Tewa Women United recently received a grant from the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP)’s Violence Intervention Program Fund. The grants, created by the New Mexico State Legislature and the NM Department of Health, are intended to support community-based programs taking action to create meaningful and positive change.
Our Gender and Generational Healing Justice will use the funding in collaboration with Pojoaque Valley School District to expand our longstanding A’Gin Body Sovereignty and Healthy Sexuality program so that it reaches hundreds of youth. A’Gin is the Tewa word for “respect.” Since 2011, hundreds of Native youth have gone through the curriculum, which is designed to inform and empower young people so that they may make healthy choices in their lives. With the new NMCSAP grant, we will be expanding to include non-Native youth as well.
A’Gin Project youth are encouraged to become involved with the leadership component, which supports program participants to engage in service learning and to become effective advocates for their own health and well-being, as well as that of their families and communities. Young people have the opportunity to train as youth facilitators, furthering their understanding of the program elements and gaining valuable experience as peer educators.
Alexandria Taylor, Executive Director of NMCSAP, says, “We are incredibly proud of the network of organizations who work tirelessly each day to create positive change for the communities they serve. This investment is more than just a grant; it’s a commitment to investing in communities throughout NM to implement a public health approach to preventing violence. These grants are a demonstration of our belief that the most effective solutions exist within communities and supported communities are safer communities.”
We are grateful for this support from NMCSAP and for our partnership with the Pojoaque Valley School District, and we especially want to thank Richenda Fox, Pojoaque District Nurse, who has championed this project in the school district.
Quotes from past A’Gin students
“I realize that I want to be somebody who carries on the traditions and stories in our communities.”
“I liked going to this program. I felt special and important. This program has taught me about how my body works, my reproductive organs, and how to better know about and take care of myself as a woman.”
“I am more aware of the physical and emotional effects from making certain decisions.”
