We have some board seats open. Is one for you? Advocacy Canada is a Kelowna-based registered nonprofit governed and operated by a volunteer board. Our mission is to unite and amplify queer voices and their allies in the community to effect positive change on important issues that make a lasting difference.
One of our objectives is to enhance the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ seniors, recognizing their unique needs in the areas of health, housing, and community in the Okanagan area.
Our organization was formed in June 2021 and was instrumental in bringing together community voices in support of the federal conversion therapy ban. We have supported Health Initiative for Men (HIM) in their project to provide mental health support for victims of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts (SOGIECE). We recently spearheaded efforts to remove a harmful anti-trans and anti-SOGI 123 billboard in West Kelowna and helped organize a counter-protest at a Drag Story Time event at the Kelowna Library. We are acutely aware of the rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric in online forums and at protests of local Pride events and the need for strategic activism to proactively deal with this as a community safety issue. We are collaborating with Kelowna Pride Society on a cross-community working group to address this by engaging community members to develop a community safety plan.
We have recently launched the Kelowna Senior Pride Network with the intention of providing opportunities for age 50+ LGBTQ2S+ seniors and allies to connect socially and to develop programs to assist with the specific and unique needs of this community.
As we move forward we are looking to fund the organization to be able to develop community-based programs, particularly for seniors, and provide sustainability for the organization.
The work we do may seem daunting, but as we continually demonstrate, our strength is in our community and allies. As we are a working board and have no paid employees, board members need to have the capacity to be hands-on. We are happy to discuss the expected time requirements. Much of our work is performed online and isn’t normally required to be done in person.
We are inviting community members who are passionate about these causes and have the expertise to help direct the organization at a strategic and operating level to join our board of directors. Board terms are for two years. Preference will be given to candidates located in Central Okanagan.
To apply please complete this form, or if you have any initial questions contact:
Wilbur Turner (he/him)
President
Advocacy-Canada.lgbt
Email wilbur@advocacy-canada.lgbt