Advocacy
HEART’s advocacy programming works at two levels — Individual and Systems — so we can both support people who need help now and change the laws, policies, and institutions that allow harm to continue. We provide survivor-centered services, community education, and strategic systems advocacy that are grounded in faith, dignity, and evidence.
Systems
At HEART, we work to advance systemic change in the United States and globally. We recognize that war, genocide, militarism, and state violence are fundamental barriers to bodily autonomy and reproductive justice. Grounded in an abolitionist framework, we advocate for divestment from systems of violence and investment in communities of care. Our work includes producing research and reports, supporting grassroots advocacy campaigns, strengthening coalitions, and advancing policy change.
Our advocacy takes place across multiple spaces
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Within the reproductive justice movement: We advocate for greater recognition of how gendered islamophobia impacts anti-Muslim racism shapes our movements, communities, and access to reproductive justice.
- Within Muslim communities and spaces: We champion reproductive justice, gender justice, and efforts to end gender-based violence.
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At the intersections: We cultivate global solidarity with movements for justice impacted by US-imperialism in the Muslim world including and especially in Sudan and Palestine, while engaging in organizing against national security policies that enable state violence.
Highlights of our ongoing work
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Working with the Reproductive Justice for All Coalition on political education, fundraising campaigns, and culture shifting within the reproductive justice movement space through “Fund Abortion, Not War”. Reproductive Justice for all is a coalition of organizers and activists from the reproductive justice movement committed to liberation for all.
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HEART released a Call to Action (CTA) for the Reproductive Justice movement on issues of global solidarity, Palestine, and reproductive justice in May 2024. This effort brought together 50 signatories to reaffirm there is #NoReproductiveJusticeWithoutPalestine. This CTA serves as a north star for HEART with regards to goals to move the larger RJ movement space. A Call to the Reproductive Justice Movement: Palestinian Liberation is an RJ Issue.
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HEART partners with community organizations and individuals to offer ongoing political education & healing circles for the larger in response to the shifting and emergent socio-political landscape.
HEART publishes reports addressing systemic oppression
- In collaboration with Nadia Khansa of Maruna Healing, HEART released a report on the IOF’s use of wartime rape propaganda in its genocide against Palestinians.
- HEART released a research report into the use of gender based violence in Sudan.
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Partnered with the Sexual Violence Prevention Association on a workshop to uplift the SORVO (Systemic Oppression Reverse Victim and Offender) Case Study on Israel, Zionist Entities, and Palestine.
Individual
Our trauma-informed advocates offer individuals the information, support, and additional referrals they need to move toward healing, justice, and safety when navigating gender based violence, reproductive justice, and/or sexual health issues. This includes but not limited to getting connected to:
One of our mutual aid funds (we have 3 total!)
Our referral network of trusted lawyers, medical and mental health professionals, direct service advocates, and/or chaplains.
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
Our trained survivor advocates are here to provide you with confidential emotional support, resources, and guidance through your healing journey. Reach out to us for short term-Case management support, general safety planning questions, or getting connected to professionals/experts.