Empowered Pathways Summit Strengthens Prevention Through Collaboration and Community Voice

Written by:  Marilyn Ho Ching 

The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence recently hosted the CDC RPE Empowered Pathways Summit, bringing together service providers, advocates, community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and prevention partners for a powerful day of learning, reflection, and collaboration focused on advancing sexual violence prevention in American Samoa.
With strong attendance from agencies and organizations across the territory, the Summit created a meaningful space for participants to engage in important conversations surrounding prevention, coordinated responses, and culturally grounded approaches that strengthen community safety and wellbeing. The event highlighted the importance of working collectively to build pathways that prevent harm before it occurs.
The Summit opened with welcoming remarks made by the executive director, Jennifer Tofaeono, that centered the Alliance’s vision of creating communities rooted in respect, accountability, compassion, economic justice and collective care. Throughout the day, participants were reminded that prevention is not the responsibility of one organization alone — it is a shared commitment that requires connection, communication, and collaboration across all sectors.
One of the most impactful moments of the Summit was the keynote presentation by Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff, which offered powerful reflections on resilience, advocacy, and the importance of survivor-informed and trauma-informed prevention work. Attendees were deeply moved by the speaker’s personal insights, honesty, and call for communities to continue building systems that support healing, dignity, and safety for all.
The panel discussion that followed brought together diverse voices from service organizations and community programs to discuss how agencies can strengthen partnerships and improve prevention efforts through coordinated strategies. Panelists shared valuable perspectives on cultural responsiveness, accessibility of services, community trust, and the role each provider plays in creating safer environments. Participants also had the opportunity to engage by submitting questions and reflections that encouraged deeper dialogue and thoughtful discussion.
A key feature of the Summit was the interactive group activities and collaborative mapping sessions designed to help participants identify next steps for sexual violence prevention in American Samoa. Through reflection exercises, prevention mapping, and small group discussions, attendees explored opportunities for stronger partnerships, community education, policy improvements, and culturally grounded prevention strategies.
Participants contributed ideas focused on:

• Strengthening collaboration between agencies and service providers
• Increasing prevention education and awareness efforts
• Supporting youth and family-centered prevention initiatives
• Promoting culturally respectful and trauma-informed practices
• Identifying long-term strategies that build safer communities

These activities helped create a shared vision for moving prevention work forward and reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing sexual violence prevention across the territory.
The Alliance extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, panelists, facilitators, partners, volunteers, and attendees who contributed their voices, experiences, and commitment to the success of the Empowered Pathways Summit. Together, we continue building pathways toward prevention, healing, and stronger communities for future generations.
 

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