A feminist organization that since 1972 is continually working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration, and the creation of a safe & inclusive space for all women & gender-diverse people in the St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre is a feminist organization that since 1972 is continually working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women and gender-diverse people in the St. Guiding Principles
The work of the St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre is guided by our beliefs and commitment to:
1. Feminism – We are committed to providing accessible services to all women and gender-diverse people irrespective of race, ancestry, age, s*xual orientation and inclusive of aboriginal women, women of colour, transwomen, s*x workers, and women with disabilities.
2. Community – We are committed to community building and community collaboration. We hold ourselves accountable to the broad community and to the women and gender-diverse people we serve.
3. Harm Reduction – Our work is focused on keeping women and gender-diverse people safe, minimizing risk and working alongside them in achieving their identified goals.
4. Trauma Informed Holistic Support and Programs – We strive to provide services that are welcoming, respectful, compassionate, supportive and appropriate to the needs of women and gender-diverse people affected by trauma.
5. Knowledge and Understanding - We are invested in building and applying our best knowledge in the service of positive change. We consider the women and gender-diverse people we serve to be the experts on their own lives and we seek understanding.
6. Nonpartisan – We are not influenced or affiliated with a specific political party. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre carries out its mission through the following activities:
1. The creation of a healthy work environment for staff, volunteers, students and board members;
2. The provision of public education and awareness on the status of women and gender-diverse people in the St. John’s area through political activism, written reports, the media and public events;
3. The creation and maintenance of safe and supportive housing for women and gender-diverse people;
4. The provision of responsive individual advocacy support and group program for women and gender-diverse people;
5. The operation of a pro s*x work(er)advocacy program;
6. The mentoring of community agencies sharing a common vision regarding such things as governance, structure, writing support letters, event planning, and shared fund raising and proposal writing activities.