Survivors Know Organizing.

Solidarity. their Truth. Transformation. Building Power. Creating Change.

Survivors Know is a midwest-based survivor-led organization advancing a future beyond power-based violence. We build survivor power through intersectional, structural organizing — to shift oppressive systems, advance accountability, and co-create the conditions for collective thriving. 

Rather than managing crises, we work to fundamentally change the environments that enable harm, investing in survivor leadership  and community-driven transformation.

Donate
In service of Survivors’ Liberation, we focus on three core areas:

Survivors & Worker Organizing

We fill a critical gap within community and worker-organizing spaces. Unlike traditional models, which are often transactional with predetermined agendas and campaigns, our approach is rooted in the wholeness of survivors. Survivors are encouraged to bring their full selves to our organizing spaces; they set the agenda and are the architects of their own liberation.

Transforming Systems and Structures

We organize to dismantle harmful systems and build survivor- and community-led alternatives. Through power mapping we expose the dynamics that perpetuate harm and oppression, enabling us to strategically challenge and advance intentional change.

Healing Justice

For workers and survivors, healing justice challenges the harmful notion that healing is an individual labor. Healing justice is a practice of remaking our world, piece by piece, with resilience, care, and imagination—together.

Our Mission 

Solidarity, Accountability and Liberation.

We envision a world where survivors of power-based violence shape the systems and communities that impact our lives, where accountability creates the possibility for transformation, and where dignity, safety, and collective thriving are conditions we all share.

Our Vision

Survivors of power-based violence lead the transformation of systems, advance accountability, and build the conditions for collective thriving.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated individuals leading our mission.

Sara Ogawa Heidbreder (小川 沙羅) MA, LCPC, BC-DMT
Co-Director
Jo Chernow
Co-Founder & Co-Director
Kara Kirby
Operations & Development
Ebony Thornton
Communications Director
Myles Braxton
Creative Director
Rosemarie Dominguez
Bilingual Community Organizer
Rebecca Wilson Bretz
Organizing Strategist

Our Board Members

Meet the dedicated individuals leading our mission.

Sara Ogawa Heidbreder (小川 沙羅) MA, LCPC, BC-DMT
Co-Director
Jo Chernow
Co-Founder & Co-Director
Meher Rehmen
Board Member
Cierra Olivia Thomas-Williams,
Board Member
Katelyn Johnson
Board member

What Our Members Are Saying

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

"Watching the police tell certain survivors they deserved their abuse is not normal. Scrambling to fill gaps left by broken systems that retraumatize and punish rather than heal is not normal.And yet, we are asked to keep doing this work, day in and day out, alone. The burnout, the sadness, the exhaustion—it’s not just personal. It’s structural. It’s political. And it’s by design.These systems neither prevent nor end violence. Instead, they perpetuate harm, blocking access to justice and healing while upholding systems of supremacy. "
Tanya M
Case-worker from Chicago
"It was a great experience in being seen and heard, exactly where and how we are in our experience! So much compassion, good energy and encouragement was shared along with feelings, truths and revelations."
Debra
Healing Circle Participant
"One of the true judgment free zones I've ever been in where its free to try something uncomfortable and gain the gift of community and serenity it provides."
Mark
Point of View Story Filmmaker
“What the Solidarity circle means to me: it gives me strength and power - despite what happened to me. I am empowered to talk to other people and to share my story. We are on each other’s side every step of the way. It’s full of people who understand what we have been through because they have been through it themselves. For women who come from other countries and are people of color, I want you to know that you are not alone and this is a safe space for you. You are valued, you can find support here. You know, the word solid is in solidarity - we are solid - we are strong. In the Solidarity circle, we aren’t alone anymore. Something is being done.”
Samantha V
Founder of Stopgolf Solidarity Circle
"The team at Survivors Know truly cares about you; not as a “client” but as a person and a survivor.  The team understands that the Service Industry is one of the most mentally and physically demanding ways to support your income, and the atrocities that may occur are generally swept under the rug.   Working with them has allowed myself and others to regain trust and confidence, find help in different outlets, live with less fear, and overall feel heard."
K. Chicago restaurant worker and Solidarity Circle member
“My purpose is in relation to my community around me”
Sabrina from weaving threads