Coalition for Black Women and Children (CBWAC) — FAQ

1. What is the Coalition for Black Women and Children?

The Coalition for Black Women and Children is a values-aligned network focused on protection, stability, and long-term sovereignty for Black women and children.

We are building:

  • Community infrastructure

  • Skill-sharing ecosystems

  • Resource networks

  • Safe, intentional spaces

This is not a social club. This is organized, purpose-driven community building.

2. Who is this coalition for?

This coalition is for:

  • Black women committed to collective care and accountability

  • Individuals who are aligned with centering Black women and children in both belief and practice

We prioritize people who:

  • Value community over individualism

  • Are willing to contribute (not just consume)

  • Understand the importance of structure, safety, and shared responsibility

3. What does “centering Black women” mean here?

Centering Black women means:

  • Decision-making prioritizes the safety, well-being, and advancement of Black women and children

  • Not all perspectives are treated as equally relevant in every space

  • We do not dilute our focus to accommodate comfort

  • It is both a value and a practice.

4. What is the membership process?

Our process is intentional and includes:

  • Step 1: Interest / Pre-Screening

Basic questions to understand initial alignment

  • Step 2:  Screening

Deeper questions to learn more about you

  • Step 3:  Alignment Interview

A deeper conversation exploring:

  • Values

  • Beliefs

  • Boundaries

  • Worldview

  • Review + Discernment

We assess alignment, not just interest

Step 4: Onboarding / Placement

Accepted members are placed within areas of contribution based on:

  • Skills

  • Capacity

  • Community needs

Not everyone who applies will be accepted.

5. What is the Alignment Interview?

The Alignment Interview is a structured conversation designed to understand:

  • How you think

  • How you move in community

  • How you define key concepts (freedom, safety, womanhood, etc.)

This is not about “right answers.”

It is about clarity, consistency, and integrity.

6. What are the expectations of members?

Members are expected to:

  • Contribute skills, time, or resources

  • Respect community boundaries and structure

  • Engage in ongoing self-reflection and accountability

  • Maintain confidentiality and community safety

  • Participate in coalition initiatives where possible

This is a participatory ecosystem, not passive membership.

7. Is there a time commitment?

Yes—but it varies.

Members contribute based on:

  • Their capacity

  • Their role within the coalition

  • Active initiatives

  • We prioritize sustainable involvement over burnout.

8. What kinds of skills or contributions are needed?

We are building across multiple areas, including:

  • Trades (construction, plumbing, etc.)

  • Agriculture and food systems

  • Education and childcare

  • Health and wellness

  • Security and safety

  • Finance and legal support

  • Spiritual and cultural practices

There is space for both practical and professional skillsets.

9. Do I have to be an expert to join?

No.

We value:

  • Willingness to learn

  • Commitment to growth

  • Reliability

Skill-building and knowledge-sharing are part of the coalition.

10. What does accountability look like in this space?

Accountability includes:

  • Owning impact (not just intent)

  • Being open to feedback

  • Repairing harm when it occurs

  • Respecting boundaries and decisions

We do not avoid difficult conversations when they are necessary for community health.

11. What does “safety” mean within the coalition?

Safety is:

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Relational

  • Structural

It includes:

  • Clear boundaries

  • Vetting processes

  • Shared expectations

  • Protective decision-making

Safety is actively maintained—not assumed.

12. Is this a political or religious organization?

No.

Members may have diverse:

  • Spiritual paths

  • Political beliefs

However, all members must align with the coalition’s core values and purpose.

13. Can men join the coalition?

No, the coalition centers Black women and children.  Financial and supply contributions are welcome.

14. What happens if someone is not aligned?

Not everyone will be a fit—and that’s intentional.

If misalignment is identified:

  • Membership may not be offered

  • Or it may be discontinued

This protects the integrity of the community.

15. Is there a cost to join?

No, there may be:

  • Financial pledges

  • Supply contributions

  • Time/service commitments

All contributions are tied to sustaining the coalition.

16. How is this different from other groups or organizations?

We are:

  • Structured, not casual

  • Values-driven, not trend-based

  • Community-built, not top-down

  • Focused on long-term sustainability, not short-term engagement

This is about building something that lasts.


17. How do I get started?

Begin by completing the Pre-Screening form.

From there, you may be invited into the next step of the process.


18. Final note

This coalition is being built with intention.

We are not trying to be for everyone.

We are building with those who are ready.