Activism doesn't have to be a full-time job, a Kafka-esque nightmare of consensus and group process, or something only for the most politically audacious. There are plenty of things that one or two people can do to make an impact in their area, without needing to be a part of a formal organization. As SWAAY grows, we're going to have more tools and ideas for how you can get involved in the sex workers' rights movement.

 

Activist starter ideas and current campaigns:

* SWAAY is working with sex work activists around the country for a day of action against Google for the company's large donations to groups that oppose consensual adult sex work. See the Google campaign page here.

* Put pro-sex work stickers in your area! You can get them from our store and help us spread the word with this distributed, low-cost advertising campaign.

* Sex workers are being murdered in the Long Island area by a serial killer or killers. Send an email to area law enforcement asking for amnesty for sex workers.

* If you're a current or former sex worker, check out our submissions page to see how you can add your voice to this site.

* A Florida couple was arrested for running a porn site from the privacy of their own home, and are facing serious charges. Donate to the Kimberly Kupps Legal Defense Fund.

* Brainstorm your own campaign using ideas from Gene Sharp's list of 198 Methods of Nonviolent Direct Action.

 

Past SWAAY campaigns

* SWAAY organized a sex workers' rights billboard that ran for 8 days in Los Angeles. See the billboard campaign page here.

 

Upcoming sex worker events

If you would like to see your event listed here, email swaay AT swaay.org with the information, and if available, a web link.

May 26 - June 2 Melbourne, Australia The Festival of Sex Work is a celebration of the lives, skills, culture and community of sex workers. It is an opportunity for sex workers to come together, learn, connect and organise. This unique event is run under the leadership of sex workers, for everyone!
June 7 New York City, NY The Red Umbrella Diaries: "The Red Umbrella Diaries is a monthly live storytelling series in New York City at which people who've tangled with the sex industry tell true stories about the complications that arise in the mix of sex and money."
July 21-27 Kolkata, India Sex Worker Freedom Festival: the alternative International AIDS Conference 2012 event for sex workers and allies. US government travel restrictions for sex workers mean that many of us will not be able, or will not want to go to the IAC in Washington this year. The Sex Worker Freedom Festival is an alternative event for sex workers and our allies to protest our exclusion and ensure the voices of those excluded are heard in Washington.
July 20-27 Washington, DC The International AIDS Conference: "The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward." A number of sex workers' rights groups are planning to attend, and there is a Sex Worker Networking Zone being held before the conference.