Proper Groove

Proper Groove is a nonprofit, charitable organization in Washington State founded upon community initiatives. Mission Statement: Proper Groove helps prevent sexual and bias-based violence in social and community spaces through prosocial bystander intervention training, direct services and advocacy for victims and survivors and resources for individuals at-risk of initiating unwanted behaviors, aspirational events that empower marginalized identities in the community, and fiscal sponsorship of aligned community initiatives. We empower the next generation of artists, patrons, owners, preventionists, staff, and advocates by teaching skills and promoting social norms that protect our community against sexual violence. As a powerful community initiative, we provide empowerment opportunities, create protective environments, and support victims to reduce harm. We partner with organizations and known issues experts and actively supervise and evaluate this work. Research in the US and Canada has shown there is a divide between patron and establishment views on the response to combating violence – now is the time to work together. By creating spaces and events that companion and welcome people who have experienced trauma we can increase participation in life. Reclaiming our right to be safe and be part of the world is a mission we’d like to share with you. Preventing first time experiences of violence is a critical goal and focusing on the most at-risk environments is our key initiative for 2017.