IMPACT Chicago Mission
IMPACT Chicago is committed to ending violence and building a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity. By teaching self-defense, we provide women, girls, and people with disabilities with the tools they need to prevent, minimize, and stop violence. With that, IMPACT Chicago is committed to making its programs accessible to people of all economic, racial/ethnic, and social groups. IMPACT Chicago encourages the personal growth of people within the organization and supports their creative efforts to end violence and build a non-violent world.
IMPACT Chicago is committed to ending violence and building a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity. By teaching self-defense, we provide women, girls, and people with disabilities with the tools they need to prevent, minimize, and stop violence. With that, IMPACT Chicago is committed to making its programs accessible to people of all economic, racial/ethnic, and social groups. IMPACT Chicago encourages the personal growth of people within the organization and supports their creative efforts to end violence and build a non-violent world.
IMPACT’s Approach
IMPACT is based on an understanding of violence, particularly gender-based violence, as a widespread social problem perpetuated by imbalances of power and disrespect for others. There is an understanding that intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, national origin, and (dis)ability affect how an individual may be targeted and respond to violence as well as how their self-defense efforts are understood by others.
IMPACT is based on an understanding of violence, particularly gender-based violence, as a widespread social problem perpetuated by imbalances of power and disrespect for others. There is an understanding that intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, national origin, and (dis)ability affect how an individual may be targeted and respond to violence as well as how their self-defense efforts are understood by others.
Gender Inclusivity at IMPACT Chicago
IMPACT celebrates diverse gender identities and expressions, and affirms the rights of people of all genders to feel safe and respected. Our instructor team includes people who identify as women, men, and non-binary. While we are continually working to improve the inclusiveness of our programming, there are also limitations of some of our current courses and aspects that may not feel like a good fit for everyone. Please visit our Gender Inclusivity page for specifics on our various types of programs.
IMPACT celebrates diverse gender identities and expressions, and affirms the rights of people of all genders to feel safe and respected. Our instructor team includes people who identify as women, men, and non-binary. While we are continually working to improve the inclusiveness of our programming, there are also limitations of some of our current courses and aspects that may not feel like a good fit for everyone. Please visit our Gender Inclusivity page for specifics on our various types of programs.
IMPACT Chicago Key Values
- We simultaneously recognize that people who attack others are responsible for that violence and that people can take effective steps to increase their own safety without being responsible for others' violent behavior.
- Women and girls are powerful and have the right to control their own bodies and set boundaries.
- Men are, and can be, allies.
- We implement our mission by creating female-male teams led by female instructors.
- We work with diverse groups of people—across gender, race, class, sexuality, age and physical abilities.
- We create classroom environments in which people learn individually and collectively.
- We primarily serve women and girls, including trans women.
- We do outreach in various communities, offer financial assistance to individuals and offer workshops for organizations serving low-income groups
IMPACT's Defining Characteristics
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Teaching through
realistic scenarios IMPACT programs teach through simulations of physical and non-physical boundary violations committed by strangers and people we know. Students are coached by one instructor while another instructor portrays the role of an aggressor.
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Sensitivity
to trauma For many who have experienced family violence, sexual assault or other trauma, the experience of being physically powerful in the face of a simulated assault is a unique healing experience. Instructors are sensitive to abuse and trauma.
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Teaching verbal skills
and the use of voice IMPACT emphasizes communication strategies such as verbal de-escalation, assertive communication and boundary-setting skills.
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Strategies with people
we know The majority of sexual assaults are committed by people we know. IMPACT teaches effective strategies for addressing situations in which the person not respecting
our boundaries is a dating partner, family member or other familiar person. |
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Self-defense
for everyone IMPACT is committed to the belief that people are powerful and capable of protecting themselves. IMPACT teaches effective self-protection skills that work for people of different ages, sizes and physical abilities
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Teaching safety skills in
a supportive environment Our instructors offer a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment, which allows students to increase self-confidence and skills that enhance their sense
of personal power. |
Collaborating to prevent violence
and support survivors IMPACT training is an important part of a comprehensive strategy to create social change, prevent abuse and support healing. IMPACT organizations are committed to a broad vision of societal responses to violence.
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Commitment to
women’s leadership IMPACT is committed to a teaching environment with women in leadership roles.
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IMPACT Chicago is part of an international affiliation of independent chapters. Each IMPACT chapter has its own organizational structure and programmatic focus. IMPACT Chapters share the above defining characteristics.
To request a a copy of our Form 990, please email [email protected].