AGM Reports
As ANSWERS prepares for dissolution, we remain committed to preserving the legacy of our work. This page features three Annual General Meeting reports, each providing insight into the activities, achievements, and challenges faced by the organization over the years.
By sharing these documents, we aim to offer a comprehensive reflection on the progress we’ve made and the ongoing need for advocacy and support for sex workers. We hope these reports serve both as a historical record and a call to action for those dedicated to advancing the decriminalization and destigmatization of sex work.
2021
The 2021 AGM report outlines the organization's key activities, including grant applications, support services provided to sex workers, and advocacy efforts. It details the services offered, such as counseling, financial aid, and outreach, along with educational initiatives like the "Sex Work is Work Bias Prevention" training. The report also highlights important partnerships and advocacy for issues such as vaccine access and sex worker safety.
2022
The 2022 AGM report highlights significant milestones, including the expansion of support services such as compassionate baskets, rent relief, and health spending reimbursements. The report covers the successful implementation of new programs, including a podcast, a national town hall series, and increased outreach through grants. Additionally, the report details efforts in advocacy, community building, and partnerships, as well as financial aid and other vital support services provided to sex workers. This year also saw the introduction of new community partnerships and recognition through nominations and awards.
2023
The 2023 AGM report highlights key milestones, including the delivery of support services such as subsidized counseling, rent relief, and health reimbursements. It also covers the National Sex Workers Assembly, which brought together over 190 participants in person and virtually. Advocacy successes include protecting sex workers’ privacy and organizing actions for International Sex Worker Day. The report outlines educational outreach through the "Sex Work is Work" Bias Prevention Training and other initiatives aimed at reducing stigma.
A Message from a Co-Founder: Gratitude and Hope
As the last remaining co-founder on the board, writing this as we dissolve the organization is a deeply bittersweet moment. I am filled with immense gratitude for the privilege of co-founding this non-profit and for the opportunity to stand beside such a resilient, diverse, and vibrant community. The strength and perseverance of this community, in the face of ongoing injustices, have been a constant source of inspiration to me.
For the past four years, I have poured my heart and soul into this work, and while I wish I had the capacity to continue, I understand how heavy the burdens have been—not just for me, but for all of us. The struggles our community faces daily were often reflected in the challenges the organization confronted. This made the work profoundly real, but also deeply draining.
As we close this chapter, I remain hopeful that this organization will rise again when the time is right. Tara, our president, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that its revival will be as seamless as possible for the next team of brave souls who may carry this work forward.
Thank you to everyone who believed in this mission, stood with us, cared for this community, gave their time, energy, and passion to this work. Your contributions have been invaluable, and this journey unforgettable. I hope its impact continues to live on in the hearts and actions of those it has touched.
Sophie Hallée, September 2024
A Goodbye Message from our President
Dearest community members,
The decision of dissolution of ANSWERS was not an easy decision to make. It was heartbreaking. Being a part of ANSWERS has been a highlight of my career as a human services worker. With all my heart, I feel the ANSWERS team has greatly impacted the sex worker community, by supporting those we required services and vetting allies.
I want to say thank you for all the support and love that ANSWERS has received since opening opening our doors. Thank you to those who we have worked with us and who has become allies.
I truly hope that one day, ANSWERS will be be able to open the doors once more to provide services.
Sincerely,
Tara Chalifoux
President of the Board of Directors