With the goal of expanding the CASA network to better represent the demographics and experiences of youth in care, we created a toolkit, including two handouts, to help programs share the importance of spreading awareness of the CASA mission and recruiting within the LGBTQ+ community. Also in the toolkit are resources and tips to help programs create a welcoming environment for all.
Recruitment Handout
This double-sided, one-page handout is a recruitment piece designed to share with all communities, which highlights outcomes that youth in care who identify as LGBTQ+ experience, and how, as a CASA volunteer, someone can make a difference in the lives of youth across Texas.
Download The Handout
Rack Card
The rack card is a 3.75”w x 9”h condensed version of the handout. There are two versions, one with a bleed for professional printers and one without for in-house printing and trimming.
Download The Rack Card With Bleeds
Download The Rack Card Without Bleeds
Talking Points
Share this document with your board, stakeholders or anyone in the network or community to give them information and statistics on why expanding the diversity of the CASA network, and reaching and recruiting from new communities, is essential to the youth in care and to growing the number of volunteers across the state.
View The Talking Points
Creating a Welcoming & Inclusive Environment
While recruitment is important to help us reach our goal of diversifying our volunteer pool to better match the demographics of the children in care, it’s equally important that current and future advocates feel welcome and supported from the beginning. Read the article below for 15 tips on how to create a welcoming environment.
Read The Article
Benchmarks of LGBTQ+ Inclusion
All Children – All Families discusses seven main areas of inclusive policies and affirming practices that organizations should implement to best serve LGBTQ+ children, youth and families.
View The Benchmarks
Building a Better Website
By planning how to make a website that’s LGBTQ+ friendly, you can make browsing experiences more inclusive and welcoming for different communities. To help you get started, here are seven tips on how to make an LGBTQ+ friendly site that will embrace the diversity of the Pride community and that will elevate your online presence.
Read The Article
Pronoun Usage
Using incorrect pronouns, or assuming someone’s pronouns, can be uncomfortable and hurtful. Learn how to create a safe space for people to share their pronouns and what do to if you do make a mistake.
View The Guide
Sample Interview Questions
Including interview questions with a focus on diversity can demonstrate to potential advocates that your organization is an ally to all communities. View a few sample questions that CASA programs in Texas are already using at the button below.
View The Questions
All Children – All Families Online Learning Center
All Children – All Families provides an incredible library of free webinars and other resources to enhance your knowledge of working with and recruiting in the LGBTQ+ community. A few we recommend are:
- Strategies for LGBTQ+ Community Engagement at Pride Festivals
- The Role of Allies in Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces
- Taking a Collaborative Approach to LGBTQ+ Policy Creation & Implementation
Visit The Learning Archive
Project Thrive
Project THRIVE is a multi-year national campaign to create more equitable, inclusive support systems and communities for LGBTQ+ youth. Project THRIVE will build the skills and capacities of all youth-serving professionals to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ young people.
The core goals of Project THRIVE include:
- Actively promoting well-being for LGBTQ+ youth within all youth-serving professions (e.g. education, child welfare, juvenile justice, health care, etc.)
- Providing all youth-serving professionals with the tools, resources, and professional development they need to support and affirm LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth and youth who have a history of system involvement
- Increasing the proportion of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing permanent, supportive connections with caring adults and family networks
- Reducing the significant disparities in mental and physical health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth
- Improving school safety and inclusion so LGBTQ+ students can succeed and thrive academically and socially
Learn More & Subscribe to Their Newsletter
State and Community Resources
Find statewide and local community resource centers for youth and allies.
View The List
Free Stock Images
Get free stock images depicting LGBTQ+ youth and adults at the links below.
Pexels.com
DiverseTechGeek.com
GenderPhotos.Vice.com