Home Alive is a non-profit organization based in Seattle which promotes anti-violence. The organization offers self-defense classes and public education and awareness in order to reduce and prevent violence. The Home Alive group trains its own instructors. They hold a range of courses including basic physical self-defense, boundary setting, and advanced multi-week courses. ^[1]

Contents 1 History 2 Founders 3 References 4 External links

[edit] History

Following the rape and murder of a local singer, Mia Zapata, in 1993, a number of artists and musicians within Seattle began to meet and discuss the problems of violence within the community, and the lack of available resources such as self-defense classes, which were considered impractical and somewhat unaffordable.^[2]

A group of women, now recognized as the founders of the organization, pooled resources such as arts and music benefits in order to raise funds and study self-defense. Classes were provided to the community on a sliding scale basis, where no-one was turned away due to lack of funds. The group continues this work, providing classes to individuals, as before; but expanding to also educate establishments such as schools and businesses. With primary support still coming from the arts community, Home Alive continues to ground its self-defense education in a movement for social justice.

Citing various reasons, such as its anarchist ethos and revolving staff, the organization is said to be on the brink of collapse.^[3]

[edit] Founders

The nine women considered responsible for founding the organization are:

• Valerie Agnew
• Zoe Bermet
• Gretta Harley
• Julie Hasse
• Lara Kidoguchi
• Jessica Lawless
• Mich Levy
• Cristien Storm
• Stacey Wescott

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official Website