The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is inviting applications to our new Survivor Advisory Board (SAB). The goal of the SAB is to ensure those directly impacted by sexual violence help lead TAASA’s efforts to shape local and statewide sexual assault policy. As a member of the SAB, your experience as a survivor and community organizer will drive policy change in Texas.

About TAASA

TAASA is the unifying voice to eliminate sexual violence in Texas. As the statewide coalition of survivors, advocates, rape crisis centers, and allied professionals, we are committed to fostering a culture that respects the fundamental rights and dignity of all.

Our core values are:

Promoting Equity: Inequity is at the root of all forms of violence. We can eliminate sexual violence by fostering communities in which all people are valued, have meaningful access to resources necessary to thrive, and are free to express their full identities without fear of violence and oppression.

Improving Access to Services: Effective advocacy and inclusive programming are necessary for survivors’ healing and attainment of justice. We are committed to ensuring all survivors in Texas have access to appropriately funded and culturally-resonant services, as well as systems that are responsive to their needs.

Building Community through Collaboration: The way survivors are treated reflects the way our society respects and values their experiences. We affirm survivors and improve responses to sexual violence by engaging with an array of institutions, organizations and individuals throughout the state.

Acknowledging the Intersectionality of Identities and Systems: People’s identities and positions in society impacts their vulnerability and experience of violence. We center the voices of those in marginalized communities and those affected by violence by supporting the movements that challenge systems of oppression.

Board member eligibility and qualifications:

• • Must be a survivor/victim of sexual violence with experience working, volunteering or organizing around survivor issues
  • Ability to commit to a two-year term
  • Ability to attend quarterly conference calls and two in-person meetings per calendar year (additional in-person meetings may be scheduled during the legislative session contingent on funding)
  • An ability and willingness to share personal experience with:
  • Accessing community support services
  • Navigating criminal justice, Title IX, and other systems of accountability
  • Survivorship experience (positive and negative) within the community

Board members will be able to:

• • Help guide TAASA’s policy initiatives, share and develop community advocacy skills, and connect with other leaders across the state.
  • Work collaboratively to ensure sexual assault policy meets the unique needs of diverse communities across the state.
  • Explore public speaking opportunities