Spectrum is pleased to share our refreshed 2SLGBTQIA+ Terminology Guide! This was made possible thanks to the work of co-op student, Sarah Amoah.
Below, Sarah shares her thoughts on her co-op placement experience.
My name is Sarah Amoah (she/they). I am a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, graduate from University of Western Ontario-King’s College and am currently completing a postgraduate certificate in Community and Social Services Management at Conestoga College. I am grateful to Spectrum for hosting me as a co-op student for 10 weeks and to Scott Williams for supporting me as a placement supervisor. As a Black, queer, woman with a non-visible disability, I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ concepts, forms of discrimination, and community services in the region. I found it easy to become emersed in the content as I have so much passion and interest in the topics.
This placement has expanded my understanding of the variety of leadership and management roles that make up successful community service organizations. I have been relishing in the opportunity to continuously learn about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, terminology, and relevant concepts. This experience has enhanced my understanding of professional leadership in community service organizations that work with marginalized demographics such as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Having the opportunity to sit in on board and fundraising meetings and participate in the organization’s Rainbow Diversity Training has strengthened my connection to my identity as a queer person and to the Waterloo 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This experience has expanded my awareness of how important community mobilization and unification is for impactful community service. It is important to recognize how smaller organizations without access to an abundance of funding run with the help of volunteers, board of directors and general community support.
Thank you, Spectrum, you will always have a place in my heart!