Meet Sandra A. Martin: Mentor Award winner

by Catherine Corcoran

Sandra Martin’s extensive work in the Austin community will be recognized by AWC Austin at the 38^th annual Banner Brunch on April 30. Martin will be presented with the Mentor Award, which acknowledges the efforts of local communicators who have made a significant mark in the area of community service.  

Martin is a licensed master social worker with over 40 years of experience in government and nonprofit organizations dealing with such issues as abused children, juvenile delinquency, emergency shelter, parenting education, early childhood development and crime victim services. 

She has been part of the Center for Child Protection, since its beginning in 1989 and has been Chief Executive Officer since 1991. Prior to this, she was Director of Victim / Witness Services in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the founding Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County.  

AWC:   Children’s advocacy is an issue you are passionate about. How does communications help you in your role? 

The absence of good communication and awareness is responsible for holding victims, young and old, as silent hostages. It is vitally essential from the initial discovery of an abused child. We know that a child’s developmental age greatly impacts their ability to communicate and those of us who advocate on their behalf must be aware of this and be doubly sure that professionals are communicating with one another. 

AWC:   How would you advise other communicators who wanted to use their skills to make a difference in your field?  

Do your homework and reach out to every possible source to ensure that you’ve found the best fit for your skills. Ask what’s needed and be willing to do the small tasks as well as the large. The small or unglamorous tasks are often the most important. 

AWC:   Is there any particular issue you wish to highlight or raise awareness of? 

I want more adults in our world who have the courage to hear about the horror, violence and brutality that children are enduring. 

AWC:   What are the three most positive changes you have seen in your years in children’s advocacy? 

1. When our agency partners realized the benefit to both individual team members AND to child victims, they were willing to open their doors to collaboration and to community volunteers who might have otherwise been considered ‘outsiders’ or ‘do-gooders.’ 

2.  There is a greater recognition that child victims of violence can obtain access to justice when the community and public agencies recognize how to communicate with them. 

3. Child victims can survive and thrive if they get early intervention and support. Their victimization does not have to permanently drive the course of their lifetime.

P.S. Early registration has been extended to Friday, April 14!
Early bird rates through April 14 are $55 for AWC members, $65 for guests and $45 for students. Full tables and table sponsorships are available as well. Prices are a steal for Austin’s premiere communications awards brunch!