Embodying and Integrating an Intersectional Anti-Oppression Approach into Advocacy

An exploration of embodiment practices for non-lawyer legal advocates, attorneys and entire programs or organizations to support integrating an anti-oppression framework into their advocacy.

On August 15th, 2023, CSAJ hosted a Learning Exchange for non-lawyer legal advocates to explore the role of embodiment and healing in integrating authentic intersectional anti-oppression into IPV advocacy. We explored the connection between sustainable advocacy and embodied practices as well as learning practical skills and methods of integrating self accountability. During this learning exchange we honed in on where advocates are already engaging in embodied practices and share self-accountability skills and methods to broaden the amount of tools we have access to and learn what works in different settings.

Often advocates are taught about anti-oppression and intersectional approaches to doing their work, but very rarely are they given a chance to explore how to integrate those values into their lives in a meaningful way. This session broadens the context in which IPV advocacy work is done and explores ways to make this valuable role sustainable. Disembodiment is a tool of oppression, and engaging in embodied practices is a way to remedy that.

Scroll for links to a recording of the Learning Exchange, to download slides, and for other materials to support your credit advocacy with survivors

This project is supported all or in part by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02248-MUMU awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.