The Advocates Initiative
Our advocates initiative aims to provide independent advocates at chess tournaments to create a safer environment and support any players who may need it. These advocates are trained to identify and respond to potential safety issues, as well as provide emotional support and resources to players who may be experiencing harassment, discrimination, or other forms of mistreatment. By having advocates on-site, we hope to foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all players, and promote the values of respect and fair play in the game of chess.
What WiC Advocates can do:
Provide emotional support and validation to victims
Offer information about victim rights and resources available to them
Help victims create a safety plan to protect themselves
Provide referrals to other services such as therapy or legal assistance
Advocate on behalf of the victim to ensure their needs are met
Maintain confidentiality and privacy of the victim's information
Empower the victim to make their own decisions
What do you learn?
Introduction to Advocacy
Understanding Trauma and Misconduct in Chess
Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Education
Physical and Emotional Misconduct
Power Imbalances and Misconduct
Safety Planning for Tournaments and Federations
Crisis Intervention during or after Tournaments
Advocacy Skills
Self-care and Burnout for Advocates
Why become an Advocate?
As an Advocate at Women in Chess, you'll have the power to make a lasting impact by promoting diversity and inclusivity in the chess world, fostering an environment where women's voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.
What WiC Advocates cannot do:
Give legal advice or representation
Provide therapy or mental health treatment
Make decisions on behalf of the victim
Guarantee a specific outcome in the criminal justice system
Offer financial assistance or compensation
Engage in any type of criminal or civil investigation or prosecution
Provide counseling or support to perpetrators of crime