WEAVE serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence and is the sole rape crisis center for Sacramento County. While this nonprofit’s roots are in the women’s movement, it’s important for our community to understand that WEAVE serves people of all genders and all orientations.
Through its Pride, Pronouns and Progress program, WEAVE offers training to private businesses and public agencies to educate staff and management about LGBTQ+ identities and how to create inclusive workplaces through policies and practices so everyone feels comfortable as an employee or customer. Launched in June 2021 in partnership with the Midtown Association, this prevention program trained 14 businesses during the initial pilot. Now with a state grant, funding is in place to deliver the program through 2024.
“With nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in legislation right now, it is vital that our community has inclusion, diversity and equity for all,” says Jess Lemos, WEAVE’s community educator in charge of the program. “With our Pride, Pronouns and Progress training, businesses have shown that they value and respect their patrons and fellow staff as they authentically are.”
Another WEAVE prevention program, Safe Night Out, is offered to train bar and nightlife businesses’ staff on recognizing warning signs of sexual and domestic violence and how to respond to keep their establishments and patrons safe. Launched in 2019, it is funded by a state grant to be offered free to any business that requests it. With the Midtown Association and Rainbow Chamber of Commerce as partners, restaurants and bars are the primary audiences for Safe Night Out.
“With our Pride, Pronouns and Progress training, businesses have shown that they value and respect their patrons and fellow staff as they authentically are.” – Jess Lemos, Community Educator
“Preventing violence requires a community response, and the vibrant and diverse nightlife community of Sacramento has worked together to end violence at establishments, keeping patrons and staff safer by participating in these trainings,” says Lemos.
Between these two innovative trainings, more than 45 businesses have benefited so far, exemplifying the Sacramento business community’s commitment to a safer and more inclusive future.
