Culturally Specific Advocacy
Culturally specific advocacy rests on a foundation of designing programs to serve ethnic- or identity-specific groups taking into account their identity, language, history, and contexts of historical marginalization and oppression; with advocates drawing on their knowledge of, and connection to, their community’s social, political, cultural, and gender issues.
Culturally-specific community-based-organizations address community-specific types and dynamics of gender-based violence, working to counteract various forms of stigma within communities and discrimination within systems, recognizing the importance of connection to community and the healing value of cultural and/or spiritual practices, collaborating with systems so they are not barriers but gateways to services, and identifying and addressing historical trauma.
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This page contains links to resources and technical assistance centers for advocates and service providers who are supporting Black/African American survivors and their communities.
WE, AS OURSELVES: SHAPING THE NARRATIVE ABOUT BLACK SURVIVORS
In February 2021, ‘me too.’ International, the National Women’s Law Center, and TIME’S UP Foundation launched “We, As Ourselves,” a campaign that seeks to change the conversation about sexual violence and its impact on Black communities.Working in collaboration, the three organizations aim to: 1) create safe spaces where Black survivors can confront their stories; 2) upend cultural narratives that harm and silence Black survivors; and 3) build new practices wherein Black survivors are believed, heard, and supported. Access more information and resources here: www.weasourselves.org
BLACK WOMEN’S BLUEPRINT TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR GENDER AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Steeped in various feminist traditions and honoring transnational liberatory models, the BWB Training Institute For Gender and Cultural Competence brings culturally specific, structurally competent, in-depth intersectional analysis and expertise to you, the way you want it. Whether new to the field or a long-time advocate, you can engage in learning exchanges, seminars, workshops, webinars, podcasts and teach-ins that center survivors, survivor informed and current practices, debates and innovations to prevent sexual violence.
Resources:
UJIMA: THE NATIONAL CENTER ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Launched in 2016, Ujima, Inc.: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community serves as a national, culturally-specific services issue resource center to provide support to and be a voice for the Black Community in response to domestic, sexual and community violence. Ujima was founded in response to a need for an active approach to ending domestic, sexual and community violence in the Black community.
The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA)
The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA) is a Women of Color led non-profit committed to ensuring that systems-wide policies and social change initiatives related to sexual assault are informed by critical input and direction of Women of Color. As a national advocacy organization, SCESA utilizes a multi-strategy approach of leadership development and support for Women of Color; advocacy and support for organizations by and for Communities of Color; as well as technical assistance, training and advocacy regarding sexual assault in Communities of Color.
