We are proud to announce that we will be launching our Rainbow Connections 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Leadership program this fall for youth in our network! Whether you are out and proud, not out yet, or don’t quite feel like labels are your thing, your voice holds a lot of power, and we want to hear from you. This program will be held by the founder of The New Mentality Cath Dyer, and TNM Youth Advocate Rachel Sparling.
We are looking for 10 youth who identify under the 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella (2-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual ++) to join our newest 8-week leadership program where you will have the chance to share your stories, connect with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the network, and have fun, all while supporting The New Mentality Network. Over the course of 8-weeks, you will explore how your identity relates to your mental health, and what you think is most important for the network to understand about 2SLGBTQ+ youth mental health advocacy. One of the goals of the program is for participants to have developed and lead a training for Adult Allies and other TNM Youth to help them better understand how they can be advocates for 2SLGBTQ+ youth mental health
Pride is all about loving ourselves, creating change, and building spaces where everyone can exist as they are. That’s why this program is all about giving 2SLGBTQ+ youth a place to connect, build community, and make waves in The New Mentality Network! It’s our hope that over the course of the 8 weeks you’ll have together that you’ll feel supported to share your voice, stories, and knowledge with each other and with the Network in ways that feel empowering to you.
We know your voices hold power. We know that you have so much insight to share. That’s why we’re excited to build space for you to help your Adult Allies and other TNM youth learn about ways they can help be advocates for 2SLGBTQ+ youth mental health.
Qualifications:
- Identify as a youth (13- 25 years old)
- Identify as 2SLGBTQ+
- Have experience with The New Mentality
- Have lived experience of mental health challenges or substance misuse.
Commitments:
- 8-week volunteer role from September 15 to November 3, 2021.
- 2-hour meetings on Wednesdays at 5PM.
- Providing feedback and encouraging open and safe communication that accommodates every member’s needs.
- Prioritize their self‐care.
- Listen actively, respect different ideas and express an opinion without judgement.
- Identify the challenges and suggest potential alternatives and/or solutions to the Adult Ally.
If you are interested in this opportunity please reach out to your adult ally to apply! Applications close Monday, August 9th, 2021. If you have any questions or require any accommodations in the application process, please email Mary-Anne Leahy, Program Manager at mary-anne@thenewmentality.ca
