June Safe Space Initiative

Self-Reclaimed’s Safe Space Initiative (SSI) is part of a two-pronged theory of change model that serves as a bridge between survivors, allies, community partners, and professionals in the field of sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV). By engaging in values-driven, candid conversations, the community identifies the necessary education, resources, skills, and advocacy work that seeks to change the culture and systems that allow SA + DV to exist. Over time, the SSI will shift and grow to meet the evolving needs of the community.

FAQ BELOW: 

In 2023, the SSI will host 4 forums over the course of the year with the following goals in mind:

• Increase knowledge about the cultures and systems that maintain SA & DV, while simultaneously creating a community that is actively shifting these cultures and systems
• Learn and develop proficiency in trauma-informed, survivor centered communication and safe spaces
• Navigate candid conversations using SR values and community agreements as a compass to approach challenging topics and repair communication breakdowns
• Individual members contribute to the direction of Self-Reclaimed and future offerings of the SSI
• Develop proficiency in allyship practices and advocacy

Who should join? Community members and organizations who share Self-Reclaimed’s values and want to have an active role in changing the culture and systems that allow SA and DV to exist.

• The Community/Community Members: survivors, allies, community partners (aligned organizations and businesses), and professionals in the field of SA and DV.
• Survivors: individuals who have been impacted directly or indirectly by SA and DV. We recognize that not all individuals who have been impacted, identify as a survivor, and therefore provide this larger context of what we mean by "survivor." 
• Allies: individuals who do not identify as survivors, but have a strong commitment to the mission.
• Organizations: representatives and members of organizations that align with this initiative and may want to receive future trainings from Self-Reclaimed.

Participation Fee: 

Each forum is $5 to participate to help offset the costs of the program.

Become a Founding Member: 

Through the end of June, we’re offering an opportunity to join as a Founding Member of our Safe Space Initiative for just $20! This is the same price as joining each forum individually and secures your spot in each forum. In addition, we’ll also send you an official welcome letter in the mail with a limited Safe Space Initiative sticker! This opportunity is only available to 50 members this year and will close once all memberships have been reserved. All founding members will be listed on our website and in our Annual Event’s Program pro.claim to recognize you for helping us sustain our 2023 survivor programs UNLESS you choose to remain anonymous, then your name will be listed on our website as such. 

Scholarships for Forums & Memberships: 

Survivors who want to participate but cannot afford the fee, please contact us at ssi@selfreclaimed.org

Community Agreements: Just like all of Self-Reclaimed's programs and events, there will be specific community agreements to ensure the safest environment possible for all who are participating in the forum. These will be provided as we get closer to the forum. 

UPCOMING FORUM: 

June's Forum: Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces facilitated by Adam Edwards, the Associate Director of Curriculum Development and Trauma Supports for Justice Resource Institute, and Vanessa De Leon, LCPC, BC-DMT, PhD Candidate in Expressive Arts Therapy, the CEO and Founder of Self-Reclaimed. 

PAST FORUMS: 

April’s forum:  SR’s Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa De Leon, and Chief Impact Officer, Gabriela Starr, will be presenting on Self-Reclaimed’s two-pronged Theory of Change Model and discussing the trajectory of the Safe Space Initiative. Forum attendees will be able to participate in conversation with each other and help shape our next Safe Space Forum in June! What education, resources, skills, and advocacy work do you believe is needed as we envision a world free of SA and DV?

Questions? Contact us at ssi@selfreclaimed.org