SPECTRUM News

Strategic Plan 2024-2027

We are pleased to share our new Strategic Plan for 2024-2027.

Spectrum’s Board of Directors and Executive Director struck our triennial Strategic Planning Committee in July of 2023 and began working on a new plan. The work included doing a new environmental scan, new SWOT and PEST analyses, in-depth reviews of three years of feedback from program participants, a review of our community engagement project on creating Trans-Autistic supports, a review of our community engagement project with Black, Indigenous, and racialized folks, and a series of surveys of our board members.

The work culminated in a full-day strategic planning session on November 19, 2023 during which we established three new Strategic Priorities for 2024-2027:

Sustainability and Stability: Spectrum is committed to becoming a more stable and sustainable organization. We will work to become an equitable employer of choice through fundraising and fund development, community collaboration, and partnerships. Being an equitable employer will give us the capacity to better meet the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Waterloo Region. Spectrum will continue to work towards an inclusive community where all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are welcomed, celebrated, and supported as their authentic selves.

Accessibility and Inclusion in Programs and Personnel: Spectrum is committed to continuing our journey to becoming a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible organization that is welcoming and relevant to members of all 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We will create programs and recruit personnel using an anti-oppressive and intersectional framework. We will prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, equity, and well-being – celebrating and affirming our diverse community.

Community and Advocacy: Spectrum is committed to continuing to build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships that increase capacity to serve 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Waterloo Region. Spectrum acknowledges the importance of public policy dialogue and development activities, where reasonable, to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ people having healthy and vibrant communities where they feel a sense of belonging.

These priorities build on the work we achieved with our 2021-2023 plan and we look forward to continuing the momentum we have established. Special thanks to our Board of Directors for their volunteerism and commitment to governance.

Read the complete Strategic Plan for 2024-2027.

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SPECTRUM News

Thank You to the Kitchener Sports Association

We’d like to thank the Kitchener Sports Association for a grant of $3,500 that will allow us to purchase sports equipment for our 2SLGBTQIA+ Multi-Sport Drop-In!

The Multi-Sport Drop-In is totally free and is run out of the Downtown Community Centre and Stanley Park Community Centre in Kitchener. Each week we play a variety of sports like badminton, pickleball, volleyball, and basketball. From time to time we invite guest coaches for special events like Muay Thai and yoga.

Almost every participant that comes, comes because they want to meet other queer folks and move in a space exclusively for queer folks. Participants are at all levels and abilities. We have some people who are brand new to sports, while others are trying out for national sports teams. We’ve created a space that allows all abilities to play and have fun.

We’re also starting a Queer Run Club! Stay tuned for details.

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