Welcome to the Premiere Edition of Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter!

Hello to all our wonderful 2SLGBTQI+ community members and allies,

I’m Tyler Boyce, the Executive Director of The Enchante Network (TEN). As we roll out the first edition of our newsletter under the banner of our strategic plan, "Growing our Roots," I am filled with anticipation and hope. This plan reaffirms our commitment to our core pillars—Connect, Support, Advocate—and guides us in deepening our impact through these foundational principles.

Reflecting on recent months, we’ve rallied together, igniting dialogues that bridge gaps and fortify our bonds that have helped us hit major milestones such as gathering 100M through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, 12M carve out for queer community organizations through the combatting hate action plan and inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ as a distinct group in the federal Employment Equity Act.

Your enthusiastic participation in our events and initiatives propels us forward, reinforcing the essence of connection that is vital to our mission.

Looking ahead, we are on the cusp of a significant gathering that promises to be a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts this year. The "Together for Change" conference in Calgary this September will bring together hundreds of 2SLGBTQI+ leaders and professionals from allied sectors. Our aim? To forge partnerships and build coalitions that will turn our collective aspirations into actionable strategies for a radically safe future.

What do radically safe futures look like? This is the question we will explore as we delve into critical areas such as Housing, Disability Justice, Healthcare, Climate Justice, Immigration, Indigenization & Decolonization, Advocacy & Election Readiness, Anti-Racism & Anti-oppression. This conference is not just a meeting of minds but a melting pot of ideas from diverse movements across Canada, each bringing unique insights and revolutionary strategies.

This newsletter is just one of many ways we connect. Every issue will offer a blend of updates, insights, and inspirations related to our work and the broader 2SLGBTQI+ advocacy landscape. It’s designed to inform, involve, and inspire you—equipping you with knowledge and opportunities to engage actively in our shared mission.

Thank you for your unwavering support and active participation. Let’s keep nurturing our roots and expanding our reach as we strive for a more inclusive and supportive world for all.

With enthusiasm and gratitude,

Tyler Boyce

Our mission in action

At The Enchante Network (TEN), we are driven by a clear and compelling mission: The Enchante Network will maintain a thriving network where we develop and share programs, resources, and knowledge to support 2Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities. This guiding principle is at the heart of everything we do, from the smallest initiative to our most expansive projects.

Developing Programs: Our strategic plan, "Growing our Roots," is a testament to our commitment to developing innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Each program is crafted to address specific challenges and opportunities, whether it's supporting youth in their transition to adulthood or empowering elders within our community.

Sharing Resources: Through partnerships and coalition building, we have expanded our resource sharing capabilities significantly. These resources range from educational materials on rights and wellness to tools designed for advocacy and personal growth. By making these resources accessible, we enable individuals and organizations across the network to strengthen their capabilities and impact.

Spreading Knowledge: Our recent social media campaigns and community impact initiatives are prime examples of how we disseminate knowledge effectively. We not only focus on raising awareness about pressing issues but also on providing actionable insights that community members can use to foster change in their local contexts.

Our newsletter is an extension of this mission. Each edition aims to connect you with the latest developments, insights, and opportunities within TEN, ensuring that you have access to a robust support system that is informed, inclusive, and invigorating. By actively engaging in these areas, we not only uphold our mission but also build a stronger, more connected 2SLGBTQI+ community across Canada.

What we’ve been working on

Mark your calendars! We've lined up a series of exciting events designed to foster connection, education, and advocacy within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, share your experiences, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the key events you won't want to miss:

Together For Change Conference

Date: September 19-21, 2024

Location: Calgary, Canada

Join us for the Together for Change Conference, a dynamic two-day event that brings together hundreds of 2SLGBTQI+ leaders and professionals from across Canada. This conference is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on creating tangible change through partnerships and sustainable strategies.

Conference Highlights:

• Workshops and Panel Discussions: Engage in a series of educational workshops and insightful panel discussions led by experts in various fields. Topics covered will include Disability Justice, Healthcare, Climate Justice, Immigration, and more.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, expanding your professional network and forming new collaborations.
• Theme: This year’s theme centers on harnessing collective efforts to address pressing issues within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, emphasizing practical and actionable solutions.

This event is an invaluable opportunity for anyone involved in the 2SLGBTQI+ community or allied sectors who is committed to making a difference. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your knowledge, share your experiences, or contribute to impactful projects, the Together for Change Conference is the place to be.

Registration Information:

To learn more and to register, please visit our website

Mentorship Program

We are excited to announce that applications for mentors are now open for our Winter 2024 Mentorship Program! This program offers a unique one-on-one mentoring opportunity, designed to pair experienced mentors with mentees who are eager to advance in their personal and professional journeys.

Who should apply to be a mentor?

• Experienced non-profit leaders in the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies who are willing to share their expertise
• Those who are open-minded, non-judgmental, and willing to listen and provide constructive feedback to mentees.
• Individuals who are reliable, committed, and able to dedicate time and effort to the mentorship relationship.

Program Details:

• Duration: Each mentoring relationship lasts for a period of three months, providing ample time for mentees to gain insights, develop skills, and build lasting connections.
• Pairing Process: Mentors and mentees are carefully matched based on their interests, goals, and professional backgrounds to ensure a fruitful and supportive relationship.

Application Submissions:

To learn more about how you can become a mentor, please visit our website

Back to Our Roots

Understanding the unique challenges faced by Black Queer individuals in Canada, The Enchanté Network is proud to announce the launch of Back to Our Roots. This pivotal project is dedicated to connecting, supporting, and amplifying Black 2SLGBTQI+ movements across the nation, from coast to coast to coast.

Through Back to Our Roots, we aim to create a robust network that fosters solidarity, promotes cultural heritage, and addresses the specific needs of Black Queer communities. This initiative will serve as a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and support, ensuring that the voices of Black 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians are heard and their experiences are acknowledged and valued.

Join us as we embark on this journey to strengthen the bonds within our community and champion the cause of Black Queer people throughout Canada.

The Rainbow Resilience Fund: Supporting frontline 2SLGBTQI+ organizations

Amidst a concerning rise in hate-driven incidents and divisive rhetoric across Canada, the need for robust support systems for our Queer, Trans, and 2Spirit communities has never been more urgent. The Enchanté Network, as Canada’s National 2SLGBTQI+ Association, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges through tangible actions and dedicated resources.

The Rainbow Resilience Fund is a prime example of our commitment to equip and empower frontline 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. In the past year alone, we have disbursed a total of $535,325.44 to 22 vital 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across the country. These funds are specifically aimed at enhancing their capacity to prevent and respond effectively to hate crimes, ensuring that our communities not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

Our work doesn’t stop here. We are continuously seeking ways to expand the fund and increase our support, recognizing the critical role these organizations play in providing life-saving services to some of society's most vulnerable members. As part of our broader mission, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals by providing these essential resources.

Get Involved: We invite all our members and allies to contribute to the Rainbow Resilience Fund, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that every member of our community has the support they need to live safely and proudly.

For more information on how you can help, please visit our dedicated Rainbow Resilience Fund page on our website.

Spotlighting Our Recipients

1. Vancouver Pride Society received $25,000

The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities of Vancouver through an intersectional lens, by producing inclusive, celebratory events for the 2SLGBTQAI+ community.

Proposed Project: The Vancouver Pride Rainbow Resilience Team (VPRRT) project is a new initiative that will include the hiring of 25 people who are trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation, legal observing and general harm reduction. This project will tackle the increasing incidents of hate crimes and discrimination against 2SLGBTQAI+ communities during events by responding directly to the concerning trends shared by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

2. UPlift Black received $24,875

UPlift Black is a Black and 2SLGBTQl+ -led Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion based in the heart of downtown Barrie, Ontario working on the frontlines of hate and supporting racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families in Simcoe County.

Proposed Project: Uplift aims to make a significant impact on preventing and responding to anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate crimes by enhancing its response to emerging needs following a hate attack; by supporting organizational planning & strategy to prevent hate & protect the members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Simcoe County; and by empowering our organization to confront discrimination and create equitable opportunities enabling full participation in Canadian society.

Empowering Our Community Through Knowledge and Tools

TEN is committed to supporting 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across Canada with a wealth of resources designed to foster development, advocacy, and inclusive practices. Our downloadable toolkits and guides are meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of our community. Explore our key resources below:

This toolkit helps social enterprises integrate anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and decolonial practices, acknowledging the deep ties between finance, colonialism, and white supremacy. It's designed to inspire intentionality in your social enterprise efforts.

Tailored for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in rural and remote areas, this toolkit facilitates the creation of inclusive structures that honor Indigenous reconciliation and decolonization.

In solidarity, The Enchanté Network

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