SEX WORKERS OUTREACH PROJECT

SWOP-USA maintains that decriminalization of sex work and anti-discriminatory policies are the best way to reduce harm in the sex trade, the benefits of which include (but are not limited to) sex workers being better able to seek services and opportunities, secure long term housing, report crimes without fear of arrest, be less susceptible to abuse at the hands of abusive police, and more safely screen clients. SWOP-USA also asserts that decriminalization would help law enforcement more effectively identify instances of human trafficking, as more time would be spent on pursuing leads on abuse as opposed to trying to police the behaviors of consenting adults.

SWOP, at its most basic, is an anti-violence campaign. As a multi-state network of sex workers and advocates, we address locally and nationally the violence that sex workers experience because of their criminal status, as well as intersecting issues of racism, gender violence, poverty, and discrimination.

SWOP-USA vies to enable sex workers and their supporters to make change and raise awareness in their regions. Chapters are the foundation of the SWOP network, and what we primarily invest in as a national organization.

-Recent hiring of our inaugural Executive Director, our first full-time staff person.

-Direct mentorship of chapters and activist to create impactful change.

-Creation of a Community Advisory Board to design and implement capacity building educational materials for chapters.

-Increased national advocacy in response to regressive laws, especially SESTA/FOSTA.

-Observance of December 17th, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

-Building community among the most vulnerable sex workers.

-Fighting transphobia and sex worker stigma.

SWOP-USA presently has a Board of Directors consisting of 11 active participants.

As the issues of the human rights of sex workers makes it's way into the mainstream, more sex workers and their allies are stepping up and speaking out. SWOP-USA will continue to employ technology, community building, live events, and the passion of marginalized people demanding their human rights to drive our message into 2019 and beyond. With the financial help of our supporters, we feel quite capable of continuing our uphill slog for equality and safety.

SWOP-USA has successfully created an extensive network of US activists seeking to promote the human rights of sex workers.

SWOP-USA is responsible for the creation of International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, which in 2015 was recognized in over 95 events in 35 countries and at least 28 U.S. cities.

We have created a consistent media presence and made our organization visible to the mainstream, and fostered media connections that continue to amplify our message whenever we have a particular item to address.

We have expanded our Board or Directors and are making progress in our mission to create sustainable leadership and protocols for this organization.