Community Update: Feb. 8
We are moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who attended our first Community Listening Session on Monday, February 1st. The questions asked and feedback provided have been helpful to the Side by Side team and we appreciate your time. We are moving forward with hope, and a plan.
Keeping our community updated on our progress is a top priority for us moving forward. As we mentioned in our last communication, offers of rehire were extended to all program staff. All former staff have made their decision. We will welcome back one person to begin Monday, February 8th. This means we will be working on hiring new staff to join the Side by Side team.
We are still listening.
Listening is a key part to rebuilding trust with all of the people we serve and are in community with. To that end we are planning 3 more listening sessions for our key stakeholder groups: youth, parents and community supporters. Our youth-only listening session will take place Friday, February 12th at 6:00pm. Current and former youth ages 14-21 are welcome to come ask questions, state concerns, and hear from the Board chair and Interim ED.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85054811526?pwd=d0xTVVhJNUdRZmRMaHNUUXFxS1BlQT09 Meeting ID: 850 5481 1526 Passcode: 424470
We need your participation.
We are ready to begin our search for a permanent ED and a consultant to help us rebuild. This is where you come in! We are looking for people from the community to be on the committees. Specifically we are asking for 3 representatives (one youth, one parent and one community supporter) to work with members from Side by Side’s Board and staff. Nominations will be accepted beginning Friday, February 5th and will close on Friday, February 12th at 5pm.
You can learn more about the qualities of a potential committee member and access the form to submit a nomination by clicking here.
We are confidently moving forward to repair and rebuild. Your commitment to LGBTQ+ youth and support of Side by Side is greatly appreciated as we move this transition moment. The Board and staff remain committed to creating supportive communities where LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong and flourish.
