Rainbow Service Providers Network

  • Founded in 2002, we envision a safe community with equal access to all services for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including children, youth, and families.

    • We are a network of LGBTQ+ community agencies who support the development of fellow agencies, schools, families, and communities that are safe and inclusive, and celebrate diversity and equity.

    • We exist to facilitate the sharing of information and resources between LGBTQ+ agencies.

    • Our network serves as a hub of communication between LGBTQ+ agencies and collaboration in advocating on behalf of common causes.

    • We strive to work collaboratively to support each other in responding to systemic barriers including heterosexism, cissexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the lives of Ottawa area communities.

    • The focus of our discussions is to address systemic barriers with the goal of promoting personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal change.

  • Our membership is made up of diverse agencies (including organizations, businesses, charities, school boards, and community groups) that serve and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, including children, youth, and families.

    This includes agencies that deliver LGBTQ+ specific programs and services, as well those that are interested in building LGBTQ+ cultural competence, social inclusion, and anti-oppressive practices.

    Each agency is represented by an individual selected by the agency to be a part of the network email list and attend the monthly meetings.

    Our network is facilitated by two co-chairs, elected for a two-year term.

  • Our network aims to create a forum for:

    • Communicating agency activity and information

    • Co-ordinating services between agencies

    • Collaborating on joint projects

    • Organizing mutual support and training opportunities

    • Identifying gaps and duplications in services

    • Sharing of new funding opportunities and resources

    • We embrace diversity and equity

    • We value respect and inclusion

    • We support gender and sexual diversity

    • We believe in learning from each other

    • We value each member’s contribution 

    • We celebrate our strengths and successes

    • We view conflict as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding

    • We maintain confidentiality

    • Kind Space (Co-chair)

    • Ten Oaks Project (Co-chair)

    • Ottawa Carleton District School Board

    • Centretown Community Health Centre

    • Family Services à la famille Ottawa

    • Family Services Ottawa

    • Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa

    • Youth Services Bureau

    • Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity