We are a group of US civil society organizations, FGM/C survivors, foundations, activists, policymakers, researchers, health care providers and others committed to promoting the abandonment of FGM/C in the US and around the world.

At The U.S. End FGM/C Network, we are building:

• An information-sharing and collaboration network that elevates and empowers its members, including FGM/C survivors.

• Support for advocacy and outreach on aspects of FGM/C critical to its members.

• A leadership voice to drive policy change and support funding for member activities.

• You receive access to the knowledge, experience, and best practices of others working in your field and across sectors to strengthen your ability to serve your mission.

• You gain opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across the country and around the world to leverage your resources and enhance your impact.

• You receive regular updates on events, research, funding and other news.

• You can quickly build coalitions for advocacy actions or outreach efforts.

The US End FGM/C Network aims to eliminate FGM/C by connecting, supporting, elevating and advocating with diverse US stakeholders engaged in prevention, education and care.

The U.S. End FGM/C Network’s core values are:
Deep Collaboration. We engage in thoughtful processes so that all voices are heard and are part of our dialogue.
Respect. We respect one another’s diverse experiences, ensuring that we honor rather than harm those we serve.
Diversity/ Inclusion. We are an inclusive organization that supports diverse members across many dimensions – experiences, ethnicity, services and sectors, and geography. We value grassroots organizations and commit to elevating their voices and empowering their work.
Tolerance. We believe in approaching ending FGM/C and differing opinions with understanding, empathy, and sensitivity to prevent discrimination, targeting, blame, and shaming of individuals or communities
Broad Framing. We recognize that FGM/C is a violation of human rights which raises interconnected issues relating to health and gender equality. We seek to frame the issue broadly enough to support lasting change.
Action Engagement. We believe that members should ensure that sufficient time and resources are devoted to the goal of ending FGM/C.
Survivor-Centered. We are deeply committed to listening to and building on the wisdom of survivors of FGM/C.

Alignment with the Network’s values is critical. For example, organizations that tie the FGM/C issue to an anti-immigration or religious discrimination agenda are not appropriate members of the Network.

There are three types of membership:

Individual Membership is open to individuals who are (a) survivors of FGM/C that live and/or work in the U.S. or (b) individuals that work on the issue of FGM/C in the U.S., either professionally or through personal activism, and (c) individuals who are aligned with and committed to supporting the Network’s values. Individual members may participate in member listservs, working groups and discussion groups, member-only events, serve on the Network’s Steering Committee, and vote in Network elections.

Organizational Membership is open to organizations who are (a) actively engaged in working on the issue of FGM/C and (b) based in the United States and (c) aligned with and committed to supporting the Network’s values. Organizational members may participate in member listservs, working groups and discussion groups, member-only events, serve on the Network’s Steering Committee, and vote in Network elections.

International Membership is open to organizations and individuals that are (a) not based in the United States, (b) are actively engaged in working on the issue of FGM/C, and (c) are aligned with and committed to supporting the Network’s values. International members may participate in member listservs, working groups and discussion groups, and access member-only events and materials but are not eligible to serve on the Network’s Steering Committee or vote in Network elections.

To apply for membership, please complete the relevant application form found below. The application form asks for basic information about you and/or your organization, as well as information on how you plan to contribute to the work of the Network. Additionally, we ask for your commitment to our Network’s values, and any feedback you may have on potential concerns or conflicts with our values. Within two weeks, Network staff will confirm receipt of the submitted application. 

Network staff will review the application and any supplemental information including websites, social media, and published writing. Alignment with the Network’s principles/values is critical. If there are no concerns regarding the applicant’s a) eligibility, or b) alignment with Network values, the application will be approved. 

We take all concerns raised during the application process seriously, and we will reach out to the applicant to discuss any concerns that may arise. Please note that if any concerns cannot be resolved and are not aligned with our Network values, it may result in the denial of the application. The Director will review the application and any concerns raised, and decisions will be made by a majority vote of the SC. In the event of irreconcilable disagreement among the Steering Committee members, the Steering Committee may seek feedback from the voting members of the Network. The applicant will be notified of the final determination of acceptance, tabling, or rejection.

Denial or tabling of membership will be communicated directly to the applicant. Denied members will be offered the opportunity to re-apply should there be any resolutions or changes to the initial area of concern.

Member organizations may become ineligible for membership if they take actions or reflect views in the future that are not aligned with network values. Should this occur, the same review process will be followed.

You will hear from Network staff within two weeks of your application submission to confirm that we have received your application.

Please note that the Network takes its membership application process seriously. As a result, this may mean that decisions will take time so that we can do our due diligence to research and consider each applicant. Decisions on applications are made on a quarterly basis.

If you have any questions in the meantime or need to update the Network about any changes while your application is pending, please contact us at info@endfgmnetwork.org.

We understand that situations can change. For example, if you are a member under an organization but leave that position and would like to be an individual member, you will need to change your membership type. Should your membership type change at any point, please contact us at info@endfgmnetwork.org and we will be happy to make any necessary changes.

Should you have any questions about membership, the application process, or to notify us of any changes, please email us at info@endfgmnetwork.org.