Wellstone Action!

posted by Elana Wolowitz

DECEMBER 15, 2009

Many of us, including contributors to this blog, tend to consider Washington, DC to be a cynical place.  Some of us may even consider "cynical" to be a generous term.  But last week's annual Sheila Wellstone Institute event was a triumphant celebration of change - and the Senators in attendance seemed uniquely moved by the chance to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and remember Sheila's tremendous contributions to the movement to end domestic violence.

Over 200 movement leaders, advocates, activists, and students, joined members of Congress at the Annual Sheila Wellstone Institute event on Capitol Hill in Washington last Thursday to celebrate VAWA's achievements and kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The Sheila Wellstone Award was also given to Vice President Joe Biden and posthumously to St. Paul's own Lupe Serrano, a tremendous advocate and leader to end domestic violence who passed away earlier this year.

The event was hosted by Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), and she was joined by her colleagues Senator Harry Reid, Senator Al Franken, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Bob Casey, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Jeff Merkly.  Vice President Biden could not attend, but did personally accept his award at a separate reception Tuesday evening at the Vice President's residence, presented by David Wellstone.  Lynn Rosenthal, the first White House Advisor on Domestic Violence, accept the award on Biden's behalf on Thursday night.  

This strong show of support is a testament to both the enduring legacy of Sheila Wellstone and her pathbreaking work both on Capitol Hill and in the community to make domestic violence a public policy priority, as well as the commitment from Congress - 15 years after VAWA was first passed - to ensure safety for women and families.

Below is video (In true grassroots fashion, shot with a cell phone - pardon the quality) of Senator Al Franken speaking movingly about Sheila and Paul's work as he introduced Patti Tototzintle, the Executive Director of Casa de Esperanza, who accepted the Sheila Wellstone Award on behalf of Lupe Serrano and her family.

Look for more updates on this event, along with photos, in the days to come.  If you have a story of what Domestic Violence Awarness Month means to you, please leave it in the comments.