Apply to the Learning Community (LC)
A Technical Assistance Program
The Network/La Red (TNLR) offers technical assistance (TA) services to help organizations create a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ staff and survivors of domestic violence/partner abuse (DV/PA).
In 2020, TNLR launched a new TA program called the Learning Community (LC). We are excited to welcome up to 5 organizations to join the next cohort. LC member organizations each receive customized, individual TA. They also join a peer-to-peer support network where they can share their struggles and successes with the work, brainstorm strategies, and learn from each other’s experiences. The program features quarterly meetings, as well as a cohort listserv. Finally, TNLR provides training on best practice recommendations for creating LGBTQ+-inclusive services and an LGBTQ+-welcoming staff environment. Read the description below to learn more.
Applications for the Learning Community are now open!
I. ELIGIBILITY
Are you eligible to receive free TA and CB support from The Network/La Red? Eligible programs/organizations must meet both requirements:
- Based in or provide services to communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Either a comprehensive Domestic Violence program OR a dual-service Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program OR currently support and serve survivors and victims of DV/PA
–> Not eligible based on this list? Please email us if you are interested in discussing training or other organizational support, at strategize@tnlr.org.
II. COMMITMENT
The LC plans to start in the Fall of 2023. The program runs for 2 years, with the possibility of extending an additional year. If your organization joins the LC, you will send two staff representatives to commit to the 2-year program. Your organization will be expected to:
- Complete an organizational assessment
- Provides a much deeper analysis of your needs, goals, strengths, and growth areas
- Allows TNLR to give more customized recommendations
- Requires input from staff/board members from all program areas
- Commit two consistent staff members from your organization to attend:
- Two day-long trainings a year,* and
- A half-day quarterly meeting*
- Occasional onsite visits to your office location(s)*
- Receive 2-4 hours of individual consultation per quarter
- Check emails weekly and engage with other LC members via the listserv
*TBD to be in-person or virtual, prioritizing the safety of staff and survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
III. APPLICATION PURPOSE
With the application we hope to learn about your organization’s:
- Areas of strength. What are you doing well?
- Areas of growth. Where do you need more support and training?
- Goals for short- and long-term organizational change
- Timelines and deadlines for your plans to engage in technical assistance and capacity-building support
- Interest. Which staff, board, and volunteers have total buy-in? Who is unsure?
Our goals:
- Better understand your needs
- Give recommendations based on our areas of expertise and your needs
- Determine if there is a good fit, so we can schedule an in-person meeting
IV. INSTRUCTIONS
We’re asking for individual application responses from multiple staff, board members, and/or volunteers across the organization. Who should fill out a copy?
- Staff who have input and can make decisions about organizational strategy
- Staff who work directly with the communities you serve (i.e., survivors, clients, community members, etc.)
- Ideally, staff from program areas across the organization: outreach and education, supportive counseling and general advocacy, transitional housing and shelter, etc.
- At minimum, 1 staff from each program area
- In addition, the Executive Director(s)
- Ideally, a good number of board members and volunteers.
- At minimum, the Board President or 1-2 board members who have served for at least 1 year
Why do we ask for multiple applications from the staff & board?
One response does not give us enough information. It’s important to hear different perspectives from across your organization.
V. NEXT STEPS
- Email the Capacity Building Manager at strategize@tnlr.org, and let them know of your program’s interest in the Learning Community. Please limit to ONE interest email per organization.
- Fill out the application located here.
- Keep track of responses. Once you collect all the responses you expect based on the suggestions above, contact us.
- We will be in touch to schedule an interview!
- The deadline for applications has been extended to August 25th. Please fill out the organization’s application and contact the Capacity Building Manager prior.
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Training & Education
