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LGBT Parenting Network
December 2007, E-News

ANNOUNCING:  THE LGBTQ PARENTING CONNECTION

I'm sure many of you have been wondering, what happened with that name contest?  Well, the results are in and we are happy to report the new name of the partnership between the LGBTQ Parenting Network - Sherbourne Health Centre, the Queer Parenting Programmes at the 519 Church St. Community Centre and the Family Service Association of Toronto. It is:  The LGBTQ Parenting Connection.  This will also be the name of the website we are developing which will be a one-stop resource for LGBTQ parenting information. Stay tuned for more info.  

In the meantime we would like to wish you all a restful and happy holiday and we look forward to continue working and connecting with you in the new year.

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MESSAGE FROM MUM'S THE WORLD!

Shira and Klaudia wish you all a nice holiday and a happy new year.

We  have had a lot of e-mail difficulties over the last few months and have therefore had to change our e-mail address.  Please make note of our new address mum@the519.org
     
The last Saturday in December is the 30th and since The 519 is closed during that week we will not be having a Mum's the World!, but we are looking forward to seeing you again on  Saturday, January 25th 2008.

Again enjoy your  holidays and best wishes,   Klaudia and Shira

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NEWS FROM DYKES PLANNING TYKES & DADDIES & PAPAS 2B

NEW: Dyke Planning Tykes Weekend Intensive - a course for lesbia/bi/queer women considering parenthood. Due to high demand for this course we are offering a weekend intensive version April 4 - 6, 2008. Cost: $40 per person plus $20 for the manual. Facilitator: Rachel Epstein.  To register please drop by or call The 519 at 416 392 6874.
 
Daddies & Papas 2B - a course for gay/bi/queer men considering parenthood, running each Tuesday evening, February 26 to May 13, 2008. Cost: $60 per person plus $20 for the manual. Facilitator: Chris Veldhoven.  To register please drop by or call The 519 at 416 392 6874.

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MY FAMILY MATTERS!  SCHOOLS PROJECT

LGBTQ parents across the board are concerned about what happens for their kids in schools. The LGBTQ Parenting Network at the Sherbourne Health Centre, Queer Parenting Programmes at the 519, EGALE, the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People and a committee of community members have launched a new project to make schools more welcoming for our kids and for families of all configurations. We are planning several days of action, education and celebration to coincide with Valentine's Day & Family Day, the new stat holiday in February.

Join us in January when we kick start the new year with a plan of action towards making schools more LGBTQ family-friendly.
Watch this space for more details and ways you and your family can be involved.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 8, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Sherbourne Health Centre

For more information and to help with the planning and prep please contact Shira Spector, schools_project@yahoo.com

We welcome participation from all, including parents, prospective parents, teachers, young people and friends and allies.

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EGALE CANADA LAUNCHES 1ST NATIONAL SURVEY ON HOMOPHOBIA/TRANSPHOBIA IN CANADIAN SCHOOLS

www.climatesurvey.ca

Egale Canada has launched a survey research project designed to explore the experiences of homophobia and transphobia of students in Grades 8 - 12 in Canadian schools.  The aim of the project is to document the realities of life at school for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTTIQ) students in Canada, including the kids of LGBTTIQ parents.  The goal is to provide policy makers and educators with information that will help them make schools safer and more respectful.  We are asking you to help by making our survey known to youth who use your services or attend support groups at your organization.  The survey can be found online at www.climatesurvey.ca .  

EGALE Canada is encouraging school boards across the country to participate in the survey.  For more info, call Helen Kennedy, 1-888-204-8888 or email helen_kennedy@egale.ca.  

For those of you not already familiar with Egale Canada, it is a national organization committed to advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada.

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JOB OPENING: THE QUEER POSITIVE PRE-NATAL CLASS -  FACILITATOR (CONTRACT)

The 519 Community Centre is looking to hire a knowledgeable birth educator to facilitate The Queer Positive Pre-Natal Class. We offer this weekend course two to four times throughout the year.  Each course runs: Friday night 7 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review the course goals, methods, tools with the Queer Parenting Programmes Coordinator.
  • Set course dates for 2008 with the Coordinator
  • Review and update the course manual
  • Implement the logical flow of the course based on the outline in the Facilitator’s Guide with adaptations guided by professional expertise and participants’ needs
  • Set-up and clean-up the workshop space
  • Hand out class manuals
  • Collect family intake forms
  • Take attendance
  • Collect evaluation information from participants
  • Set out snacks
  • After each weekend session, review the evaluations and the process with the
  • Coordinator then plan and implement the agreed upon improvements for the next session

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • 2 years experience providing pre-natal education
  • experience supporting the needs of LGBTTQ parents expecting a newborn
  • knowledge of the ways LGBTTQ people create families and the inclusive language we need around sexual orientation, gender identity, differing family configurations and support relationships
  • ability to identify and address the needs of diverse populations
  • extensive knowledge of relevant options and community resources

PLEASE POST
Payment: $720.00 for completion of each session

How to Apply:         Send a letter of application and resumé
by Thursday January 24th, 2008: Hiring Committee - The Queer Positive Pre-Natal Class Facilitator, The 519 Church Street Community Centre, Toronto, M4Y 2C9

OR Email letter and resume to helenr@the519.org (subject line “Hiring Committee – The Queer Positive Pre-Natal Class Facilitator”) Emails with a different subject line will be deleted without being read.

Only those being interviewed will be contacted.
No telephone enquiries or faxes, please.

The 519 actively encourages applications from all equity seeking groups.

Queer Parenting Programmes at The 519 is part of The LGBTQ Parenting Connection, working together with the LGBTQ Parenting Network – Sherbourne Health Centre and the Family Service Association of Toronto to provide programs and resources to LGBTTQ-led families.

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Past LGBT Parenting E-News issues:

Disclaimer: News from the Parenting Network, as with our Pride & Joy newsletter may include reprints, excerpts or summaries from other sources. We cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. We are also happy to publish information about research projects and other community initiatives. We do so in the spirit of sharing information, but do not have sufficient knowledge to actively endorse or advocate participation in particular projects.

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