On Thursday, August 7, the LGBTQ+ and Allies Group of Prescott-Russell announced plans to incorporate as a not-for-profit organization. The bilingual group was founded by volunteers in 2017 with a mission to establish connections and provide support for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

The group is supported by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) and the Canadian Mental Health Association Champlain East (CMHA).

Town hall organizer and Centre de santé Communautaire de l’Estrie Community Health Worker Martin Hébert said he was pleased with the turnout, as 12 organizational representatives and 10 participants attended the virtual town hall meeting.

“I believe the meeting went well and created the desired effect of having people talking about the group and sharing information among their networks. This increases our chances of having a selection of diverse and qualified individuals serving on the Board of Directors,” Hébert noted.

During the meeting, attendees were informed that the LGBTQ+ and Allies Group of Prescott-Russell will receive a grant of $21,420 from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), under its Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program.

The 15-month project runs until March 31, 2026, during which the group will be required to incorporate as a not-for-profit organization in Ontario, develop internal and administrative policies, recruit Board members, and complete awareness training for Board members.

Hébert explained that the immediate next steps for the group include a public call for Board members in early September, followed by finalizing governance policies by the end of the month.

The group is looking for dedicated volunteers with desired skills in legal, communications, marketing, social work, and finance. Additionally, interested individuals must complete an application and include their résumé as part of the Board recruitment process.

Hébert highlighted that the group has two main goals for Prescott-Russell: applying for grants that benefit community interests, and building a network where individuals can find local contacts and activities.

More information is available at the group’s website: https://www.lgbtq-prescottrussell.com.