Dear Friends,

As spring approaches, I want to take a moment to update you on important developments within SNAP since my last correspondence.

As many of you know, some longtime leaders recently chose to step away from SNAP. Strong relationships built over years of shared work and advocacy make moments like these especially difficult for many within our community.

I want to acknowledge their contributions with gratitude. Advocacy on behalf of survivors is never easy work, and each of these individuals gave time and energy to a mission that matters deeply. We sincerely wish them well in their future endeavors.

At the same time, I owe it to this community to be transparent. The Board, our Executive Director and I made every effort to find common ground. We did not refuse to meet, despite what has been reported. There were several attempts at mediation and facilitated dialogue. We showed up each time in good faith, committed to resolving differences and moving forward together. Despite those efforts, we were not able to reach a path forward.

That reality is disappointing and painful. But it does not change our responsibility to continue the work.

What defines SNAP is our community of more than 15,000 survivors, advocates and supporters around the world. The strength of this organization has never rested in any one individual, but in our shared commitment to SNAP’s mission—supporting survivors and holding perpetrators, and those who protect them, accountable.

And that mission continues to remain our focus.

We are not here to fight one another. We are here to confront child predators and those who enable them. When our attention turns inward, even for understandable reasons, it takes energy away from that work. Moving forward, we must refocus on what unites us—supporting survivors, exposing abuse, and demanding accountability.

We can respect the paths that have diverged while remaining united in purpose—because the work ahead of us is far too important to lose focus.

SNAP has existed for more than 35 years. Organizations with that kind of history do not remain effective by standing still. Change can be difficult—especially in a survivor-led movement where trust is hard-earned—but some degree of evolution is necessary to remain strong, credible, and capable of serving future generations.

We also live in a different world than when SNAP began. In a post-#MeToo and Epstein era, we have a deeper understanding of trauma and what meaningful support requires. Peer support remains essential, but it must be strengthened by clear policies, strong governance and access to trained professionals and specialists. Healthy organizations must periodically recommit to their mission and ensure that everyone is aligned with current standards, bylaws, and survivor-centered practices.

This is not about changing who we are. It is about strengthening how we serve.

There are still countless survivors who do not know that organizations like SNAP exist. Many are still suffering in silence. We have a responsibility to be ready for them — to meet them with strength, clarity and compassion. That means continuing to modernize our organization so we can better reach, support, and advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse.

In addition to our network of grassroots donors, we have several foundations that support what we do. We have kept them informed. Their support and resources are helping us to achieve these changes.

That continued support is important. But more important than any single review is this: our mission remains unchanged.

We are here, because we were harmed.

We are here, because systems failed us.

And we are here, because we all deserve better.

That is what unites us. That is what drives us forward.

This has been a difficult chapter—but it is not the end of the story. We turn the page now with clarity, humility and a renewed commitment to the work that matters most.

I remain committed. The Board and the Executive Director remain committed. And SNAP remains committed to standing with survivors everywhere.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us.

With respect and resolve,

Shaun Dougherty, Board President, SNAP

 

Dear SNAP Community,

As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we are heading.

This past year has been one of significant effort, growth and at times, strain. SNAP is a survivor-led organization made up of people who care deeply and hold strong convictions. That reality can be both our greatest strength and sometimes a source of tension.

Substantial progress is being made, especially since July when a SNAP working group selected SNAP’s first professional Executive Director, Angela Walker. During this period, important steps have been taken to strengthen SNAP’s foundation, systems, and capacity to serve.

SNAP has modernized its website, integrated new accounting and database systems, and secured a pro bono forensic IT review. We implemented a social media policy that has significantly increased engagement and launched new LinkedIn and YouTube channels. We have expanded the Board with three new members from SNAP’s volunteer corps and allied organizations. We have professionalized digital fundraising, communications, and trauma-informed practices.

We also held professionally facilitated meetings requested by some volunteers to hear concerns and work through disagreements. The facilitator’s recommendations are expected soon. We successfully produced the 2025 SNAP Conference, one of the best attended in recent years, and continued advancing Conclave Watch, a worldwide grassroots initiative holding leadership in the Catholic Church accountable for protecting perpetrators of sexual abuse.

Viewed holistically, these steps represent major progress toward a stronger and more effective SNAP, and reflect sustained, good-faith efforts by the Board, the Executive Director, her team, and volunteers to listen, engage, and improve.

And still, there is more to do.

I remain committed to continuing the work of moving SNAP forward as a professional, transparent, and resilient organization, while never losing sight of why we exist: to support survivors at the grassroots level.

I also need to address some recent public discourse that was brought to my attention.

A claim has appeared on social media that I accepted a salary while serving as Interim Executive Director. I want to be clear about this. During that 15-month period, I voluntarily did not collect the Executive Director salary. SNAP’s official IRS filing, Form 990, reflects this accurately. In fact, I donated money to SNAP. I have given, not taken. It is disappointing to my wife and me that our sacrifices have been mischaracterized.

Thank you to all who continue to believe in SNAP’s mission. We are on track to achieve the changes and growth the board and community members outlined in 2024 when our three-year plan was first unveiled. I expect 2026 to be a pivotal, transformational year, and I can’t wait to see the progress we make to support survivors, help them seek justice, and hold abusers accountable.

With respect and gratitude,

Shaun Dougherty

President, SNAP Board of Directors

Through public action and peer support, SNAP Survivors Network is building a future where no institution is beyond justice, and no survivor stands alone. Our global community works to end sexual abuse in faith-based organizations by transforming laws, institutions, and lives.

Please support SNAP’s vital mission.