About antidote
Established in 2002, antidote is an award-winning grassroots network and community-based organization of over 180 multiracial girls and women in Victoria, British Columbia. Our members represent diverse voices, ages, ethno-cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds and affiliations in the community. We work with youth, families, schools, community groups, service providers, policy makers and researchers to promote the visibility and needs of racialized minority and Indigenous girls and women.
What does “racialized” mean? Racialization refers to a process by which certain groups are categorized as inferior and marginalized because of perceived physical and socio-cultural differences, including skin colour, cultural beliefs, religious markers, accent, and citizenship status. Racialization creates social inequality based on racial categories and is the root of systemic racism and other forms of discrimination.
Antidote is for girls and women of racialized minority and Indigenous backgrounds, and everyone in between. This includes girls and women of Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and other First Peoples), immigrant, refugee, Canadian-born, and mixed race backgrounds. We also welcome individuals who identify as queer, transgendered, and/or two-spirited.
We are unique volunteer-based organization that focuses on creative and participatory methods to bridge community, activism and research. Antidote targets barriers facing racialized girls and women by supporting their psychosocial well-being, engagement and leadership skills. Our projects are based on participatory, change-focused methods. We foster intercultural education and community building through creative multimedia tools such as documentaries, theatre, photography, poetry, art and digital media.