Advocacy

AGW's Advocacy work aims to ensure groups and communities with the least access to power voices are heard and included in decision-making. Whether it be access to fresh food, better schools, access to healthcare, improved relationships with law enforcement, precinct commanders, or gang and street violence mediation, AGW focuses on social change that promotes democracy and challenges inequality. AGW's advocacy is targeted at the needs of groups and communities; the work is an iterative cycle of research, action, and reflection, which seeks to ‘liberate’ participants to have a greater awareness of their situation to take action. AGW's uplifting work is rooted in five principles, "fairness, safety, purpose, connection, and equity."

clinical services & counseling

At AGW, we strive to make sure that everyone has access to high-quality, culturally sensitive therapy, regardless of their financial position. We believe that when people take care of themselves, they are able to create healthier and more positive communities. Our network of licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists are available to assist with a variety of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. We are committed to meeting our clients where they are and offering both in-person and virtual services at an accessible cost. Phone and virtual consultations are available.

Mitigation Specialist 

AGW are members of the mitigation expert panels for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York; in the context of criminal proceedings, we work with defense attorneys to gather and present information about a defendant's background, personal history, and circumstances that may be relevant to the sentencing phase of a criminal trial. AGW's primary goal is to humanize the defendant and provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of their life story, character, and factors that may have contributed to their involvement in the criminal offense.

AGW's role in mitigation involves several key responsibilities: Investigation, collating information, expert referrals, collaboration with the defense team, and presentation in court.

The ultimate aim of a mitigation specialist is to advocate for a fair and just sentence that considers the defendant's circumstances, potential for rehabilitation, and the possibility of addressing underlying issues rather than simply focusing on punitive measures. A mitigation specialist can influence the court's decision to favor a less severe sentence by humanizing the defendant and presenting a compelling life narrative. 

Meditation & Healing Services

At AGW, we recognize that achieving full transformation necessitates a comprehensive approach, considering the mind, body, and soul. That is why we arrange weekly meditation groups called 'The Sound of Silence' in the Bed-Stuy district of Brooklyn, NY. Our teachers are experts in Vipassana, Tonglen (compassion), and Metta meditation. We can link you with a partner organization that provides other healing practices, such as reiki and acupuncture. If you would like to learn more, just submit a request and we'll link you with a practitioner from our directory.

Organizational Change Management

Change management is the practice of planning and leading organizational change. It is the intersection between executives and management. AGW will help executives and management to communicate the need for change, then use their influence to empower and motivate their employees, mid-level and junior staff, to understand the need for change. We conduct a thorough SWOT analysis of your organization's strengths and weaknesses, then provide them with tools to achieve your desired modification. Our methods are simple. We begin with a conversation to understand the organization's function and day-to-day operations, followed by focus groups and surveys. Next, we analyze the data and present executives and management with those results to recommend short-term and long terms goals for the change the organization seeks to make. The recommendations will be action items to guide the organization' throughout the change process.