Survivor Leadership

The Origins

Survivors Rising was formed in 2016 by a small group of post-crisis survivors. The Omaha nonprofit organization was dedicated to reducing trauma caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, and sex trafficking. It centered survivors' lived experiences and the most vulnerable community members. Through trainings and educational opportunities, public events, and policy and legislative efforts, Survivors Rising changed how survivors are engaged in the things that impact them. With the organization's support, survivors have used their voices to pass protective laws, prevent harmful laws, foster public awareness, and inspire change so that the lived experience of survivors is always centered in this work. 

The Merger

In January 2023, Survivors Rising and all of its work became a part of the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. At that point, the Nebraska Coalition became the vehicle for survivor inclusion at every level of the work to end violence in Nebraska, and the merger expanded the scope of the project, from the Omaha area to the entire state of Nebraska. The merger marked the beginning of the Nebraska Coalition's Survivor Leadership project. 

The Project

While honor these origins, the new Survivor Leadership project aims to develop a network of post-crisis survivors who will use their lived experience expertise to serve as leaders, both up front and behind the scenes, as well as inform policy, training, and fundraising efforts. The project also strives to empower survivor leaders with professional consulting skills, leadership opportunities, and well-being support.

The Progress

To guide progress towards these objectives, Amber Jurgens was hired as the Director of Survivor Leadership in May 2023. By the end of that year, the first statewide Survivor Leadership advisory council was convened, and the 15-person council continues to meet regularly to develop and refine the mission and vision of the new Survivor Leadership project. 

Stay tuned for updates on their progress!