Mission and Values
Our mission is to awaken our community to the full reality of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, work for transformation, and foster healing for all who have been wounded.
Awake is a community of abuse survivors, concerned Catholics, and allies responding to the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Our community was founded in 2019 by a group of Catholics gathered in a tiny living room in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and we have been growing rapidly ever since. As a grassroots nonprofit organization, we are not sponsored by any particular parish or diocese; we seek to work in collaboration with the entire Church to serve the people of God in the United States and beyond.
Awake’s community members come from a variety of experiences and perspectives, but we are united by our mission and seven core values that guide the approach and decision-making of Awake:
Awake is a community
that strives to be…
Compassionate
We are a community of kindness and empathy that believes in the inherent dignity and value of every person. Our work is about people more than issues, so we seek to be truly present to one another, offering accompaniment, support, and love, especially to those who are suffering.
Survivor-Centered
While valuing the perspectives of all, we prioritize the needs, stories, and wisdom of those who have experienced sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. We honor the diversity of these individuals and seek to create a trauma-informed community where victims, survivors, copers, and thrivers feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Faithful
Awake’s leaders are grounded in the Catholic faith, rooted in prayer, and committed to working from within the Church as members of the Body of Christ. We seek to be faithful to the call of the Gospel and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, while respecting and including those who are on a different spiritual path.
Welcoming
We bring together people from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We have a special concern for those whose voices are often neglected in these conversations, and we hope to create a community where all can experience true belonging.
Humble
We are a listening community, walking together on a journey of continual growth. We know we don’t have all the answers and that we will make mistakes along the way, so we remain open to learning and adapting.
Courageous
We are determined to face difficult realities, speak hard truths, and take meaningful risks, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. We are not afraid to place ourselves on the prophetic edge and stand in radical solidarity with survivors.
Hopeful
While moving through darkness and pain, we choose to ground ourselves in hope, celebrate progress, and resist the temptation to cynicism or despair. We trust that God is at work and believe that transformation and healing are possible.