FRAMING REMARKS 2016 STOP ADMINISTRATORS & COALITION DIRECTORS JOINT MEETING MARCH 29, 2016 TONYA LOVELACE-DAVIS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WOMEN OF COLOR NETWORK, INC. FARAH TANIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BLACK WOMEN S BLUEPRINT Why Are We Here? To discuss, examine, prioritize and focus on working at the intersections and increasing access and accountability for marginalized populations 2009 Article Including Unserved, Underserved and Inadequately Served Populations in the STOP Planning Process Resist we are all underserved Not taking the easy way out Not allowing racial and ethnic populations to take a back seat to other populations Not letting we tried to reach them serve as the final answer Refrain from saying that population is already being served by the state coalition Resist saying we provide the services but they are not utilizing them Welcome persons from 3-Ts populations to the table to speak for themselves 1
2010 to the Present: Providing TA and Training based on the 3-Tiers System Un-served No services available Severe isola2on Underserved Limited access Moderate Isola2on Inadequately served Overrepresented Access but limited quality 2010 to the Present: Providing TA and Training based on the 3-Tiers System Providing coaching, TA and training on improved implementation planning Inspiring and supporting the revamping of RFPs for more accessibility Outreach/relationship building/ta with current and potential STOP grantees Serving as aspiring allies as systems agents that can work to provide access to marginalized communities Coalition Directors Worked with State Coalitions over the years to: Embrace, nurture, acknowledge, recruit and retain women of color presence and leadership within their coalitions and across their states and territories as the single greatest resource to reach these populations Look beyond sexism as the sole source of oppression and violence to be addressed in ending domestic violence and sexual assault Recognize that we we are complicit in reinforcing the high occurrence of DV, SA and homicide among marginalized communities across the intersections when we do not provide greater accessibility for these communities Assist in the development of organizational anti-oppression practices and principles and modeling these for local programs #JaggedJustice Initiative, connecting the dots across all forms of violence and examining their intersectional impacts across marginalized communities in their quest for survival and safety. 2
Again Why Are We Here? To establish COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS among and State Coalitions regarding accessibility and intersectional approaches in working with marginalized communities To develop COLLECTIVE GOALS, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES that will bring underserved communities from the margins to center, because the data shows that they SHOULD BE at the center of our collective efforts To support all present to BRING THEIR WHOLE SELVES to the table, with true self-recognition and examination of our points of privilege and dis-privilege What does it look like when this is accomplished? Community-based, culturally-specific programs will receive funding to continue the work they are already doing WITHOUT this funding Marginalized communities not only present but recognized and seen as experts and partners at the coalition and the STOP tables Marginalized survivors are being better reached, assisted, resourced and SERVED Survivor and community leadership are INFUSED throughout all levels of our work Black Women s Blueprint: An Exercise at the Intersections and at the Margins Working at the grassroots and at the national levels. Mapping the margins and the power which lives at the margins. Finding the Unserved. Engaging the Underserved. Bridging the Gap for the Inadequately Served Populations in the STOP Planning Process. 3
Unpacking What We ve Heard: Using an Intersectional Approach Mapping the margins the Unserved, Underserved and Inadequately Served Populations in the STOP Planning Process. The Individual The Family The Culturally Specific Community The Grassroots or Community Based Organization The Mainstream Organization The Coalition The STOP Administrator External Systems Intersectionality: Its History, and Contemporary Forms. Unpacking intersectional identities Race class, gender, ability, sexuality, migration, etc. Unpacking intersectional oppression Impact of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, poverty, migration process, previous domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, etc. Unpacking intersectional experiences Individual and Communal Interaction With Systems (i.e, criminal justice and other legal and protective systems). Intersectionality: Its Relevance to and Coalitions What does it mean to adopt an intersectional approach in creating environments and relationships where: 1. Culturally specific organizations have necessary resources and can be innovative. 2. Communities can build trust. 3. Ultimately survivors can feel safe to report domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, give and get necessary information, and access services. What this means in an environment where advocates and survivors are concerned with Gender-Biased Policing. 4
Learning from History History is a tool for effectively shifting the status quo. Understanding the lessons of history allows us to create a more equitable systems, practices, policies and better relationships and futures. Sharing Culture Culture is the life support system of a community. If a community s culture is respected and nurtured by ensuring that community is at the table, the community s power will grow. Developing Leadership Anti-racist leadership needs to be developed intentionally and systematically within local communities and organizations. Maintaining Accountability To engage culturally specific communities with integrity requires that we be accountable to these communities struggle with racist oppression. Networking Transforming relationships with communities and CBOs relationships of power (through grant-making) and the way we work requires networking or building a net that works. As the movement develops a strong net, people are less likely to fall through. Analyzing Power As a society, we often believe that individuals and/or their communities are solely responsible for their conditions. Through the analysis of institutional power, we can identify and unpack the systems external to the community that create the internal realities that many people experience daily. Gatekeeping Persons who work in institutions often function as gatekeepers to ensure that the institution perpetuates itself. By operating with culturally proficient, sensitive, authentic, anti-oppression values and networking with those who share those values and maintaining accountability in the community, the gatekeeper becomes an agent of institutional transformation. 5