Community ACTivators
New virtual community programs starting in February 2021.
Breaking Free is an 8-week art-based virtual peer support group for cis and trans gay, bisexual, and queer guys and Two-Spirit and non-binary individuals who are into guys. This program will start Saturday, April 10 at 12:30 PM. Participants and facilitators will meet virtually using Zoom Meetings.
We specifically designed this group to increase supports for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, newcomer, ESL, and trans*/non-binary members of GBTQ2S communities. This group is intended for those between 18 and around 35 years old, but people of all ages are welcome.
We will explore and affirm our gender or/and sexuality through art-based activities and discussions. We will also learn about mental, physical, and sexual health and available community resources together. We also hope participants develop lasting connections and support networks through this group.
Here is a tentative weekly overview:
This program will be facilitated by two registered social workers. Craft supplies and grocery cards will be provided. Art skills are not required to participate in this program.
Let’s connect with other GBTQ2S peers who are also exploring their gender or/and sexuality and share your stories through art!
To register, please complete the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/hvBDK0xcHL
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Ryosuke and Egag at gbtq2s@gmail.com.
Stretching Out the Tweaks is a yoga program that using e.yoga to inspire dudes in Toronto/Ontario who Party and Play (PnP). The program is a way to engage dudes who PnP and meet them where they are. Currently the only options for dudes who PnP are the sobriety track or rock bottom, but the reality is that many of us live in the world of in-between. By providing another harm reduction modality it gives the dudes another tool in their toolbelt.
This journey takes courage; show up and dance - you are not alone! Tweakers of all abilities are welcome.
Date: Every Saturday starting March 20th to May 8th at 10:30 am EST
In these 8-weeks we will focus on dynamic movement, powerful breath-work and dance therapy with enlivening music, bringing a natural high through the therapeutic elements of dance, such as brain dance and ecstatic dance, while creating a space that is truly welcoming and incredibly fun at the same time.
To register today at https://forms.gle/HFJNeQW6jccZcYTu5
Any other questions can be directed to the project's facilitator, Shafik Kamani: shafik.kamani@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:
- Projects focused on therapeutic interventions,
- Projects requiring paid facilitators or contributors,
- Projects requiring the purchase of computer, A/V, or other equipment.
- 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.
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.
Up to five projects will be selected in January 2021.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Mike Smith (they, them, theirs)
Gay Men’s Health Systems Coordinator
Or call: (416) 340.8484 ext.455
- Project Leads will receive some training to deliver their projects via Zoom upon request.
