Community ACTivators
Big (AF)
BIG(AF) is envisioned to be a community group to centre the experiences of cis and trans gay,m bi, queer guys of size, allowing them and their friends a low pressure and judgement free zone to be themselves and find community. In practice, the group will gather biweekly for fun casual events, community outings, and safe spaces for conversation, discussion, and bonding. The group will aim to highlight and support size-positive and accessible spaces in Toronto.
For more information, email Darcy at d.t.alemany@gmail.com
Transcribe
Transcribe is a zine-making workshop and exchange for gender-diverse young adults. Participants will gather for 7 sessions learning about zines and making zines themselves! The project will culminate with a zine exchange where everyone will receive a copy of each zine. Transcribe will be a group for discussion, making art, learning queer history, knowledge sharing, mutual support, hanging out, and making friends!
Transcribe will be carried out both in-person and online. The in-person portion will take place on weekends in downtown Toronto and the online portion will take place on weekday evenings via Zoom. Sessions will alternate between in-person and online, culminating with a zine exchange where all participants will receive a printed copy of everyone's zines.
All Two-Spirit, transgender, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, agender, multigender, non-binary, and all gender-diverse and questioning folks aged 19-29 are welcome to attend.
Transcribe will take place twice a week, from October 16th to November 6th, alternating between weekends and weekday evenings. Exact dates to be decided with the participants.
Register before Friday, October 15th!
For more information, message @transcribezine on Instagram or contact Aidan (they/them) at aidangdolan@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:
*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.
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.
Community ACTivators Micro-Grant Overview
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):
- One-time artists’ fees for graphic design
- 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, August 29, 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.
