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 5 organizations to join the inaugural 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 will re-open in 2023.
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 at least 2-4 hours of individual consultation per month
- 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 when it opens in 2023.
- 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!
- There is a rolling deadline for applications. The intention is to leave space for questions about the process, as this is the inaugural cohort and it is a pandemic, after all. We hope to accept all applications by end of summer/early fall.
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