OUR STORY
SWOP Minneapolis (Sex Workers Outreach Project) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers across Minnesota. Our work is deeply rooted in the community and guided by the lived experiences and voices of sex workers themselves, ensuring our efforts are both impactful and authentic.
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As a nonprofit, our 501(c)(3) status allows us to accept tax-deductible donations, secure essential grants, and build powerful partnerships. Every contribution directly supports our mission to create lasting change for sex workers and their communities.
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We envision a world where all sex workers can live and work without fear of violence, stigma, or criminalization. Through advocacy, education, and harm reduction, we strive to ensure access to resources, respect, and the autonomy every individual deserves.
OUR APPROACH
We are dedicated to harm reduction, human rights, and community empowerment. By centering the lived experiences of sex workers, we strive to challenge systemic injustices and amplify the voices of those most directly impacted. Guided by a belief in the strength of community, mutual aid, and collective action, we work to create meaningful, lasting change.
WHAT WE DO
At SWOP Minneapolis, we provide a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of sex workers in our community:
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Outreach & Harm Reduction
We deliver safer sex supplies, Narcan, and other essential resources directly to sex workers. By building meaningful connections, we offer ongoing support and promote harm reduction practices.
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Health & Wellness Initiatives
Our programs improve access to healthcare and mental health services, giving sex workers the tools to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
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Advocacy & Education
We are committed to decriminalizing sex work, reducing stigma, and educating the public about the realities of the industry. Through workshops and training sessions, we empower sex workers with knowledge about their rights and advocate for systemic change.
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Community Building
We create safe spaces where sex workers can connect, share their experiences, and build solidarity. From events and support groups to social gatherings, we create a strong, united community.
WHY WE DO IT
The criminalization of sex work forces individuals into dangerous conditions, isolating them from safety, support, and community. At SWOP Minneapolis, we advocate for decriminalization to reduce harm, create connection, and ensure that all sex workers can live with dignity and security. We envision a future where sex workers can live authentically free from the fear of arrest, violence, and discrimination.
Meet Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
SWOP Minneapolis is led by a dedicated team of sex workers working to advance justice, safety, and dignity for people in the sex trade. Our leadership reflects the communities we serve and is shaped by lived experience and a shared commitment to long-term change.
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We approach our work with care, strategy, and collective vision. Each team member brings experience in areas such as harm reduction, political education, community organizing, direct service, and policy advocacy. Together, we coordinate weekly outreach to street-based workers, facilitate workshops and trainings, and organize campaigns focused on structural change.
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Our organizational culture centers collaboration, integrity, and accountability. We prioritize mutual respect, thoughtful communication, and ongoing learning across every aspect of our work. We believe in supporting our team the same way we support our community, with consistency, clarity, and care.
SWOP Minneapolis is committed to building sustainable systems that respond to real needs. We believe change must be led by those closest to the issue, and our team reflects that commitment in both experience and leadership.
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