Diversity and Inclusion
Awake strives to be a humble and welcoming community. We have a special concern for those whose voices are often neglected due to racism and prejudice, and we invite all to join our conversations on the reality of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and our work of transformation and healing. We hope to create a community where each person can experience true belonging, and we remain open to learning and adapting based on feedback from historically marginalized communities.
Awake was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the traditional territory of the Peoria, Potawotami, Sioux, Menominee, Ho-chunk, and Kickapoo people, on lands they have called home for more than a thousand years.
Our Team
Awake has designated a team of key volunteers and leaders to advise and lead conversations on making our community one where all are respected and feel true belonging.
We are eager to listen if you have comments or feedback on how Awake can become a more welcoming community. Please contact Community Engagement Specialist Catherine Owers at catherineowers@awakecommunity.org or send a message for the DEI team at connect@awakecommunity.org. These messages will be shared with leaders and key volunteers.
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the impact of abuse by Catholic leaders on marginalized communities, we invite you to look at these posts on the Awake Blog and watch our Courageous Conversations from November 2022 and January 2024:
Starting the Conversation about Clergy Abuse in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
Fordham Panel Explores Clergy Abuse in Native American Communities
Grappling with the Church’s History as a “Perpetrator Institution”
After Pope Francis’s Apology to Indigenous People in Canada, What Happens Next?
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse by a Catholic leader and are seeking connection and support, we invite you to look at our Survivor Support page.