Join the Sex Worker Outreach Project-Tucson as we Stand with Monica!
We are
a coalition of sex workers, yoga teachers, educators, parents, artists,
activists, healers, and allies who are raising funds for Monica Jones and increasing awareness of Arizona’s discriminatory prostitution laws.
Diversion programs like
Project Rose and Project Raise funnel people into
the criminal justice system. Intended to help the exploited, these diversion
programs rely on coercive, traumatizing tactics to increase arrests of our most vulnerable populations, including transgender people, immigrants, people
of color and the poor.
Be a part of the movement
to restore the human rights of sex workers, end the profiling of trans women of
color, and promote safer, healthier communities by DONATING TODAY!
SWOP- Tucson has
partnered with a number of organizations who share the common interest of promoting the health
and wellness of our community. Our amazing sponsors include:
Flight School Acrobatics
The Tucson Acupuncture Coop
Descending Dragon Health Center
Tucson Yoga
Donate today to restore justice to our communities, and support restorative self-care by checking out our "perks."
Many of us were hurt and outraged by Monica's conviction and the continued assault on members of our community. As a result, SWOP - Tucson is committed to raising over $3,000 in 30 days to support Monica as she fights against jail time.
All funds raised will go toward Monica's living expenses, legal fees, and to support organizing efforts in Phoenix and Tucson against Project ROSE and Project RAISE.
WHAT
IS PROJECT ROSE & PROJECT RAISE?
Since 2011,
Phoenix police, the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Social Work, and
Catholic Charities have been collaborating on a program titled Project ROSE
(Reaching Out to the Sexually Exploited). Police officers conduct raids
intended to detain community members that are suspected of being sex workers.
Project ROSE founders state that the individuals apprehended are not
technically arrested, however, the Phoenix
ACLU has stated otherwise - those targeted are taken into police custody, brought to the
Project ROSE command post and are confined to a room to speak with a Project
ROSE volunteer and a city prosecutor, all while being denied the right to speak
to a defense attorney. The diversion program can last up to six months and is
only available if you do not have any outstanding warrants, have not completed
a prior diversion program, and are not in possession of any drugs at the time
of arrest. Those who do not qualify face criminal charges, jail time and fines.
Project RAISE (Responsible Alternatives for the Sexually Exploited) is Tucson’s
version of the same initiative.
Often, people argue that these diversion programs are an effective way to stop sex trafficking. However, by implementing a "one size fits all" approach, law makers take away the agency and complexities of the individuals involved, and insert themselves into people's lives as a "savior."
With each arrest, the government can claim yet another “victim rescued,” while failing to address the underlying social
conditions that create coercive and exploitative situations in the first place, such as domestic violence, poverty,
and the failed immigration policies that make it unsafe for immigrants to seek
help without being criminalized and deported.
WHO
IS MONICA JONES?
Monica Jones is a trans activist and sex worker rights
advocate who lives in Phoenix; she is also a student in Arizona State
University’s School of Social Work.
Monica spoke
at a community event protesting Project ROSE in May 2013. The next evening
after the protest, police arbitrarily arrested Monica and charged her with "manifestation of the intent to prostitute," a vague anti-prostitution statute. Despite a lack of concrete
evidence, Monica was recently sentenced to 30 days in jail, plus additional
fines.
Since her arrest, Monica has been profiled three additional
times by the police while doing everyday things like returning from the grocery
store or walking to her local bar. Every encounter with the police includes insults, transphobic language, and
threats of arrest.
SWOP-Phoenix and the Best Practices
Policy Project have recently filed a report of civil rights violations to the UN Human Rights Committee on behalf of Arizona sex workers. The recently released UN report concluded that spending billions of dollars on anti-sex trafficking measures that rely on criminalization is ineffective and regularly violates the human and civil rights of those targeted.
After our 30 day campaign ends, SWOP - Tucson is committed to working with our local government to end criminalization and to promote comprehensive approaches that best support the well-being of our entire community. Join us today!
ABOUT
OUR "PERKS"
Do something
good for your body supporting Monica and systemic change in Arizona!
Monica Jones T-Shirt and Stickers: Receive a quality We Stand with Monica T-Shirt designed by artist Micah Bazant. Shirt sizes come in women and men's t-shirts, tanks, and include small - 2 XL.
The Awesome Acro Package: Acro Yoga is a physical practice which blends elements of yoga, acrobatics, performance and healing arts. "The Awesome Acro Package" includes 3 Acro Yoga classes taught by the world class Flight School Acrobatics.
Tuina Treatments by Descending Dragon Health Center: To those who've experienced both acupressure and Shiatsu, a Tuina session may seem like a cross between the two. Like Shiatsu, Tuina uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tuina directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points. To a Westerner, Tuina is the form of Asian bodywork most closely resembling conventional western massage. With this "perk" receive a 1 hour session in the expert hands of Jarrod Lash.
Tucson Yoga - One Month Unlimited Pass: With variety of classes ranging from the deep restorative practice of Yin yoga, to the more vigorous Vinyasa - Tucson Yoga offers a variety of classes to fit your schedule and experience level. With the "One Month Unlimited Pass" explore everything Tucson Yoga has to offer!
The Amazing Acupuncture Package: Acupuncture is the
ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles in specific points on the body to
manipulate the flow of energy or Qi. Acupuncture is excellent for relieving
pain, stress, or addressing a variety of conditions. "The Awesome
Acupuncture Package" includes three acupuncture sessions from the Tucson Acupuncture Co-op.
Feed
Your Body Well with In-Home Catering: Up to 6 guests can enjoy organic,
locally sourced ingredients, with a menu tailored just for you. 4 course meal,
optional wine/beer pairing service. Bring the quality of a gourmet restaurant
to your home for a private evening of taste bud exploration. Learn more about
using seasonal ingredients and paring your favorite wine varietals.
What's that you say? You want to donate but don't
live in Tucson?Self-care
is a great thing to hold on to for when you do come to town. These perks don't
expire! Plus, we'll work with you to mail things like shirts and buttons. Or
you can donate it back to the campaign or intentionally donate it to someone in
our community who would greatly appreciate it. And
if you don't have the cash right now - there are lots of ways to GIVE like
sharing this campaign on facebook or through other social media, having
conversations with your friends and family, and calling on your local law
makers to decriminalize sex work.
