About up! Collective
Our story
The up! Collective envisions a world where all people live free from violence and exploitation, yet we remain far from this ideal. Discrimination and lack of access persist. Flawed systems fail to recognize root causes or enable participation, perpetuating marginalization.
Today's inequities mirror colonial histories that valued some lives over others. Decolonizing the structures around us will require the participation of those impacted and responses co-created with them.
We must follow where they lead – creating opportunities and platforms for marginalized groups to share their experiences and perspectives authentically - even if those perspectives and stories are difficult or uncomfortable for others to hear.
Lasting justice requires cooperation that transforms unequal structures - a commitment to listen, learn and act based on experiences beyond our own. This calls on us all to recognize our privileges, confront discomfort that arises, and make space for insights we may not wish to hear. Escaping notions of “us” versus “them” to forge understanding is the only way forward.
We call for economic, political, and social reforms like living wages, legal protections, healthcare, and housing for all—measures protecting rights and enabling the participation of those impacted in shaping responses.
The up! Collective shares an active meaningful relationship with up! International, rooted in a shared commitment to combating violence and exploitation through human-centered research and movement-building. up! International serves as a guiding force for the Collective, providing support and resources while also allowing for the autonomy necessary to create innovative solutions to complex problems.
Our values
Empowerment
We aim to empower marginalized communities by conducting research and building movements led by the people most affected. Their knowledge and priorities shape the work.
Shared Knowledge
Our participatory methods facilitate knowledge sharing between communities, students, researchers, and practitioners to understand problems and develop solutions together.
Equity
We strive for equity by exploring overlooked issues facing marginalized groups, informing advocacy and resources to promote their rights and wellbeing.
Justice
Our research and movement building advance social justice by revealing inequities and mobilizing coordinated action for systemic change.
Partnership
We partner with grassroots organizations and communities as equal collaborators in ethical research and advocacy that is meaningful and beneficial to them.
Positivity
We enjoy life, embrace humour and believe that heavy topics should be taken seriously but held lightly.
