Rainbow Connections invites youth who identify under the 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella (2-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual ++) to join an engaging leadership program where they have the chance to share their stories, connect with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the network, and have fun, all while supporting the New Mentality Network.
About the Program
The program is designed to support and foster connectivity and community 2SLGBTQ+ mental health advocacy in a way that centers 2SLGBTQ+ youth voices. The work the youth do at each meeting and the conversations they have will build towards the cumulative working towards the goal of creating a workshop or resource to help adult allies in the network and their communities better understand how to advocate for and support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth mental health.
The program will take place online through Zoom in order to ensure this opportunity is open to all 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Virtual tools such as Miro, and Zoom Whiteboards, etc., will be used to help facilitate conversation, connection, and learning.
- CMHO Certificate of Completion, recognizing your contribution
- Honorium: $100
HOSTING TEAM
The Rainbow Connections program is hosted by TNM Factilitators Raine (They/Them) and Cath Dyer (She/Her).
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Catherine (Cath) Dyer
Catherine (Cath) Dyer, CFRE, MBA
A lifelong advocate for youth mental health, Cath founded The New Mentality (serving as Program Manager from 2007-2014) and was the first Director of Development of Stella’s Place, Toronto’s innovative young adult mental health centre, where she served until 2023. Currently pursuing her PhD at Trent University, she researches how lived experience can transform mental health systems while consulting with nonprofits on sustainable fundraising strategies. At the heart of her work? Amplifying youth voices – particularly 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives – to create more inclusive mental health supports.
Fun Fact: When not working to change systems, you’ll find her on the meditation cushion logging serious dharma hours. (She believes healing happens both in stillness and togetherness!)
VOLUNTEER OPPOUTUNITY
Program Youth Advisor
Toronto, Ontario | Virtual | Honorium $800
The New Mentality is looking for 2 Youth advisors to support the Rainbow Connections Program for youth who identify as a 2SLGBTQ+. The Rainbow Connection is an 11-week youth leadership program that encourages youth to connect, share their stories, and share what they think is most important for The New Mentality network to understand about 2SLGBTQ+ youth mental health advocacy.
Please note that our organization does not directly provide mental health services.
To find a Children’s Mental Health Centre near you, click here.
If you are in a crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
OUR HEADQUARTERS
2305 - 180 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1Z8