In May 1993, a meeting for performers at the Market Street Cinema, an adult entertainment theater in San Francisco, was organized by Dawn Passar and Johanna Breyer in response to sub-standard working conditions, including payment of ³stage fees² and health and safety issues. Due to the numerous concerns presented by dancers during the first meeting, a series of regular meetings was scheduled thereafter to address various civil, human and labor rights issues of sex industry workers and the mission and development of Exotic Dancers Alliance was formalized. Presently, Exotic Dancers Alliance advocates on behalf of exotic dancers and other sex industry workers locally, nationally and internationally, promoting the decriminalization of prostitution and de-stigmatization of all sex industry workers.

  Our mission is to address the lack of civil, human and labor rights on behalf of exotic dancers and other sex industry workers. Our primary objective is to support all sex industry workers by providing information, referrals and services while collectively advocating for sufficient working conditions for everyone including Asian, Black, Latina, Native American communities and other people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning individuals; persons with disabilities; low-income women, and those who may have barriers accessing services.

  Since May of 1993, Exotic Dancers Alliance has provided information, referrals and advocacy services to over 300 current or former exotic dancers through general meetings, individual consults, public speaking forums and mailings. In addition we have contacted over 500 individuals, service providers and/or agencies through general mailings, collaborative projects and social events in an attempt to obtain support from the general public throughout our endeavors.

In May of 1995 Co-founders Johanna Breyer and Dawn Passar were presented with Community Service Awards by the Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Democratic Club for their activist work on behalf of Exotic Dancers Alliance. In July of 1995 E.D.A. and C.O.Y.O.T.E. collaborated on a fund raising event to send two delegates to the International Conference for Women, NGO Forum Œ95 in Beijing. Dawn Passar, one of the chosen delegates, participated on behalf of Exotic Dancers Alliance and massage parlor workers in collaboration with other international advocates of sex industry workers.

In 1996 Exotic Dancers Alliance assisted workers at the Lusty Lady Theater during the first organizing campaign in San Francisco adult entertainment theaters as well as the formalization of the Exotic Dancers Union, a chapter of S.E.I.U., Local 790. In July of 1997 Exotic Dancers Alliance received a grant award for $20,000 from The San Francisco Foundation to be used towards community building and community outreach activities on behalf of exotic dancers and other sex industry workers throughout San Francisco.

 

  Exotic Dancers Alliance was created to promote empowerment and leadership among exotic dancers; therefore, it is the intent of E.D.A. to encourage and facilitate the opportunity for community based organizing efforts democratically developed and led by current or former sex industry workers.

  The Board of Directors is comprised of a minimum of nine and a maximum of fifteen individuals from various experiences and backgrounds who provide general support to E.D.A. staff and programs; a minimum of two-thirds of the directors are current or former sex industry workers, and a maximum of one-third of the directors are representatives of social service organizations that provide direct services to sex industry workers. For both categories of directors, efforts are made to ensure diversity in terms of sex/sexual identity, race/ethnic identity, and socioeconomic status. The Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis during each year and is interactive with E.D.A. staff and members to assist in the growth and development of the organization.

(To Be Funded)

  The Executive Director is responsible for the overall functioning of the organization, staff and programs. The Executive Director maintains community building empowerment and support within the organization reflective of the goals outlined in the mission statement; collaborates with appropriate agencies and individuals through formal and informal agreements in order to enhance existing programs and build solidarity within the sex industry community; oversees development activities including grant-writing and fund raising events; ensures contract compliance with current funders or collaboration members; facilitates regular program meetings and acts as a liaison between the Board of Directors, E.D.A. staff and members as well as the community.

  
   C.H.O.W.ıs are primarily responsible for maintaining contact with target populations in order to facilitate community building, empowerment and social change on behalf of sex industry workers as well as providing education to the general population in order to enhance community support. Regular duties may include the following: peer education, development of training and service programs, funding development based on conducted needs assessments, sponsoring fund raising and educational events, facilitation of meetings, public speaking and community building, service provider and general public sensitivity trainings, assistance with unionization efforts and any other related outreach or organizing responsibilities necessary to enhance current programs or develop future programs.

   Interns may participate in various aspects of E.D.A. programs in accordance with academic requirements of interested students and/or program/staff needs for assistance. Interns work a minimum of 15 hours each week for six to twelve months every year and assist with both administrative and outreach activities. Interns are supervised by either the Executive Director or Board Members depending on schedules and/or program needs.

   Consultants are recruited based on program or staff needs and are hired for a specific job and are compensated upon completion of projects. Executive Director must approve all recruitment of consultants as well as description of project needs.

   We provide opportunities for both staff and interested E.D.A. members to participate in various trainings based on availability or expressed group interest. Training topics are inclusive of, but not limited to, the following: labor and employment, legal, community organizing and outreach, health and safety, harm reduction, political strategy, program coordination and fund raising and skill building/career training. We prepare staff and members to be directors, program coordinators, outreach workers, public speakers, community organizers and leaders.

   Bay Area Sex Workerıs Advocacy Network (BAY-SWAN) is a collaborative project sponsored by E.D.A., Coalition on Prostitution, and the Institute for Community Health Outreach. Social service organizations, service providers and community members may participate in the project by attending community meetings, sharing information and collaborating on programs and services on behalf of target populations, and assisting in legal, political and social advocacy responsibilities on behalf of sex industry workers and BAY-SWAN. The Board of Directors and Executive staff members of each collaborating agency are responsible for maintaining project goals in the areas of community advocacy and training and education

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E.D.A. Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis during each year and is also interactive with E.D.A. staff and members as needed or requested to assist in the growth and development of the organization.  E.D.A. general meetings are held on a monthly basis and are open to all interested present or former exotic dancers. General meetings provide information and support to attendees in various areas based on expressed needs or requests of individuals or groups. E.D.A. general meetings are facilitated by designated staff and all information discussed by attendees is kept confidential; interested community members must obtain permission from the majority of attendees in order to participate in general meetings. GENERAL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT THE FOX PLAZA @ 1390 MARKET STREET 11th FLOOR FROM 5:30-7PM

E.D.A. program meetings are held on a monthly basis and are open to E.D.A. Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Program meetings focus on organizational and program development reflective of E.D.A. mission statement and objectives. The Executive Director or designated staff member facilitates E.D.A. program meetings; interested community members must obtain permission from the majority of attendees in order to participate in program meetings. E.D.A. support group sessions are held on a monthly basis and are open to all current and former exotic dancers. Support group sessions provide the opportunity for participants to express their experiences and feelings in a safe and confidential environment. Support groups are facilitated by E.D.A. staff members and are co-facilitated by a designated community health practitioner. BAY-SWAN general meetings are held on a monthly basis and are open to all interested present or former sex industry workers as well as service providers and community members. General meetings focus on current civil, human and labor rights issues affecting sex industry workers and is facilitated by designated representatives from co-sponsoring agencies.