About Us
MISSSEY is a space to heal and know your power.
Root Cause
We live in a world where people in power routinely harm Black girls through policies and practices rooted in the intersecting systems of racism, capitalism and patriarchy. In our educational systems, for example, school administrators frequently target Black girls for more punitive discipline, the result of which sets Black girls on a path of poor outcomes in education, limited job opportunities, and exposure to violence. Because they are criminalized in popular culture and by law enforcement, Black girls experience higher rates of incarceration than other girls do. And because Black girls’ bodies have been sexualized throughout this nation’s history, Black girls in particular are singled out by predators for sexual exploitation and violence.
MISSSEY is a space to heal and know your power.
Root Cause
We live in a world where people in power routinely harm Black girls through policies and practices rooted in the intersecting systems of racism, capitalism and patriarchy. In our educational systems, for example, school administrators frequently target Black girls for more punitive discipline, the result of which sets Black girls on a path of poor outcomes in education, limited job opportunities, and exposure to violence. Because they are criminalized in popular culture and by law enforcement, Black girls experience higher rates of incarceration than other girls do. And because Black girls’ bodies have been sexualized throughout this nation’s history, Black girls in particular are singled out by predators for sexual exploitation and violence.
Mission
MISSSEY works to prevent girls and gender-expansive youth from ever entering circumstances of sexual exploitation and violence. We also support young people who are experiencing exploitation to exit. Once they’ve exited, we partner with youth so that they may avoid re-entering sexually exploitative circumstances and live free of harmful transactional relationships.
Vision
At MISSSEY, we are determined to create a different world for Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth, one in which they can lead liberated, self-determined, and joyful lives, free from sexual exploitation and violence. We see a world that values rather than commodifies them, that nurtures and honors their ability to build and to sustain thriving communities -- for themselves and for their families. Because we see this world for Black girls, our vision necessarily expands outward to include Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian girls and gender-expansive youth, who are also harmed by intersecting systems of domination, and who also deserve to be liberated, honored, and nurtured.
Mission
MISSSEY works to prevent girls and gender-expansive youth from ever entering circumstances of sexual exploitation and violence. We also support young people who are experiencing exploitation to exit. Once they’ve exited, we partner with youth so that they may avoid re-entering sexually exploitative circumstances and live free of harmful transactional relationships.
Vision
At MISSSEY, we are determined to create a different world for Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth, one in which they can lead liberated, self-determined, and joyful lives, free from sexual exploitation and violence. We see a world that values rather than commodifies them, that nurtures and honors their ability to build and to sustain thriving communities -- for themselves and for their families. Because we see this world for Black girls, our vision necessarily expands outward to include Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian girls and gender-expansive youth, who are also harmed by intersecting systems of domination, and who also deserve to be liberated, honored, and nurtured.
Values
Healing
To empower the young people we serve and sustain ourselves, we center healing in everything we do.
Youth Voice
We make sure the youth we serve have a say in all levels of our organization. We see youth voice as a critical element of building power and self worth and work so that the youth we serve are able to advocate for themselves and know their power.
Integrity
As responsible members of our community, we do what we say we’re going to do. We are trustworthy and reliable; being accountable to the young people we serve, each other and ourselves is how we demonstrate our love.
Relationships
Exploitation relies on isolation. The antidote is healthy, strong, empowering relationships. For girls and nonbinary youth susceptible to sexual exploitation, caring, responsible relationships are their lifeline. For those of us serving them, building strong, long-term partnerships and community is how we will uproot sexual exploitation once and for all.
Values
Healing
To empower the young people we serve and sustain ourselves, we center healing in everything we do.
Youth Voice
We make sure the youth we serve have a say in all levels of our organization. We see youth voice as a critical element of building power and self worth and work so that the youth we serve are able to advocate for themselves and know their power.
Integrity
As responsible members of our community, we do what we say we’re going to do. We are trustworthy and reliable; being accountable to the young people we serve, each other and ourselves is how we demonstrate our love.
