PROS Network Chicago – LAUNCH RECEPTION May 8, 2013

Please join us On May 8, 2013! SWOP-Chicago is pleased to host a public reception to celebrate thelaunch of PROS Network-Chicago; an exciting new directory and network of helping professionals, clinics and agencies offering non-judgmental, client-centric resources and support to people in the sex trade. The reception will take place at Cortelyou Commons (DePaul University, 2324 N Fremont, Chicago IL, 60614) RECEPTION WILL INCLUDE: • the release of new PROS print outreach materials… • speeches by network professionals… • a fair where attendees can pick up info about and talk to PROS network members… • light reception fare. The Pros Network Chicago, is one of few existing resource guides created for sex workers, in the world. The PROS Network-Chicago currently includes over 35 helping professionals, agencies and clinics. NETWORK MEMBERS INCLUDE: • Asian Human Services • Chicago House • Chicago Women’s Health Center • Chicago Recovery Alliance • Heartland Health Outreach Inc • Howard Brown Health Center • Rape Victims Advocates The PROS Network-Chicago was created to connect individuals involved or previously involved in the sex trade with affirming, non-judgmental services. SWOP-Chicago hopes the PROS network will reduce access barriers to medical care, legal support, and human services commonly experienced by sex workers and also raise awareness and sensitivity of the human service and harm-reduction community to the unique needs of people involved in the sex trade. The reception is co-sponsored by DePaul University Social Science Research Center. The reception is FREE and opened to the public.

PROS Network Chicago, Website Launch!

Today is International Sex Worker Rights day, and we specifically chose today to launch the PROS Network Chicago Website:  www.prosnetworkchicago.org

After over a year of hard work, we’ve created a network of (to date) over 25 health-care, legal, counseling, and harm harm-reduction practitioners and agencies with over 40 locations throughout Chicago, all offering affirming, client-centric, and harm-reduction-oriented services to individuals currently or previously involved in the sex trade/the adult entertainment industry. See our website for a full list of current PROS Network Members!

PROS NETWORK CHICAGO:

The PROS Network is a directory of direct service providers and legal, medical and mental health professionals who are capable of providing non-judgmental, client-centric and harm reduction-oriented services to individuals in the sex industry.

The purpose of the PROS Network is to connect individuals that by choice, circumstance or coercion, engage in sexual activities in exchange for money or other survival needs to non-judgmental and culturally appropriate services and resources.

The PROS Network – Chicago website includes:

• a list of network members, network member profiles and a map of member locations.
• answers to frequently asked health & safety questions from workers, as well as external resources.
• a list of resources for helping professionals.

This is only the soft launch. 

On May 8, 2013 we will have the PROS Network Chicago launch party!

We’ll be releasing the first batch of outreach material and celebrating the organizers who have been working on this project diligently for over a year and celebrate the organizations and individuals who have signed on, who are providing resources that makes a positive differences in the lives of so many individuals living and working in Chicago.

In Solidarity and Support,

Sex Workers Outreach Project – Chicago
PROS Network – Chicago

We are always looking to add PROS Network Members and expand knowledge and access to client-centric, affirming, harm-reduction-oriented services for individuals involved in the sex trade.

If you are a helping professional or represent an agency and are interested in joining the PROS Network, please email serpent@swop-chicago.org for more information. Signing PROS Network Partners can fill out an e-contract here, or they can request a printable form to be emailed or mailed to them.

If you are a current/former sex worker, please recommend a few of your favorite resources here  or give feedback on any of the resources we have listed on our website at: prosnetworkchicago@gmail.com!