In each state where Unchained actively promotes legislation to end child marriage, it convenes a statewide coalition of local, state, national and international organizations and survivors of child marriage who advocate together for passage of the legislation.
What Is Expected of Coalition Members?
Coalition members participate at varying levels, according to their capacity, with no obligation to contribute more than their resources allow.
Unchained invites every coalition member to:
- Join regular videoconferences about the status of the legislation;
- Strategize about how to move the legislation forward; and
- Participate in various advocacy efforts including:
- Submitting memos of support to the legislature;
- Testifying before legislative committees;
- Meeting, calling, emailing and tweeting at legislators;
- Recruiting allies;
- Joining awareness-raising events including Chain-Ins; and
- Taking part in other opportunities to raise awareness of child marriage and build grassroots support for ending it.
Additionally, members agree to be included in the list of coalition members in memos of support and other materials.
Who Joins These Coalitions?
Coalition members typically include:
- Civil society organizations working to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking;
- Groups that promote human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, LGBTQ rights and/or gender equality;
- Religious organizations and clergy members;
- University groups and clubs, as well as individual professors;
- Activists and advocates;
- Survivors of child marriage.
How to Join a Coalition?
To join a coalition to end child marriage in your state or territory, complete and submit the State Coalition Sign-up form here.
How Else to Help End Child Marriage in the U.S.?
Here are other ways you can get involved in the national movement Unchained leads to end child marriage in the U.S. – including by joining the National Coalition to End Child Marriage, which advocates for legislation at the federal level.