Community ACTivators
New virtual community programs starting in February 2021.
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:
Past Projects