CAPACITY BUILDING WITHIN LGBT COMMUNITIES

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Conference
Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual & Transgender Conference 2005
Date
29 July 2005
Decision
Carried as Amended

Conference congratulates all groups actively promoting LGBT visibility and challenging homophobia in the family, in education, on the streets and in the workplace.

Conference believes that LGBT projects need to be extended to adequately meet needs both in urban and in rural areas. Workers and volunteers in LGBT projects also need to develop their leadership skills, self-confidence and the ability to create partnerships within and beyond the LGBT community.

Conference is concerned, however, that many LGBT organisations and societies are struggling to exist independently – particularly within universities and institutes of further and higher education.

Conference supports partnership working such as that undertaken by UNISON Northern Ireland and the “Beyond Barriers” project in providing support to local LGBT groups in universities and the community and voluntary sector.

Conference therefore calls on UNISON to:

1.Provide increased opportunities for personal and organisation development and capacity building for regional LGBT activists and organisations;

2.

2.Identify and offer increased support to LGBT societies or groups operating within universities and institutes of further education and in the community and voluntary sector;

3.Support and publicise the work of projects such as that undertaken by UNISON Northern Ireland and the “Beyond Barriers” project.