West Island LGBTQ Youth Centre

Welcome!

On 15 May 2011, Beaconsfield United Church in the West Island of Montreal opened an LGBTQ Youth Centre with the goal of providing a safe and welcoming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens to hang out, meet up, get to know each other, and understand themselves better as LGBTQ young people.

Check out our Calendar for our drop-in and activities schedule. Starting the week of August 29th, we will be open for drop-in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This fall, activities will be held on Wednesday nights. The schedule will be posted on the Calendar and on our Facebook page (facebook.com/lgbtqyouthcentre).

We are located within the Beaconsfield United Church building. We receive support from the church, an Affirming congregation which explicitly welcomes and celebrates LGBT people. However, the Centre itself has no religious affiliation. The Centre is a safe space which encourages the free exchange of words & ideas. We can’t understand each other (or ourselves) unless we begin with honest & respectful dialogue.

You are invited to contact the Centre director via phone or email, with the option of arranging a one-on-one visit. All emails, calls, comments, questions and conversations are kept private and confidential. Whether you are out, closeted, or somewhere in between …

We are with you all the way!

Follow us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/lgbtqyouthcentre

Directions to the Centre:

The LGBTQ Youth Centre is in Beaconsfield, Quebec, in the Beaconsfield United Church facility at 202 Woodside Rd.

If driving: Turn onto rue Sherbrooke off Boulevard Saint-Charles, then turn left at the third stop sign (Woodside). Turn right onto Woodside Crescent and head through the back parking lot, through the door, down the stairs, and you'll be in front of the Centre!

If using public transit: Bus 217 West from Fairview Pointe-Claire drops you off right at Sherbrooke & Woodside. Buses 200, 201, 261, 382 stop at Sherbrooke & Saint-Charles. Buses 211 & 221 (221 becomes 411 starting January 9, 2012) stop at the AMT train station in Beaconsfield.

Job Description for Recently advertised Coordinator Position

LGBTQ Youth Centre The LGBTQ Youth Centre is a unique West Island resource offering a safe and welcoming drop-in for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth (13 – 18+), referrals and networking with community and institutional partners, education and advocacy to confront and combat homophobia, and resources and support to LGBTQ youth. Currently the Centre is seeking a part-time director.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To provide leadership to the LGBTQ Youth Centre and their allies, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and welcome while providing a safe and respectful environment;
• To animate programs and activities of the Centre and involve its youth in the management, planning and evaluation of the Centre;
• To provide sound administration of the Centre and give leadership to its fundraising activities;
• To network with schools, government agencies and other institutions to confront and combat homophobia;
• To provide education and resources to teens, their families and the wider community concerning issues faced by LGBTQ youth;
• To collaborate with and refer to appropriate resources in the community;
• To undertake outreach and promotion of the centre (including social media and web-site management)
• To provide support to the Board of Directors and other volunteers.
• To develop and manage a resource centre.

Accountability The LGBTQ Youth Centre Director reports to a sub-committee of the Board of Directors that provides support and direction. S/he adheres to the policy of confidentiality regarding all privileged information. S/he work collegially with Board members and volunteers in a manner that enhances the delivery of Centre’s programs and services while promoting its values and upholding its reputation in the wider community.

Job Conditions:

Status: Permanent Part-time Contract (20 hours per week)

Hours: Regular late afternoon and evening drop-in hours and flexibility for other hours determined by the needs of the centre (networking, speaking engagements, special events, meetings, etc.)

Salary: Commensurate with experience and paid every two weeks.

Police check: Police Records Verification required.

Requirements:

• Familiarity and personal experience with issues faced by LGBTQ youth and their families
• Related work experience and proven competency in areas of responsibility
• Committed to confronting and combating homophobia in our society
• Evidence of ability to work as part of a team
• Bilingualism an asset

Please send your curriculum vitae, a letter of intent and two letters of reference by email to Cindy Casey at info@lgbtqyouthcentre.ca . Application deadline is January 16, 2012.