The Signal for Help Responder Workshop is a life-saving training program originally developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation and adapted by the District 4 Advocacy Committee spearheaded by Tanya Tagwerker from the Zonta Club of Guelph.

The workshop is designed to train individuals on how to recognize and respond to the signs of domestic violence or harm and abuse. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify the warning signs, support survivors and connect them with the appropriate resources. Individuals will learn how to intervene safely and effectively while emphasizing the importance of self-care and boundary-setting for responders. Responders are encouraged to prioritize their safety and well-being, as well as that of the survivor while providing support.

The club’s goal is to start a movement to end gender-based violence locally and globally through their vast network of Zonta clubs using this life-saving tool.

The impact of this workshop could be likened to everyone taking CPR training and being able to support anyone in need of help. The club is also seeing the use of the signal for help with kids at school with bullying, human trafficking and kidnapping victims. The signal for help can be used silently and discreetly to signal others that you need assistance, and so can be used universally by many for various reasons.

The club has worked closely with the Canadian Women’s Foundation to develop this project. They have an active memorandum of understanding to continue to grow the workshop in the hopes of translating it into many different languages so they can then distribute it to all Zonta clubs worldwide to start a worldwide movement of training “responders.” This workshop is now presented through various Zonta events and can be virtual or in-person. The club has done this workshop at many events, including D4 Talks, NAIDM Indianapolis 2023, and district conferences. They will proudly present the workshop at the 2024 Zonta International Convention in Brisbane, Australia.