We Protect Us: Action & Advocacy at QJJC
QJJC Action & Advocacy centers both joy and meaningful, impactful action in how we show up to protect and care for one another. In addition to ROAR's event-specific community support actions, other current projects include:
ROAR
Gender Affirming Care Advocacy
Safe Schools Advocacy
Community Care and Safety
See more below!
ROAR
ROAR is our grassroots volunteer crew, built on showing up for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC organizing, people and events. With rainbow umbrellas, bubbles and a whole lot of joy, we help keep queer and trans spaces safe, welcoming and focused on affirming visibility and community building.
Health Care Advocacy
This work is currently focused on Baystate Medical Center, advocating for trans and non-binary youth by exposing the injustice of Baystate’s decision to end gender-affirming care for youth, and moving the community and other systems of accountability to act to put pressure on Baystate to reinstate care.
Safe Schools Advocacy
At Amherst Regional Middle School, ROAR has supported the LGBTQIA+ Caucus in standing up for queer and trans students facing systemic harm and bullying. Together we’ve organized rallies, speak-outs, public comment at school committee meetings, and Pride Month events, including a Queer Joy assembly. ROAR also leads student presentations on community care and supports college students targeted by hate groups on campus.
Community Care Models for Public Safety
ROAR works with local organizers to build safety plans that help community members protect themselves and each other. Plans can include ROAR volunteers, a Safety Lead, a police contact, and trained community marshals. This approach limits contact with law enforcement and puts our core belief into practice: we protect us.