Call for Applications for Community of Practice on ‘Sustaining Movements for Equal Rights of LGBTIQ+ People’

LGBTIQ+ movements are the lifeblood of progressive change that is envisioned by the Power of Pride programme. Supporting LGBTIQ+ organisations and activists in over 22 countries across Asia and Africa, Power of Pride, led by the Alliance of COC Netherlands, ILGA Asia and Pan Africa ILGA, works inside-out to resource and empower LGBTIQ+ movements for creating diverse and inclusive societies where LGBTIQ+ people can live up to their full potential.

Sustaining these movements is not merely a matter of networking or building strategic alliances; it is a mutual commitment to justice, inclusivity and co-liberation. Resilient movements are the incubating space for collective action, necessary for building communities, strengthening organisations and mobilising allies, that can then lay the groundwork for effective Lobby and Advocacy initiatives for influencing laws, policies and norms. Most importantly, nurturing the bonds of transformative solidarity across lines of difference within these movements is essential to driving social change.

Since its inception, Power of Pride has been working on a range of strategies and mechanisms to sustain LGBTIQ+ movements across 22 countries. In order to harness key learnings on this crucial aspect of the programme, we are opening applications for highly motivated and committed individuals to join a Community of Practice on Sustaining Movements for Equal Rights of LGBTIQ+ People that will run for approximately one year. This is part of the Learning Agenda of the programme which is implemented using an inside-out and participatory approach.

Why are we doing this?

This Community of Practice on Sustaining LGBTIQ+ Movements seeks to be a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing the understanding of unique challenges, opportunities and best practices in sustaining LGBTIQ+ movements that are inclusive, agile and locally-led. Our aim is to develop our programmatic knowledge further on various dimensions of sustainability and sustaining activisms within LGBTIQ+ movements, especially in light of mounting anti-rights and anti-gender opposition across Asia and Africa.

We are organising this with an underlying goal of fostering trust and engendering resilience among LGBTIQ+ people at a time when war, authoritarianism and rise of divisive political figures across the world are leading to a rapid erosion of civic spaces and democratic practices. This further entrenches social hierarchies to oppress marginalised groups, including LGBTIQ+ people. While such a state of affairs evokes a rightful sense of urgency, even despair, it is important that we approach this topic with intentionality and optimism. This means that our work, and practices of gathering knowledge and sharing learnings on this platform, will not be informed by fear and scarcity, but instead seek to find their roots in a world view of abundance and resilience.

What do we want to learn?

With the above objectives in mind, we aim to explore the following key interrelated areas in this Community of Practice:

A. Rooting Care

In the face of organised resistance, LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders around the world tackle overwhelming challenges and barriers to bring meaningful change in the society, often with no acknowledgement or gratitude. This is sometimes done at the cost of one’s own wellbeing and at the risk of perpetuating harmful practices that compromise the effectiveness of the movement as a whole. The intersectionality of identities within the LGBTIQ+ communities exacerbates these risks, necessitating a comprehensive approach to security and wellbeing. We believe that holistic change is not possible without incorporating care, holistic security and wellbeing into movement spaces. How can we then create LGBTIQ+ movements that are rooted in self-care, mutual aid/support and collective healing/wellbeing? How can our movements build resilient networks of support and enhance our capacity, resources and mechanisms to respond to crises, whether individual or collective, allowing us to better protect ourselves and care for each other in the face of danger? How do we develop a mature and grounded leadership and a culture in LGBTIQ+ movements that prioritises collective wellbeing and sustainability beyond programme cycles?

B. Practicing Accountability

The issues of power imbalances, unequal distribution of power and abuse of power continue to emerge in social justice movements. These often manifest as unhealthy competition over resources, influence and recognition, leading to mistrust and conflict, eroding bonds of trust and solidarity and jeopardising collective gains. We see this issue as systemic. That is, it is not just about addressing individual actions but also broader systemic conditions that enable those actions, including but not limited to resource inequalities and a lack of transparency and accountability. However, accountability and transparency cannot be imposed as a condition; these emerge from common values. How do we then address systemic abuse of power, power imbalances and resource inequalities within LGBTIQ+ movements in constructive and solution-oriented ways? How can we build sustainable infrastructures and mechanisms that address conflict, balance resources and interests and create equity and trust among LGBTIQ+ organisations? How can we move beyond donor-driven frameworks of accountability in order to achieve and celebrate the impact of our work? How can we practice horizontal accountability in movement spaces in order to support, guide and uplift one another towards collective evolution?

C. Strengthening Collaborations

Fostering dialogue and understanding between different actors in LGBTIQ+ movements is essential for growth and sustainability. However, challenges arise due to different experiences and interests of different groups (organised along the lines of age, race, gender, ethnicity etc.) often leading to rising tensions within the movement. These tensions hinder collaboration, weakening the impact of our advocacy initiatives and stifling opportunities for learning and innovation. Such divides may even reinforce factionalism within the movement, undermining the potential for joint efforts. It is important to look for ways to integrate spaces for meaningful collaboration to address structural divides within LGBTIQ+ movement(s). In this regard, what approaches are most effective to bridge gaps and create synergy between different actors who hold varying interests/experiences within our movements? Which principles, strategies and working methods are behind the most successful models of strategic collaborations among LGBTIQ+ organisations that converge (as coalitions, networks, consortia etc.) for maximum impact? What role can dialogue, (intergenerational) mentorship practices and empathy-building play in helping LGBTIQ+ movements become more sustainable, inclusive and adaptable?

How do we plan to do this?

With the above themes and learning questions in mind we are looking for LGBTIQ+ people who are willing and interested to be part of a Community of Practice to explore these issues around Sustaining LGBTIQ+ Movements in depth. Since this is a year-long commitment that is going to be emotionally and intellectually intensive, we are looking for people who have the capacity to contribute consistently to this initiative during this entire period. If you are considering applying to be part of this Community of Practice, we encourage you to take a moment to check in with yourself whether you currently have enough capacity to take this on. We respect your ambition and passion, but we value your well-being even more. If you choose to apply you can expect to:

1. Attend online meetings once or twice a month to explore the above-mentioned themes. Each meeting will last up to 1.5 hours.

2. Actively participate in online meetings, email exchanges, text messages to explore specific issues or develop tools, strategies, documents etc. on a theme. The frequency of such exchanges is up to the group members.

3. Attend online meetings with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Working Group of Power of Pride to provide updates on progress, seek help and advice, develop budgets and work plans etc. Only the group leads are required to be present in these meetings.

4. Read documents, reports, articles or explore other resources related to the above mentioned themes to increase knowledge and share reflections with group members.

5. Organise and participate in any talks, dialogues or engagements with external/guest experts to increase knowledge and share reflections with groups members.

6. Exchange ideas and collaborate with LGBTIQ+ activists and experts from across Asia and Africa, in addition to engaging with LGBTIQ+ activists and organisations in your own local communities to gather insights and reflections to advance CoP learnings.

7. Make presentations or deliver talks to share your key Learning Output, in addition to working together to develop the Learning Output during the year.

How will the Community of Practice work?

Unlike other learnings or knowledge exchange groups, our Community of Practice takes a structured approach to learning. We identify a set of Learning Questions at the beginning and work systematically toward a Learning Output and track our progress as we go along. If you join this Community of Practice, you will do this:

Step 1: Join a Working Group

Since the theme of this Community of Practice is so rich, we are taking a unique approach and dividing members into three sub-groups based on their interest in a particular sub-thematic area (outlined above). You will engage regularly with your chosen working group to explore your specific learning theme and convene on a monthly basis in the larger group to exchange learnings with other members.

Step 2: Refine the Learning Questions

Some Learning Questions have been identified above for each theme. Your first point of action upon joining your working group will be to refine the Learning Questions specific to your chosen theme. We advise a minimum of one and maximum of three Learning Questions. After each working group has finalised its Learning Questions, we will bring these together to inform the overall Learning Questions and Objectives for the Community of Practice.4

Step 3: Decide on the Learning Output

This Community of Practice is being organised with a set goal to deliver one or more Learning Outputs in its duration. You will work with members of your own working group and other working groups to decide on a key Learning Output for your sub-thematic area. See details on Learning Output below.

Step 4: Develop a Work Plan and Budget

After finalising your Learning Questions and Learning Output, you will create a Work Plan in which clear goal(s), milestones, timeline, deliverables and budget are outlined. The Work Plan also specifies what kind of external resources and help you seek to enlist to enhance learnings. We will help you in further refining this to make sure that you are creating a SMART plan with practical deliverables.

Step 5: Experiment, Learn, and Share

Now that you have identified your Learning Questions and Output and made a Work Plan and Budget for yourself, you are all set to coordinate and oversee the implementation of your specific learning project to enhance, consolidate or share learnings from various contexts and benefit the programme. Remember the goal is to learn and build knowledge together!

You will also have regular check-ins with the Power of Pride Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Working Group members in which you will discuss your progress, challenges and solutions for moving forward. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that this Community of Practice is a productive and meaningful experience.

What is the Learning Output and related responsibilities?

This Community of Practice is being organised with a set goal to deliver one or more Learning Outputs in its duration. This Learning Output could take any form that helps to convey the learning process of the group and contribute positively toward the programme and its partners. The group could help develop practical tools or templates, resource hubs, toolkits or best practices guides on specific issues. This Learning Output could also contribute toward an event or initiative such as series of workshops, training modules, webinars, or presentation/panel at a conference. The group can also undertake a research study (with additional support, as needed) to produce evidence on an understudied area. The group can also launch discussion forums or peer-learning-exchange initiatives. Our previous Communities of Practice have even explored artistic and storytelling projects. What is important is that whatever the group decides on, it should be a collaborative learning project to which everyone can contribute meaningfully. The Community of Practice works with a specific budget and can engage resource persons or other forms of external assistance, as needed, in order to undertake activities for the development of the Learning Output or for advancing Learning Goals. The budget allocation is decided in consultation with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Working Group of Power of Pride.

Who else will be in the group?

This will be a group of practitioners, with diverse ideas and expertise, finding ways to work together toward a common goal. The Community of Practice will consist of a diverse group of participants, experts and novices alike, all hailing from the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean). Members will need to demonstrate strong work experience in relation to the theme, possess relevant and helpful skills to contribute to the group, and share their motivation and specific plans in order to join this Community of Practice. Additionally, MEL Working Group of Power of Pride will provide technical and other support.

How will the group communicate?

The languages of verbal and written communication in the Community of Practice will be English and French. All CoP productions i.e. agenda for meetings, minutes and the final output will be in in both languages.

Why should I join this Community of Practice?

In addition to the opportunity of being part of a one-of-a-kind collaborative LGBTIQ+ learning platform, you can expect following incentives from joining this Community of Practice:

• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the field that can make a lasting impact and improve lives of LGBTIQ+ people.

• An opportunity to be a member of a dedicated platform with experts and activists from the Global South leading discussions on LGBTIQ+ groups and learning from each other.

• An opportunity to represent Power of Pride programme and showcase your work (taking into consideration security concerns) on global channels and platforms.

• A chance to positively influence the strategic direction of the Power of Pride programme through learning outputs and improving the work of hundreds of partners.

• Since this is a forum for exchange of learning with other experts from the Global South, therefore it is a voluntary engagement for individuals passionate about the cause. However, the members can

expect an honorarium of 100/- euros per month.

Application Procedure

If you are from the Global South, and interested in this opportunity, kindly submit your application through the link below by August 16, 2024. Note that while applicants can be part of a CSO, CBO or an NGO, applications for membership are submitted in an individual capacity. Any conflicts of interest must be declared to the Power of Pride alliance before accepting membership of the Community of Practice. Some applicants may be invited for a brief interview before a decision is made. This is to ensure maximum alignment among members.

Who can apply?

Any individual working for the advancement of LGBTIQ+ rights in the Global South, especially Asia and Africa. This includes persons affiliated with partner organisations of COC Netherlands, ILGA Asia and Pan Africa ILGA. However, being an implementing partner of Power of Pride programme or having previously contributed to the programme are not required for you to apply. As long as you have adequate experience of working in relation to Sustaining LGBTIQ+ Movements in the Global South, you are welcome to submit an application.

Who cannot apply?

Members of the Power of Pride International Advisory Committee, the current staff of Power of Pride Alliance members (that is, COC Netherlands, ILGA Asia and Pan Africa ILGA), and members of the previous Power of Pride Communities of Practice cannot apply.

Selection Criteria

An internal committee reviews all applications taking into consideration the following criteria:

• Proven and relevant experience relevant to the topic, including any management, coordination as well as thematic expertise on the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and movement building.

• An assessment of the candidate’s motivation statement and relevant skillset.

• Ability and capacity of the applicant to participate regularly in meetings and commitment to work between meetings to prepare and contribute to the Community of Practice.

• Clarity of personal learning goals for the CoP, their alignment with the learning themes specified herein, and the plan proposed to achieve these goals.

• The need to ensure a balanced representation among the LGBTIQ+ communities, and amplifying marginalised voices within the community.

• Sufficient proficiency in English and/or French. A note on using AI to generate application responses: We understand that writing an application can be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. We also acknowledge that submission of written applications in specific languages can reinforce inequalities. This is why in principle we do not object to the use of generative AI language models like ChatGPT, Gemini etc. to assist with the writing process. Please note, however, that the use of AI can also put your application at a disadvantage.

For example, if you directly copy-paste responses generated by ChatGPT with no original thought or ideas of yours, or use ChatGPT generated responses with minor edits, but little original thought or ideas of yours, there is a good chance of your application being downgraded. This is because, contrary to popular belief, AI language models like ChatGPT respond to specific prompts and often generate similar and generic responses. What sounded to you like a unique and interesting idea generated by ChatGPT, that you decided to put in your application to make it stand out, is highly likely to be repeated in similar, if not the exact same words, by other applicants who also used AI to generate their application. So, instead of giving you an edge in the selection process, it simply means your application gets downgraded for being unoriginal.

If you decide to use ChatGPT or other such services, we advise that you use these only to rephrase or better articulate your own original ideas and thoughts. Make sure that you use such tools ethically and smartly to enhance your own original work.

Application Deadline: The applications will close on August 16, 2024.

Application Link: https://forms.gle/uxA4GVD3TYn4L1ai8

If you have any queries, please reach out at [email protected] for further information.