RECOMMENDATION 3
Recommendation 3:
Develop mechanisms for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing to access much-needed resources and supports.
The Problem:
Many organizations, including funders and various levels of government, do not recognize collective, grassroots, or unincorporated groups of 2SLGBTQ+ youth doing work to make change happen.
While there is not one universal definition of what a grassroots group is, we understand grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing to be:
work by 2SLGBTQ+ youth for 2SLGBTQ+ youth;
without the formal structures of non-profit, for-profit or government agencies;
without consistent funding focused on community needs; and
inclusive of activist work that seeks to challenge the system.
In the absence of formalized resources or supports for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in many communities, it is 2SLGBTQ+ youth who are creating spaces for themselves, with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
This work often happens at a cost to 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and grassroots organizers may face barriers to continuing their work.
These barriers include access to funding opportunities, recognition by government and organizations, and devaluing of grassroots work.
2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially racialized and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth, must be involved in planning for ways to support grassroots youth organizing.
What 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Are Saying
“[We need] easier access to resources for low-income youth.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Kitchener-Waterloo
“[We need] more youth-led organizing on queer issues.”
— Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Northern Ontario
“Stop the funding cuts to grassroots organizations!”
— Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Toronto
“It's about the community, not the credit. Focus on making positive collective change through collaborative work, rather than minor deliverables with your name on it.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in London
Ideas to #DoBetter
School board changes eligibility requirements, and prioritizes grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizers in accessing the space booking system. Grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth groups use school classrooms to make connections, and organize for change.
Regional Council welcomes grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth groups to be included in their community affiliate program. This results in the grassroots groups always being invited to Regional Council consultations, having access to some free space booking, and being eligible to apply for small grants.
Local community foundation establishes a micro-grant program for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth groups. The foundation shifts from the traditional grant application process, and instead invites 2SLGBTQ+ youth groups to make short presentations, with a guarantee of some funding to all who “pitch.”
A large community service organization looking to build 2SLGBTQ+ programming first connects with grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ organizers. Any funding that may have been allocated for programming is shared with the grassroots group.
COVID-19 “recovery” roundtable invites grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth to participate in monthly meetings. As the grassroots youth group is one of few operating without funding or space, the roundtable convenor provides an honorarium to the grassroots organizer for their participation.