Our Work

Sisterhood

Sisterhood means watching each others back, to allow that invisible but solid connection we as Women of Color have with one another to blossom and feed each other's soul, Crystal- Gerogia.

The work to end sexual assault can be challenging and difficult on a daily basis. For Women of Color, not only is the work difficult, but it can also be very isolating.

SCESA believes that sisterhood is an essential aspect to the lives of Women of Color. Based on this fundamental value, SCESA support's the creation of Sharing Circles to serve as a tool for Women of Color in building enriching relationships that will enhance and support personal and professional growth. Sharing Circles allows sisters to share lessons learned, information and support with each other.

I am Latina so when I read that (the term "sisterhood") I immediately think of MI HERMANA. My biological sisters are very important to me. So sisterhood to me would be a bond you share with other sisters whether it is biological, emotional, spiritual and/ or mental. Nelly- Chicago.

Systems Advocacy

SCESA engages in systems advocacy at the national level to ensure that policy initiatives aimed at addressing or having impact on violence against women (and specifically sexual assault) are:

• Informed by the voices and experiences of Women of Color;
• Responsive to and reflect the unique needs, critical issues and strengths of Communities of Color; and
• Involve direction and critical input by Advocates of Color and Organizations by and for Communities of Color.

Further, we aim to provide resources and information to assist our communities in their efforts at systems advocacy within their local community and/or state.

SCESA also participates with other national organizations in collaborative efforts that focus on social change initiatives that address violence against women as well as other forms of oppression.

Overall, our efforts are aimed at a long term strategy to protect, ensure and expand public policy issues for Communities of Color.

Outreach

SCESA's goal is to ensure that there is appropriate, relevant information about sexual assault in Communities of Color so that People of Color themselves have access to better understanding of the issues and acknowledge that these issues are critical for our community.

We work with grassroots and national organizations of Color to educate our communities about sexual assault and share information as it relates to our key focus areas. SCESA values community connections therefore we participate in events (such as festivals, carnivals, and parades) that reflect our cultural identity.

Trainings and Information Sharing

SCESA is committed to creating the space, opportunity and support for Women of Color to recognize, attain, and/or enhance their leadership abilities in their community or at work. We seek opportunities to provide trainings and information sharing that is not only relevant to Women of Color as anti-sexual assault advocates and change agents, but also supports their personal growth and empowerment.

Further, we seek to build community among us as Women of Color that span a spectrum of age, subcultures, socio-economic status, etc. Therefore, our trainings provide opportunities for us as Women of Color to explore our histories as People of Color while addressing the impact of colonization on our relationships to each other and how we value ourselves.

SCESA also provides training and information sharing to enhance the capacity of organizations by and for Communities of Color to maintain and sustain efforts to address violence against women within their communities.

Technical Assistance

SCESA provides training and technical assistance addressing sexual assault and Communities of Color to national, state, territorial and community based organizations. We also provide technical assistance and support to culturally specific Communities of Color organizations addressing violence against women within their community.