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Twelve Core Values in LGBTQ Services
Related to country: Canada

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

This "12 Core Values in LGBTQ Services" framework1 helps service providers to define program and participant outcomes. The list below2 has been adapted from a variety of sources.

1. Access
2. Inclusion
3. Client empowerment
4. User-defined services
5. Holistic approach
6. Respect for the individual
7. Cultural sensitivity
8. Community development
9. Collaboration
10. Accountability
11. Orientation towards positive change
12. Reliability

1. Services are accessible to all who need them. Access is assured by:
  • providing a welcoming LGBTQ ‘safe’ environment
  • offering services in the client’s own language, where possible and appropriate
  • offering culturally appropriate services
  • undertaking outreach, so that services are known to those who might benefit
  • communicating effectively about the organization and its services
  • where possible, offering services irrespective of immigration status or other criteria of eligibility
  • providing an environment where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered members feel comfortable
  • offering childcare, where appropriate
  • having a geographically accessible site and/or addressing clients’ need for transportation
  • having a physically accessible site
  • listening to and responding to concerns about accessibility.

2. Services are offered in an inclusive manner; respectful of and sensitive to diversity. Inclusion is assured by:

  • ecognizing the diversity of needs and experiences (e.g. young, old, highly educated, those without education, singles, families)
  • offering anti-racist, anti homophobia services
  • providing a non-sexist environment
  • enforcing a policy of non-discrimination
  • offering non-judgmental services
  • respecting different perspectives within LGBTQ communities.

3. Clients are empowered by services. Client empowerment is assured by:

  • fostering independence in clients
  • meaningful membership and participation of clients in the Board
  • encouraging client involvement in all areas of the organization
  • involving clients as volunteers
  • recognizing, affirming and building on the resources, experiences, skills and wisdom of LGBTQ members
  • providing information and education to allow clients to make their own informed decisions
  • offering programs and services leading to employment and career advancement
  • offering a supportive environment (especially to those who are traumatized)
  • supporting the clients' right to choose from among service providers the approach that best meets their needs.

4. Services respond to needs as defined by users. User-defined services are assured by:

  • undertaking an individual assessment for each client of needs, expectations, goals and priorities
  • assessment of the needs and priorities of LGBTQ communities
  • involving LGBTQ members in needs assessments
  • ongoing assessment of whether services continue to meet needs
  • listening to clients and communities served
  • responding to the particular needs of LGBTQ people (recognition of differences, changing needs)
  • offering flexibility in services
  • incorporating flexibility into programs, in order to allow them to adapt to changing needs
  • involving users in the planning, implementation and evaluation of services
  • offering users maximum control over programs.

5. Services take account of the complex, multifaceted, interrelated dimensions of settlement and integration. A holistic approach is assured by:

  • recognizing the diversity of an individual's needs (physical, social, psychological, political, spiritual)
  • responding wherever possible to a variety of needs at once
  • providing a range of services in one location ("one-stop")
  • recognizing that integration is a long-term process
  • avoiding compartmentalization
  • taking into account the effects of policy decisions on individuals and communities and responding through advocacy
  • recognizing the importance of the family in the lives of individuals
  • providing opportunities for relaxation and fun.

6. Services are delivered in a manner that fully respects the rights and dignity of the individual. Respect for the individual is assured by:

  • confidentiality
  • services free of racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination
  • respecting the fundamental rights of each participant
  • compliance with a Code of Ethics
  • offering a professional quality of services
  • recognizing the uniqueness of each person
  • giving full and accurate information
  • making human contact
  • good monitoring, selection and training of volunteers.

7. Services are delivered in a manner that is culturally ‘queer’ sensitive. Culturally sensitive services are assured by:

  • having staff and volunteers from the same background as the clients served
  • ensuring that service providers are knowledgeable about the ‘queer’ culture of those being served
  • offering services in a ‘queer’ culturally appropriate manner
  • developing and implementing policies on ‘queer’ cultural competency and anti-racism
  • showing respect for ‘queer’ different cultures.

8. Services promote the development of LGBTQ communities and participation in the wider community, and develop communities that are welcoming of LGBTQ people. Community development is assured by:

  • giving priority to community building
  • investing in the development of LGBTQ communities
  • developing community leadership
  • building bridges between communities
  • eliminating barriers to LGBTQ participation in the community
  • familiarity with the resources in the local community
  • working towards changes in public attitude towards LGBTQ people
  • working through the organizations of LGBTQ communities
  • involving volunteers in services delivered.

9. Services are delivered in a spirit of collaboration. Collaboration is assured by:

  • promoting partnerships between organizations that build on strengths of each
  • good working relationships
  • team-building
  • communicating regularly with others and sharing information
  • referral services
  • coalition-building
  • providing opportunities for community problem-solving
  • taking account of available resources and experiences.

10. Service delivery is made accountable to the communities served. Accountability is assured by:

  • the organization's Board
  • evaluation, involving the participants
  • ongoing monitoring
  • performance appraisals
  • policy and procedure manuals (for financial management, administration and personnel)
  • close connection with immigrant and refugee communities
  • fiscal responsibility
  • development of goals and specific measurable, realistic outcomes.

11. Services are oriented towards promoting positive change in the lives of LGBTQ people and in the capacity of society to offer equality of opportunity for all. An orientation towards positive change is assured by:

  • advocating for improvements in policy
  • recognizing and building on the possibility of change in the lives of LGBTQ people and in society
  • developing new programs and new service models
  • improving services through training and research
  • celebrating successes.

12. Services are based on reliable, up-to-date information. Reliability is assured by:

  • keeping information up-to-date
  • using social research
  • exchanging information.

[1] For LGBTQ Terms and Definitions go to http://dantrepanier.tigblog.org/post/368797

[2] See Blog link at http://dantrepanier.tigblog.org/post/371771 Submit content or feedback for this list at http://dantrepanier.tigblog.org/post/371771#postcomments Copyright © The YMCA of Greater Toronto. Duplication permitted with attribution and a link back to the blog

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