YLEAD Program Facilitator Callout
jgibson
Hi All,
Hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out because we are looking for paid facilitators for a single 60-90 minute workshop for our YLEAD program. The information about the YLEAD program is included below and there is a short application form for interested facilitators to complete. I have attached pdfs of the poster as well.
WHAT IS YLEAD?
YLEAD is a training and skills development program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth running from January-May 2026. In the program, 15-20 youth (grades 10-12/ages 15-18) from the Greater “Victoria” area will gather as
a group and identify three to four topics that could help schools and community agencies become places that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth actually want to be in. This will be based on youth participants' opinions and priorities; what youth think can help create safer and
more celebratory spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students like themselves to learn and thrive.
Youth will then take part in a series of three to four interactive workshops with facilitators from the community who specialize in one or more of the group's chosen topics. We use the word "specialize" broadly here – facilitators do not need to have formal
educational or professional experience on a given topic! Facilitator experience could include lived and/or community experience, family and/or cultural knowledge, learnings or teachings from outside of a formal institution, etc. The focus of these workshops
will be on integrating and uplifting youth knowledge and expertise, empowering youth to be leaders and engaged in their community. The approach to workshops is open to facilitator interpretation and creativity – however you feel is most comfortable and well-suited
to the given topic.
The program will also include ongoing support from Island Sexual Health staff mentors, our Educator & Gender-Affirming Apparel Coordinator Syd (they/them) and our Community Mental Health Worker Leah (she/her).
THE FINALE: YOUTH-LED WORKSHOP IN MAY
In late April, youth participants will receive two days of facilitation training where they will learn how to run workshops/presentations of their own. At the end of the program, the group will take what they have learned along with their own lived experiences to create and facilitate a workshop of their own! The focus of this youth-led workshop will be on promoting safer spaces and better learning environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth – whatever this means to them. This can be in any format that the group decides on: a spoken presentation, poetry, a short film, or visual art. This will be supported throughout the program by ISH staff mentors Syd & Leah, external facilitators, and facilitation training – the goal is that the workshops led by facilitators will build toward and contribute to the youth-led workshop in some way. The youth-led workshop will be attended by educators and community agencies, and will take place on a Pro-D Day in May.
WHEN?
The program will run from January-May 2026, with facilitator-led workshops from February-April. The group will meet approximately every 3 weeks on Thursday evenings from 5-7pm, starting at the end of January until mid-May. Specific dates are TBA and are flexible based on facilitator availability – see tentative dates below!
WHERE?
Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre’s community space, at 3960 Quadra St. (in "victoria, bc"). Bus tickets will be provided to anyone who needs them to get to and from Island Sexual Health. There is adequate bike and/or car parking
WHO CAN APPLY TO BE A FACILITATOR?
This program recognizes lived and community experience as valid and valued knowledge! We hope to create opportunities for intergenerational connections, knowledge-sharing and youth empowerment. We're looking for facilitators who broadly identify as part of (or feel connected to) the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We do not need any information about your identity, and no formal facilitation experience is required! We are looking for engagement and enthusiasm about one or more of the potential workshop topics (listed in the form below) as well as in working with youth. Ideally facilitators will be able to meet with the group in-person at Island Sexual Health, but this is not mandatory.
Here is the application form link for interested facilitators.
We especially hope to hear from Indigenous, Black, people of colour, older adults, elders, disabled and/or neurodivergent 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, but again, you do not need to share anything about your identity.
COMPENSATION
Food and drinks will be provided for each session, along with bus tickets if needed! We have free bicycle and vehicle parking.
Facilitator honorarium: $300 per workshop (60-90 minutes, plus set up time/dinner if you choose to eat with us), $50 for supplies if needed.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this program that you'd like to talk about before filling out the application form below, you can send Syd (they/them) an email at assistan...@islandsexualhealth.org
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer Gibson, MA (she/her/hers)
Director, Education and Advancement
Check out:
Our Q&A youth texting line 250-812-9374
@isexualhealth (t) (i)
Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre (CHC) would like to recognize the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən, known as Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, W̱SÁNEĆ Nations: SȾÁ,UTW̱, W̱JOȽEȽP, W̱SÍKEM, BOḰEĆEN, and MÁL¸EXE Ƚ, as well as Scia’new, and T’Sou-ke. Despite controversy around land acknowledgments, as an organization benefiting from these stolen lands, it is important for us to acknowledge the land and its relatives: the animals, plants, waters, air, and the Indigenous Peoples of these territories.
Since time immemorial, these lands have been inextricably linked with sustenance, health, tradition, and culture for Coast Salish Peoples. Indigenous health systems have long been upheld by traditional and spiritual healing practices, as well as community designs and lifestyles conducive to wellbeing.
The historic pattern of injustice against Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare field continues today through instances of racism, systemic racism, stereotyping, and microaggressions. Island Sexual Health CHC is committed to making our healthcare and community spaces safer, and more inclusive and welcoming for all individuals.
We are dedicated to anti-colonial work with the understanding that it is a never ending journey of learning and unlearning.
Island Sexual Health CHC is grateful to be guided by Indigenous Peoples and organizations that share their experiences, speak against systems of violence, and uphold traditional healing practices.
We raise our hands- Hay’sxw’qa, HÍ SW̱ KE, Thank You.
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