Building Leadership in GBV Shelters & Agencies

“Leadership: Theory and Practice” by Peter G. Northouse. This comprehensive text covers major leadership theories and their practical applications, making it an excellent foundation for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.

“Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. This book emphasizes building others up and creating an environment where people can excel, which is crucial in a family violence emergency shelter setting.

“Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” by Adam Grant. This book explores the importance of keeping an open mind and the ability to question one’s opinions, which can be valuable skills for shelter directors facing complex challenges.

“A culture of care: How Lotus House Women’s Shelter heals program participants” (McDivitt & Blasco, 2015). This article discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment in women’s shelters and could provide insights into trauma-informed leadership practices.

“Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration” by Keith Ferrazzi and Noel Weyrich. This book offers valuable insights on collaborative leadership, which can be particularly useful in a family violence emergency shelter environment.

“The Female Vision: Women’s Real Power at Work” by Sally Helgesen and Julie Johnson. This book focuses on women’s leadership and could provide relevant perspectives for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.

“Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact” by Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie. This book offers a model for leadership that combines personal passions with professional aspirations, which could be beneficial for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.

“Positive Leadership Principles for Women: 8 Secrets to Inspire and Impact Everyone Around You” by Karol Ladd. This book focuses on leadership principles specifically for women and could provide valuable insights for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.

“Effective Leadership Strategies for Women: A Practical Guide for Women to Successfully Influence, Motivate and Inspire” by Meredith Haskins. This book offers practical strategies that could be particularly useful in a family violence emergency shelter environment.

“The Leadership Handbook for Women: A Woman’s Guide to Developing Leadership Skills for Career Success, Fostering Equity in Workplace, and Empowering Other Women to Lead” by Liz Elting. This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of leadership that are relevant to family violence emergency shelter executive directors, including empowering other women.

“Leading Gracefully: A Woman’s Guide to Confident, Authentic & Effective Leadership” by Monique Svazlian Tallon. This book could help family violence emergency shelter executive directors develop a leadership style that is both effective and authentic.

“Manitoba Standards Manual for Women’s Shelters” executive directors of family violence emergency shelter in Manitoba should familiarize themselves with this document as it provides important context for leadership in this specific setting.

“Working with a board as an Executive Director”

“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. An essential resource for shelter directors, providing strategies for effective safety planning with survivors.

“No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” by Rachel Louise Snyder. This book provides a deep dive into the realities of domestic violence, offering both personal stories and an analysis of systemic issues.

“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. A seminal work that explores the impact of trauma and the process of recovery, essential for understanding the psychological aspects of gender-based violence.

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book explains how trauma affects the body and mind, offering insights into effective treatment methods.

“Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men” by Lundy Bancroft. A critical resource for understanding the mindset of abusers and the dynamics of abusive relationships.

“Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings” by the Homelessness Resource Center. A practical guide on implementing trauma-informed care in shelters, with a focus on creating safe and supportive environments.

“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. This book offers practical strategies for safety planning with women experiencing domestic violence.

“The Manitoba Gender-Based Violence Strategy” by the Government of Manitoba. An essential document outlining the provincial strategy for addressing gender-based violence, including policies and programs.

“Violence Against Women: Vulnerable Populations” by Douglas A. Brownridge. This book focuses on domestic violence in Canada, examining how it affects different vulnerable populations.

“Cruel But Not Unusual: Violence in Canadian Families” edited by Ramona Alaggia and Cathy Vine. A comprehensive examination of family violence in Canada, including domestic violence.

“Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”.  While broader in scope, this report contains crucial information about violence against Indigenous women in Canada.

“Gender-Based Violence: A Comprehensive Guide” edited by Geraldine Terry and Joanna Hoare. An academic text that offers a broad overview of gender-based violence, including theoretical frameworks and case studies.

“Intersectionality: Key Concepts” by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge. This book explores the concept of intersectionality, crucial for understanding the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender.

“The Routledge International Handbook of Gender-Based Violence” edited by Nancy Lombard. A comprehensive collection of research and essays on various aspects of gender-based violence, from global perspectives to specific case studies.

“Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life” by Evan Stark. This groundbreaking work examines the patterns of coercive control in abusive relationships, offering a new framework for understanding domestic violence.

“Domestic Violence at the Margins: Readings on Race, Class, Gender, and Culture” edited by Natalie J. Sokoloff and Christina Pratt. A collection of essays that explores how factors such as race, class, and culture intersect with domestic violence.

“The Batterer as Parent: Addressing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Family Dynamics” by Lundy Bancroft and Jay G. Silverman. This book examines the effects of domestic violence on children and parenting, crucial for understanding family dynamics in abusive situations.

“Women’s Experiences of Violence: An International Perspective” edited by Shubhangi Vaidya. A comprehensive look at domestic violence from a global perspective, offering insights into cultural and societal factors.

“Helping Her Get Free: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women” by Susan Brewster. A practical guide for those supporting survivors of domestic violence, offering strategies and advice.

“Domestic Violence Advocacy: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies and Eleanor Lyon. A comprehensive guide for advocates working with survivors of domestic violence, covering a range of practical issues.

“Black and Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Survival” by Veronica Gorrie. A powerful memoir that explores the intersection of racism and domestic violence, offering important perspectives on systemic issues.

“Crazy Love” by Leslie Morgan Steiner. A memoir that provides insight into the psychology of an abusive relationship and the process of leaving.

“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. A seminal work on trauma, essential for understanding the psychological impacts of domestic violence.

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book explores how trauma affects the body and mind, offering insights into effective treatment methods.

“Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence: A Workbook for Women” by Mari McCaig and Edward S. Kubany. A practical resource that can be used to support survivors in their healing journey.

“Intersectionality” by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of intersectionality, exploring its theoretical foundations and practical applications.

“Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color” by Kimberlé Crenshaw. An essential essay that introduces the concept of intersectionality and its relevance to understanding violence against women of color.

“Women, Intersectionality, and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership” by Yoon Im Kane. This book explores the application of intersectionality in group psychotherapy, offering insights that can be adapted for use in shelter environments.

“Intersectionality and Social Work: Omissions, Alliances, and Possibilities for Practice” edited by Suryia Nayak and Rachel Robbins. A Canadian-focused text that examines the application of intersectionality in social work practice, offering practical insights for shelter directors.

### Readings on Gender-Diverse Issues

“Beyond the Gender Binary” by Alok Vaid-Menon. A thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notions of gender and advocates for a more inclusive understanding.

“Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community” edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth. An inclusive guide that covers a wide range of topics relevant to transgender individuals, from health care to legal issues.

“Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation” edited by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman. A collection of essays, stories, and artwork by gender-diverse individuals, offering diverse perspectives on gender identity and expression.

“Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More” by Janet Mock. A memoir that provides a personal and powerful narrative about the experiences of a transgender woman of color.

“Supporting Trans People in Crisis” by the Trans Lifeline. A guide that provides best practices for supporting transgender individuals in crisis situations.

“Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations: Policies and Practices” by John Zietlow, Jo Ann Hankin, and Alan G. Seidner. This book provides comprehensive guidance on nonprofit financial management, covering essential topics such as cash flow, financial sustainability, analytics, reporting, investing, and risk management. It is an indispensable resource for understanding the technical expertise required for nonprofit financial officers and includes real-world case studies and checklists.

“Bookkeeping Basics: What Every Nonprofit Bookkeeper Needs to Know” by Debra L. Ruegg and Lisa M. Venkatrathnam. This book explains all aspects of developing and managing systems to track and spend nonprofit finances. It is an easy-to-reference resource that is useful for new or established nonprofits, emphasizing accountability and financial responsibility beyond just the Board treasurer.

“The Budget-Building Book for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Managers and Boards” by Murray Dropkin, Jim Halpin, and Bill La Touche. This book provides a practical guide for creating and managing budgets within nonprofit organizations, offering step-by-step instructions and strategies for effective financial planning.

“The Cash Flow Management Book for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Managers, Consultants, and Boards” by Murray Dropkin and Allyson Hayden. This book offers a comprehensive guide to cash flow management for nonprofit organizations. It covers cash flow principles, policies, forecasts, budgets, strategies, and technology to improve cash flow management, along with practical resources such as to-do lists, sample forms, and worksheets.

“Financial Sustainability for Nonprofit Organizations” by Emmanuel Jean Francois, PhD. This book provides leaders and managers of nonprofit organizations with theoretical and conceptual frameworks, approaches, and strategies to manage organizations that are financially sustainable. It covers financial and nonfinancial facets of sustainability, including financial analysis, budget management, cash flow, financial accountability, and reporting.

“Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability” by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka, and Steve Zimmerman. This book provides a framework for integrating financial performance and social impact considerations in strategic decision-making. It introduces the “Matrix Map,” a model for assessing the impact and profitability of a nonprofit’s programs, helping leaders make informed resource allocation decisions.

“Get Good with Money” by Tiffany Aliche: Known as “The Budgetnista,” Aliche offers a ten-step plan for achieving financial wholeness. Her practical advice and actionable steps are designed to create harmony between individuals and their money, regardless of their starting point.

“On My Own Two Feet” by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar. This guide provides essential information on money management, helping women keep spending in check, save for emergencies, and create secure retirement plans. It is particularly useful for those managing finances independently.

“The Woman’s Guide to Money” by Kelley Keehn: This book helps women overcome barriers related to money management, teaching them to see beyond net worth and focus on true wealth and prosperity. It is about achieving financial freedom and empowerment.

“Building Financial Empowerment for Survivors of Domestic Violence” by Judy L. Postmus: This book is specifically designed to empower survivors of domestic violence by providing them with the financial knowledge and skills needed to achieve independence and security. It is a valuable resource for shelters aiming to support women in rebuilding their financial lives.

“Financial Planning & Analysis and Performance Management” by Jack Alexander. This book is an essential reference for financial planning and analysis professionals. It covers budgeting, forecasting, and effective financial communication, providing practical analytical techniques and real-world applicability, which can be particularly useful for organizations operating on tight budgets.

“Financial Forecasting, Analysis, and Modelling: A Framework for Long-Term Forecasting” by Michael Samonas. This book offers a hands-on toolkit for long-term forecasting with an emphasis on uncertainty. It includes practical approaches to enhancing financial statement simulation models and techniques to bolster a robust planning process, making it ideal for organizations needing precise financial strategies.

“Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. Although primarily focused on personal finance, this book’s principles can be adapted for small business budgeting. It emphasizes aligning spending with values, which can help organizations create budgets that reflect their financial goals and broader objectives.

“Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement” by Bryson, John M. (2004). 3rd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This book is a comprehensive guide on conducting the strategic planning process in public and nonprofit organizations, detailing ten core planning steps known as the Strategy Change Cycle.

“Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide and Workbook by Allison, Michael, and Jude Kaye. (2005). 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. This work provides a detailed exposition on strategic planning in nonprofit agencies, using case studies and offering practical tools like worksheets and checklists.”Strategic Planning in Human Service Agencies.” By Webster, Stephen A., and Mary Wylie. (1988). The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, Vol. 15, Iss. 3, Article 4. This article examines how strategic planning is utilized in human service agencies, highlighting its replacement of incremental planning models due to external pressures.

“Leadership: Theory and Practice” and “The Leadership Handbook for Women: A Woman’s Guide to Developing Leadership Skills for Career Success, Fostering Equity in Workplace, and Empowering Other Women to Lead” by Liz Elting. These books focus on developing leadership skills and fostering equity in the workplace.

“Leading Gracefully: A Woman’s Guide to Confident, Authentic & Effective Leadership” by Monique Svazlian Tallon. This helps in developing an effective and authentic leadership style.

“Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings” by the Homelessness Resource Center. This provides guidance on implementing trauma-informed care in shelters.

“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. This offers strategies for effective safety planning with survivors.

“No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” by Rachel Louise Snyder. This provides insights into the realities of domestic violence.

“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. This explores the impact of trauma and recovery processes.

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk, explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.”Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men” by Lundy Bancroft. This is a critical resource for understanding the mindset of abusers.