Committee Member – Survivor Advocates for Empowerment (SAFE)

Survivor Advocates for Empowerment (SAFE) is a survivor-led organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for survivors of gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at someone because of their gender, gender identity or how their gender is perceived. It can include intimate partner and domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual assault, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as physical, emotional, psychological, financial and technology-facilitated abuse, coercion and controlling behaviours.

Our Committee is the heart and soul of SAFE.

Committee Members bring the lived experience, perspectives, ideas and passion that help shape who we are and the work we do. Our Committee helps ensure that SAFE remains grounded in the voices, needs and realities of the people our organization exists to serve.

We are looking for individuals who want to use their voice, perspective and lived experience to help strengthen SAFE’s programs, advocacy, events, outreach and presence in the community.

Committee Members work collaboratively with one another, SAFE’s Board of Directors and other volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, and members are encouraged to contribute based on their individual interests, strengths, skills and comfort levels.

Committee Members may:

* Participate in Committee meetings and discussions
* Share ideas, perspectives and feedback to help shape SAFE’s work
* Help develop and support programs and survivor-centred initiatives
* Participate in advocacy, education and awareness initiatives
* Help plan and attend community events, outreach activities and campaigns
* Contribute to projects based on their individual interests, skills and availability
* Help identify issues, barriers and gaps affecting survivors
* Provide feedback to help ensure SAFE’s work remains relevant, inclusive and survivor-centred
* Help create educational, advocacy and awareness content
* Represent SAFE at community events and activities when interested and available
* Collaborate with fellow Committee Members, Board members, volunteers and community partners
* Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy, boundaries and experiences of others
* Support SAFE’s mission, values and survivor-led approach

Because SAFE is survivor-led, Committee membership is intended for individuals with personal lived experience of gender-based violence. Lived experience helps guide our work, but sharing your personal story is never a requirement of being part of SAFE.

Applicants and Committee Members are welcome to share as much or as little about their experiences as they choose. There is no expectation to provide details during the application process, tell your story after joining, or discuss experiences you would prefer to keep private. Each person decides for themselves what parts of their lived experience, if any, they wish to share.

No previous volunteer, advocacy or non-profit experience is required. We welcome people with different backgrounds, perspectives, strengths and skill sets. We are looking for individuals who are compassionate, dependable, respectful, collaborative and committed to creating meaningful change.

The Committee is more than a volunteer group within SAFE. It is the heart and soul of our organization, helping ensure that as SAFE grows and evolves, survivor voices remain at the centre of everything we do.