Alabama Sex Work Decriminalization Initiative: Building the State’s First Advocacy Group
Course Credit?
NoPaid Position?
NoPreferred Majors
Anthropology | Clinical Psychology | Communication & Info Sciences | Criminal Justice | Law | Political Science | Public Health | Social Work | Women's StudiesFaculty
Christa McCrorieDescription
Overview: This student-led initiative aims to establish Alabama’s first organized group advocating for the decriminalization of sex work, operating with faculty support provided by Christa McCrorie, faculty within the School of Social Work. Students will be responsible for forming, organizing, and leading the group while aligning activities with research-informed advocacy strategies. Role and Responsibilities: Group Formation & Leadership: Initiate and structure the group, recruit members, and establish operational norms. Strategic Planning & Research: Develop the group’s mission, goals, and objectives informed by research and best practices from the ACLU and other decriminalization-focused organizations. Advocacy & Outreach: Plan events, campaigns, and educational activities while documenting processes and outcomes for research purposes. Collaboration: Engage with faculty, community partners, and other student organizations to gather data and strengthen research-informed advocacy. Communication: Maintain professional communication within the group and with external audiences, ensuring messaging is consistent with research and ethical standards. Research Objectives: Students participating in this project will: Program Development Research: Document strategies for forming, recruiting, and sustaining student advocacy groups. Policy Analysis: Research and compare local, state, and national laws on sex work to inform advocacy efforts. Community Needs Assessment: Conduct surveys or interviews to understand community attitudes, knowledge gaps, and stakeholder perspectives. Impact Evaluation: Track group activities and analyze outcomes related to engagement, awareness, and policy influence. Applied Social Work Research: Practice ethical, trauma-informed research methods while addressing social injustice and human rights issues. Qualifications & Special Skills: Current undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Alabama. Interest in social justice, public policy, human rights, or criminal justice reform. Leadership and organizational skills; ability to facilitate group meetings and delegate tasks. Research and analytical skills, including data collection, literature review, and report writing. Communication skills, including public speaking, social media, and professional writing. Comfort working collaboratively with diverse populations. Commitment to trauma-informed, ethical, and inclusive advocacy. Faculty Support: Christa McCrorie will provide mentorship, guidance, and access to resources, helping students connect research findings to advocacy, organize activities, and navigate administrative processes. Mission: To educate, advocate, and mobilize around the decriminalization of sex work in Alabama, fostering safety, rights, and social justice for sex workers. Objectives: Increase student and community awareness of the impacts of criminalization. Support research and educational initiatives that inform policy reform. Build partnerships with local and national advocacy organizations. Promote a student-driven, ethical, and research-informed approach to social justice advocacy.
Special Directions
Please email Christa McCrorie, faculty at the School of Social Work, with your contact info, why you want to get involved and how, your CV, and any special skills
Special Skills
1. Leadership & Organization Ability to lead meetings, delegate tasks, and manage group projects. Experience in planning events, campaigns, or student initiatives. 2. Research & Analytical Skills Conduct literature reviews or policy research. Analyze data related to social issues, public policy, or public health. 3. Advocacy & Policy Knowledge Understanding of human rights, social justice, or criminal justice reform. Familiarity with advocacy strategies and policy change processes. 4. Communication & Outreach Public speaking and presentation skills. Writing for newsletters, social media, or policy briefs. Ability to engage respectfully with diverse audiences. 5. Collaboration & Teamwork Comfort working in an interdisciplinary student team. Experience in conflict resolution or group facilitation. 6. Digital & Media Skills Social media management and online campaign skills. Graphic design or content creation for promotional materials (optional but helpful). 7. Trauma-Informed Approach Understanding of trauma-informed care principles. Ability to discuss sensitive topics respectfully and safely.