.

B – Back: Always place your baby on their back to sleep. This position significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.

C – Crib: Ensure that your baby sleeps in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, designed to meet current safety standards.

A baby’s sleep area should also be at a comfortable temperature, have a firm, flat surface covered by a fitted sheet, and be in the same room where the caregiver sleeps.

Prioritizing safe sleep practices significantly reduces the risk of sleep-related accidents and, by following the ABCs of safe sleep, you’re giving your baby the best chance for a healthy, happy start in life.

Baby monitor camera watching over a Caucasian baby

Planning is Paramount: When ABCs Aren’t an Option

While the safest sleep environment for infants is their own crib or bassinet, there are situations where bed sharing may become a necessity. Caring for a baby is exhausting, and it’s easy for tired parents to fall asleep while holding their baby on the couch or while breastfeeding in bed. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that some cultures and communities intentionally practice bed sharing.

In such cases, it’s vital to take extra precautions:

1. No smoking in the home or outside: This means ensuring a completely smoke-free environment for the baby. Smoke exposure, even indirectly, increases the risk of respiratory problems and SIDS.

2. Sober adults: Caregivers should refrain from consuming alcohol or taking medications that induce drowsiness while responsible for the baby. This ensures they can respond promptly to any needs or emergencies.

3. Breastfeeding day and night: If a parent chooses to bed share, it is recommended that they do so only when breastfeeding. This is because breastfeeding allows for closer supervision and immediate response to the baby’s needs.

4. Only with a healthy baby who is full term: This refers to a baby who is born at full term (between 37 and 42 weeks gestation) and is in good health without any pre-existing medical conditions.

5. Baby should be on their back and face up: Placing the baby on their back for sleep significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. The face-up position allows for clear airways and comfortable breathing.

6. No sweat: Baby is in light clothing and not swaddled. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. It’s important to dress the baby in light, breathable clothing and avoid swaddling, especially in warmer environments.

7. Safe surface: No soft mattress, no extra pillows, no toys, no tight or heavy covers. Clear of strings and cords. Gaps firmly filled by rolled towels or baby blankets. The sleep surface should be firm and free from any potential hazards. This includes removing soft bedding, toys, and ensuring that there are no strings or cords nearby.

8. The C-position: The C-position, also known as the “cuddle curl,” is a recommended way to position a baby when bed sharing. In this position, the baby is nestled in a semi-fetal position, with their head near the parent’s chest and knees drawn up. This position can help create a protective barrier and facilitate safe breastfeeding during sleep.

In situations where following the ABCs of safe sleep isn’t feasible, having a well-thought-out plan becomes essential. Always communicate with your partner, family members, or baby’s other caregivers about safe sleep practices, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Safe Products Make All the Difference: How to Look Up Recalls

An easy and impactful way to ensure kids sleep – and play – safely is by ensuring that none of the products they interact with have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Oftentimes, parents give or sell second-hand products without being aware of a recent recall. Therefore, it is important for parents to know to check for recalls, regardless of whether a product is purchased new or is received second-hand.

Check your child's products for recalls

Stay Connected with the Safe Sleep Community

When you join the Infant Safe Sleep Partnership email list, you’ll get updates about upcoming meetings, as well as Illuminate Colorado’s bimonthly safe sleep newsletter, Crib Conversations!

Check out what else Illuminate Colorado has planned for Safe Sleep Awareness Month here.

Request for Proposals: Seeking Norms Change Consultant to Support Local Organizations in Strategy Development and Implementation

Request for Proposal: Seeking IT Partner for a Statewide Nonprofit Organization

Collaboration is Key in Ensuring All Infants Sleep Safely

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Building a Culture of Learning: Evaluation & Strategic Learning at Illuminate Colorado

by Illuminate Colorado | Oct 4, 2023 | General

Here at Illuminate Colorado, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. When you think of our work, what first comes to mind might be programs like Illuminating Child Care, or trainings like Lines in the Sand. All of our programs, trainings, coalitions, and networks provide essential support for families, organizations, and communities to prevent child maltreatment.

But, what you might not know, is that behind everything Illuminate does is a team working to collect data to learn how to enhance our functioning and increase our impact. Our Evaluation & Strategic Learning team collaborates inter-organizationally to help staff continuously improve the effectiveness of their programs. Recently, we had a chance to speak with Anna and Hayley, two of the members of the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team, about what their team is focusing on and their goals for the future!

Anna Van Slyke, MPH

Director of Evaluation & Strategic Learning

Anna loves when staff see the value and purpose of data as a mechanism for elevating successes and fostering continuous improvement.

Hayley Geiselman, MPH

Evaluation & Strategic Learning Manager

Hayley appreciates the culture of connection and collaboration at Illuminate, and her favorite part of working at Illuminate is being able to work directly with program teams.

Creating Systems for Understanding and Improving Organizational Impact

The purpose of the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team is to create – and monitor – systems and approaches that help Illuminate to function effectively and have the greatest impact possible.

The team works closely with staff to design and implement processes for understanding key questions related to each program or effort’s implementation and impact, such as:

- - - Is the program or effort being implemented with fidelity, or in adherence to the program model and foundations, to ensure its success?
    - Is the program or effort reaching the populations and/or geographic areas of greatest need, and what are the barriers and facilitators to participation?
    - Are there disparities in regard to who is participating in and/or impacted by the program or effort?
    - Is the program addressing inequities within Colorado?
    - Are program participants satisfied with the services or effort, and what improvements would better meet participant needs and preferences?
    - Is the program or effort achieving its short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term goals and positively impacting the issue it aims to address?

As collaboration is key to the design and implementation of organizational data collection efforts, it is also critical to Illuminate’s learning and improvement processes. Findings are continuously reviewed by the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team, Illuminate staff, and external implementation partners to identify strength areas and opportunities for improvement and develop plans for improvement.

For example, the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team meets weekly with the Circle of Parents team to help monitor emerging program successes and needs and leverage program data to collaboratively design strategies for addressing gaps and course correcting, as needed.

Illuminate Colorado is lucky to have an internal Evaluation & Strategic Learning team because the team is able to build relationships and trust with the staff and external partners implementing programs. It also allows the team to gain an in-depth understanding of each program and initiative and remain up to date on program shifts or emergent needs. This is critical for effective collaboration, meaningful data collection and learning processes, and the ability to provide tailored, timely support.

Looking Ahead: Staff-Led Implementation and Application

Since the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team was established in 2019, the team has been focused on developing infrastructure and processes for data collection and learning, including building data collection tools and data systems. Now, the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team is shifting its focus to supporting ongoing implementation of these approaches, including supporting data monitoring, analysis, and learning efforts among staff and partners.

When we spoke with Anna and Hayley, they shared some Evaluation & Strategic Learning goals they plan to tackle in the coming years. Their goals centered around building the capacity of staff and external implementation partners to implement evaluation and improvement approaches themselves. Anna and Hayley explained that staff are experts in their program’s data, so it is much more impactful when staff also play a lead role in the review and application of that data.

The Evaluation & Strategic Learning team also plans to focus on supporting the scaling of Illuminate Colorado programs. Their role will be as thought partners leveraging data to identify areas of greatest need, ensuring fidelity to the program model while prioritizing local tailoring and adaptations, and monitoring program reach and effectiveness as a scaled program.

Expanded Evaluation Capacity: Welcome Danielle McQueen

At the end of August 2023, the Evaluation & Strategic Learning team was excited to welcome an additional team member, Danielle. She will focus on evaluating Illuminate’s education, coalition, and policy efforts.

Danielle McQueen

Evaluation & Strategic Learning Manager

“My favorite part of working with data is that it helps us see the bigger picture and find a path toward growth and improvement. I’m excited to learn from all of our thoughtful, passionate, and empathetic staff about their area of expertise.“