LGBTQ Parenting Network
Sherbourne Health Centre

Internship – Dykes Planning Tykes Facilitator
(100 hour contract, February – May, 2010)

Sherbourne Health Centre is a community-based health centre that provides health care services to marginalized populations in southeast Toronto. Sherbourne’s populations of focus include homeless and under-housed people; newcomers, immigrants and refugees; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people.

The LGBTQ Parenting Network is a program of the Sherbourne Health Centre. The Parenting Network promotes the rights and well-being of LGBTQ parents, prospective parents and their families through education, advocacy, research, social networking and community organizing.

Dykes Planning Tykes (DPT) is a course (offered jointly by the Sherbourne Health Centre and The 519 Community Centre) for lesbian/bisexual/queer women (trans people welcome) who are considering parenthood. The course explores the practical, emotional, social and legal issues related to becoming a parent. DPT is offered in a 12-week format, and as a Weekend Intensive.

We are currently seeking to engage someone to be trained as a facilitator for the Dykes Planning Tykes course, with the goal of increasing the capacity of the Sherbourne Health Centre to offer this popular course. This contract will involve shadowing, and at times co-facilitating with, the current course facilitator during the upcoming 12-week course (Wednesday evenings, from February 24 to May 12) and during the upcoming Weekend Intensive course (Friday, April 9 – Sunday, April 11).

This is a 100 hour contract, including mandatory attendance at all sessions of the courses mentioned above, as well as preparation and debriefing time.

Remuneration for the complete contract is $2,500.

Expectations of the Successful Candidate:

Knowledge and/or experience related to the broad range of issues involved in becoming an LGBTQ parent.
Knowledge about Toronto LGBTQ communities, and about the services and programs related to LGBTQ parenting (i.e. fertility clinics, adoption services, programs for LGBTQ parents).
Skills and experience in group facilitation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A collaborative, community-based approach to learning and teaching.
Ability to work both independently, and in collaboration.
Knowledge and experience working within an anti-oppression framework.

Application:

Please apply in writing to:

Bev Lepischak
Program Director, LGBT Health
Sherbourne Health Centre
333 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, ON M5A 2S5

Or by fax: 416 324 4262
Or by email: kbabcock@sherbourne.on.ca

Deadline for Applications: Monday, February 8, 2010