Bridge to Change for Indigenous Women

Bridge to Change is a unique, skill-building program designed for Indigenous women working to end violence against Indigenous women.  We unite women who share common goals and mission but work in different countries. The women participating in the program are called Bridge Partners.

We pair the Partners with Bridge Builders, who act as personal coaches. These women have life and/or work experience that helps them in understanding the complexities of initiating change within a community and within an individual.

We focus on this issue because 1 in 3 Native women are the victim of sexual assault in the U.S., and 6 out of 10 Native women are victims of a violent physical attack. Perpetrators are typically not held accountable. Leaders finding solutions in their own communities must be masters at working across cultures, because major policy changes are needed to make major improvements.

The 2007 Amnesty International Report, Maze of Injustice, provides in-depth information on the human rights violations.

What will I learn as a Bridge Partner?
Who is eligible to beome a Bridge Partner?
How do I apply?

What will I learn as a Bridge Partner?

Women selected to participate will increase their ability to work across gender and across cultures to achieve positive change for women.

Bridge Partners will:

• Gain tools for negotiating complex social and community issues that impact the well-being of women and children
• Be able to apply a holistic leadership model to influencing change around these issues
• Gain or enhance basic leadership skills of facilitating communication, managing tensions, and guiding collective action
• Develop and know how to access resources and a base of support for herself and her organizations
• Increase their capacity to manage their internal thoughts, feelings, and attitudes in ways that increase their focus and effectiveness in the world

Who is eligible to become a Bridge Partner?

Bridge Partners must:

• Be a woman member or descendent of an Indigenous tribal group
• Work in an Indigenous community on matters related to violence against women
• Have at least three years of experience working on issues of violence against women in her community
• Be fluent in English
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have access to the Internet
• Commit to work on ending violence against women in the Indigenous community for at least three years after completion of the Bridge to Change

How do I apply?

The deadline for the 2009 Bridge Builder/Bridge program has passed. Please check back for 2010 opportunities.

Get Involved!

Join us in our efforts to develop the organizational capacity and leadership of small grassroots organizations that work with women and children throughout the world.

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