actoronto.org/activators - AIDS Committee of Toronto

A new peer-led non-fiction writing and discussion group. Connect with other GBTQ guys and support each other through guided journaling and storytelling.

During 4-5 sessions over the course of February and March 2021, the group will meet virtually to learn more about the benefits of journaling, storytelling and non-fiction writing. Each participant will be encouraged to write a short story about their own experiences from 2020 or, if that's not possible, from a time before the pandemic. Registration is completely free, and participants will receive small tokens of appreciation for joining. This is a group for both amateur and more experienced writers.

Participation is limited to cis and trans gay, bi and queer men in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As well, in partnership with ACT, participants will be informed about health and wellness resources in the area.

Completing this intake form is required to join. To note, most of these questions are optional and will have no bearing on your participation in the group. They allow us to get to know you a bit better, and relate information back to the project's funders. Participation may be capped depending on interest.

To register, please complete the online form at https://forms.gle/nAH2sTYWPsLF8Jsj7.

Any other questions can be directed to the project's facilitator, Kevin Hurren: hurren.kevin@gmail.com

What is a Community ACTivator?

Community ACTivators is a micro-grant program for cis and trans gay, bi, queer guys* in Toronto. Successful applications receive up to $1000 to develop and facilitate a novel community program aimed to foster the physical, emotional and social well-being of cis and trans gay, bi, queer community members in Toronto. This program provides opportunities for community leaders to share skills, create social and cultural opportunities and promote health for like-minded guys.

This program aims to accomplish the following:

Engage with community members (especially those who have been historically under-represented including Black, Indigenous and people of colour, trans folks, people who use substances) in a fun and meaningful way;
Improve health outcomes for cis and trans gay, bi, queer guys in Toronto, and to
Increase the knowledge and skills of community members.

Funding and resources are made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Community ACTivators projects should strive to accomplish the following:

Engage guys in fun and meaningful ways to create social and cultural connections. Considering the volume of virtual programs and events, these projects should be unique and enticing – enough to make people interested and willing to attend the program on an ongoing basis.
Support community members’ physical, sexual, and/or mental health and well-being. This can be done in a number of ways, including:

Establishing a drop-in discussion group,
Facilitating online recreational activities,
Creating and leading instructional or educational workshops

Please note:

Projects must be delivered or implemented using virtual platforms due to COVID-19 restrictions on in-person gatherings.
Projects should engage with potential participants over 4-8 events.

*At ACT, we commonly use the terms “guys into guys” or “GBTQ2”. These are meant to include cis and trans gay, bisexual, Two-Spirit, and queer guys who are into guys, including non-binary folks.

Applications for the Community ACTivators micro-grant will be accepted again in spring/summer 2021.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Community ACTivators:

1. Examples of Projects That Are Less Suited For a Community ACTivators Micro-Grant:

Projects focused on therapeutic interventions,
Projects requiring paid facilitators or contributors,
Projects requiring the purchase of computer, A/V, or other equipment.

2. Who Can Apply For a Community ACTivator Micro-Grant?

Cis and trans gay, bi, queer guys including Two-Spirit and non-binary folks who work, socialize or live in Toronto;
Individuals or small groups who are motivated to help improve the health and well-being of guys into guys in Toronto.

3. What is the Maximum Contribution For a Project?

The maximum contribution for a project is $1000. The amount allocated to a project is dependent on the goals and projected outcomes and financial requirements of each project.

4. How Many Projects Will Be Funded?

Up to five projects will be selected in January 2021.

5. What Are Eligible Expenses?

Costs associated directly with the implementation of the approved project (including but not limited too):

Materials required for programming that will be used by project leads, participants, or other facilitators/contributors.
Costs associated in helping and encouraging participants access activities.
One-time artists’ fees for graphic design, entertainment, etc.
Advertising / promotional materials.

6. What Are Ineligible Projects/Expenses?

Fundraising activities or events
Activities already fully funded by other sources
Gifts, alcohol or flowers for individuals or groups
Financial assistance to individuals
Wages and/or honorariums for additional facilitators or contributors
Expenses made prior to the approval of the project

Please note:

Applicants can submit multiple applications for different projects, but applicants will not receive funding for more than one project.
Micro-grant recipients are not considered as ACT employees or contractors. Though ACT will support you in developing and delivering these projects, recipients’ work is independent from ACT.

7. Will Project Leads Be Paid?

Project leads will be given a $200 honorarium for their time and efforts. This honorarium is included in the total amount allocated to the project.

Please note:

ACT encourages community leaders to apply for diverse sources of funding to sustain their projects.
Community leaders with existing or upcoming funding will not be removed from the selection process.
Programs can take place in whichever language the Project Lead considers best.
ACT’s documentation and support will only be available in English.

8. How Will Projects Be Selected?

Project leads submit their project proposals using the Community ACTivators Application Form (available on the website). If the project meets the program criteria, the application will be passed to the selection committee composed of community members and ACT staff. Application forms must be submitted by Sunday, January 3, 2021.
Project Leads can request project development assistance from the program coordinator, Mike Smith. Please contact them to ask questions or arrange an appointment.
Once project proposals have been reviewed and selected, the program coordinator will notify all applicants.

9. What Will Be Required From the Participant Once the Project is Accepted?

Project Leads are expected to deliver and reach the project goals as outlined in the application.
All projects are expected to adhere to ACT’s Programs and Services Policies and Procedures.

How Do I Contact Mike?

Mike Smith (they, them, theirs)
Gay Men’s Health Systems Coordinator

Email Mike

Or call: (416) 340.8484 ext.455

I Don’t Know How To Use Zoom. Will I Receive Any Training?

Project Leads will receive some training to deliver their projects via Zoom upon request.

Community ACTivators

What is a Community ACTivator?

Community ACTivators projects should strive to accomplish the following:

Applications for the Community ACTivators micro-grant will be accepted again in spring/summer 2021.

Past Projects