What we do?
Association Spectra is a feminist non-governmental organization registered in 2017 in Podgorica, Montenegro, with a mission to promote primarily gender equality with a special focus on the needs and contributions of the trans, inter and gender variant (TIRV) community. Our work is based on the principles of feminism, anti-fascism and intersectionality.
DecolonialismSpektra strongly opposes wars and militarization. We believe in resolving conflicts of smaller or larger dimensions by peaceful means. We also believe in respecting people's self-determination, and respecting culture and country. We believe in resistance to hatred, occupation and colonialization. We fight against exploitation and genocide.
Anti-violenceWe believe in a proactive and transformative approach to justice, which is not only based on harm reduction, but also on educated understanding and prevention of hatred, prejudice and oppression in society. When we confront and question prejudices and biased behaviors in ourselves, others and institutions, we can stop the escalation of prejudice and make it difficult for discrimination and hatred to flourish.
Pacifism and anti-militarismWe believe in existence without practicing violence in any form. We strongly oppose any practice that represents physical, psychological, sexual and/or systemic violence.
Self-determinationWe believe that every person has the exclusive right to define his/her own identity/s, and we stand for the legal recognition and respect of those identities.
Feminist principlesWe believe in gender equality for people of all gender identities and/or sexual characteristics. We believe in the equality of all people, in an egalitarian society in which personal characteristics do not diminish equal opportunities.
IntersectionIn our activism, we are guided by the principle of intersectionality, which recognizes that we all have multiple identities, and that our life experiences are complex and shaped based on multiple personal characteristics and/or belonging to different groups, while not giving primacy to any of them. We believe in intersectionality as an enlightening and empowering concept, and we oppose the use of this concept for the purpose of patronization and (auto)victimization.
ResponsibilityWe believe in individual and collective responsibility, in the principle of caring towards work tasks, towards resources, towards ourselves, towards team members, towards the community we work for, towards the society of which we are members.
HolismWe believe in a systemic approach to solving problems, in observing the system as a whole, and each actor as a part of the system in which he participates, and therefore to whom he has responsibility.
TrustWe believe in giving trust, by giving responsibility. We assume the best intentions and are guided by standards of ethical behavior. In the event of a breach of trust, we create space for it to be re-established.
AutonomyWe believe in the idea that people's conscious and informed decisions must be respected and must not be rejected, to the extent that they do not endanger the life of either the maker/difficult decision, or other people. Personal autonomy is, at a minimum, self-management free from controlling interference and constraints that prevent meaningful choice.
Respect for identity, personal integrity and experiencesWe believe in the authenticity of everyone's identity and experiences, without questioning them. We believe that personal integrity is an inviolable right of every human being, and we are particularly dedicated to protecting it.
IntegrityWe make decisions in accordance with the values and goals of the organization, not allowing compromises that could undermine them. We do not agree to political pressure, we do not trade with human rights, we do not support those who do not share our values.
CareFor us, care implies the concept of 'All for one, one for all', and care for the community, for ourselves, according to the resources we have, care for the collective, and care for the values we represent. We perceive care as a political concept, not only as empathy, and we actively work to create safe, but also brave spaces where we can practice the ethics of care and solidarity.
EmpowermentWe believe in providing and redistributing resources where they are most needed. We do not agree to (auto)victimizing positions and actively work to dismantle them as instruments of oppressive systems.
SolidarityWe believe in impartial advocacy for true values, for political solidarity that transcends subjectivity. We believe in equal practice that comes from value, not character assessment.
ConsistencyWe show responsibility by having a practice that we follow, and justified exceptions that confirm the practice. We know the reasons why we do what we do, and we believe in equal practice that comes from value, not situational assessment.
ServiceWe believe in serving the community we represent and the idea we defend and fight for. We do not serve imposed oppressive authorities, nor those who occupy a false position of authority over our personalities, values and struggles. We believe in values greater than ourselves.
PurposeWe work for values greater than ourselves.
GroundednessWhile we are guided by values and ideas, we stand firmly on the ground and keep a perspective on the real, complex problems that the community faces. We are guided by ideals, acting strategically and grounded in context and for the best interests in line with the values we represent.
DiversityWe respect and support diversity, reinforcing the idea that people are not the same. We respect the diversity of bodies, faces, skin and hair color, opinions, experiences and perspectives.
AntiperfectionismWe believe that it is human to make mistakes, we believe in the potential to learn from them, as well as in remaining oriented to responsibility, to the lesson, and to the result.
Feminist honorHonor is described as a code of duties of individuals and individuals within a social group. Feminist honor redefines these duties in accordance with feminist values.
Transparency in workWe are committed to active and continuous communication with the feminist and TIRV community and the general public, with the aim of keeping our work fully transparent. We believe that a transparent way of working is necessary so that the community we stand for is always aware of our activities and the reasons behind them.
Teamwork and culture of dialogueWe believe in activism that comes from assertive communication, sharing responsibility, and joint decision-making. We do not shrink from difficulties and conflicts, but solve them together.
Critical thinkingWe actively participate in issues of importance to the TIRVQ community and the general public, with a critical approach and encouraging critical thinking. We also welcome criticism of our work, and we actively work to improve it.