Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program 2021-22 is being delivered by The Equality Project on behalf of the Victorian Government.
What is this program?
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program is a leadership development program that builds the leadership skills of Victoria’s emerging LGBTIQ+ leaders in a safe and inclusive environment.
PARTICIPANTS WILL:
Explore how to develop and apply leadership in LGBTIQ+ communities and organisations to achieve better outcomes and drive change;
Develop complex and adaptive thinking skills to grow their advocacy and explore new ways of leading people and LGBTIQ+ communities;
Gain practical skills and knowledge to support their leadership practice through relevant skill-building workshops, increased confidence, understanding of their strengths and capabilities and the experiences of other LGBTIQ+ leaders;
Build networks and connections to support their work;
Participate in a 1:1 mentoring program.
Who is this program for?
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program is for LGBTIQ+ Victorians (18 years and over) who are emerging leaders and have 0-5 years of experience driving change in their organisation or community and are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.
This program is suitable for participants looking to acquire the knowledge, confidence and skills to grow their advocacy, build their network and connections to support their leadership aspirations.
We are looking for applicants who:
Identify as LGBTIQA+;
Are 18 years old and over;
Can commit to attending all the program sessions;
Are current Victorian residents.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a significant interest, commitment, and plan to lead LGBTIQ+ communities.
Program dates.
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program will be delivered in February to April 2022 and consists of the following:
KEY DATES:
Induction (online): Wed 2 Feb 2022, 6.30pm-8.00pm
Welcome event (online): Mon 7 Feb 2022, 11am-12pm
Intensive I (online): Mon 7 Feb 2022, 1pm-5pm
Intensive I (online): Tue 8 Feb 2022, 9.30am-5pm
Online session: Tue 15 Feb 2022, 12pm-2pm
Online module A: Tue 22 Feb 2022, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Online module B: Tue 1 Mar 2022, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Online module C: Tue 8 Mar 2022, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Intensive II (in-person): Wed 30 Mar - Fri 1 Apr 2022, 8.30am-5pm
Graduation event (in-person): Sat 2 Apr 2022, 10am-12pm
In addition, attendees will participate in a 1:1 mentoring program that includes a minimum of 3 meetings (virtual or in-person) with their mentor outside of the program dates.
Participant commitment.
Participants of the Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program must be committed to:
Attending all in-person program days and events;
Meeting all the program requirements including group project work;
Participating in the mentor program and contributing to the in-person and virtual program activities;
Creating better outcomes within and for LGBTIQ+ communities upon successful completion of the program.
The minimum requirement for successful completion is 100% attendance of in-person events and 90% attendance of online programs.
Application and selection process.
STEPS:
Make sure you can commit to the program dates before applying.
Complete the online application form by 11.59pm, 28 November 2021.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview virtually with the selection panel. Interviews will be held between 30 November - 3 December 2021.
We may contact your referee (the person who wrote your letter of support) to provide more information in support of your application.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in December 2021.
If you need assistance with completing the application form please email us at mail@theequalityproject.org.au.
If you require an Auslan interpreter please let us know as soon as possible.
You can download the application form guide to review the application form.
Apply to be part of the program.
We encourage emerging LGBTIQ+ leaders of all ages over the age of 18 who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, from multicultural and multi-faith communities, from rural and regional Victoria or have a lived experience of disability to apply.
Submit your application by 28 November 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me more about the program.
What is the LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program?
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program is an exciting, empowering training course that aims to support LGBTIQ+ leaders to develop their skills and networks, so that they can drive positive change across our state.
The course includes learning modules focused on building the skills of participants, all of which are delivered through interactive workshops, inspiring keynote addresses, collaborative group work and reflective sessions.
The Leadership Program is a Victorian Government initiative, and The Equality Project are proud to be delivering the program in its fourth year.
WHAT IS THE MENTORING PROGRAM?
As part of the Leadership Program, all participants will be paired with a mentor who is an established LGBTIQ+ community leader. Pairings will be determined following the recruitment process, to ensure mentors are well suited to support the unique needs and goals of each participant. Mentors will encourage mentees throughout the program to help build their skills and develop a greater understanding of their leadership potential.
How many participants will be part of this program?
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program will have a minimum of 25 participants.
WHAT IS THE MENTORING PROGRAM?
All participants are required to participate in the 1:1 mentor program. Mentors support and encourage mentees to help build their confidence, self-awareness and professional skills to develop a greater understanding of their potential as a leader to influence and motivate others.
Who will facilitate the program?
Sessions will be delivered by notable community leaders who are passionate about developing the next generation of LGBTIQ+ leaders. Facilitators will be experts in their field and represent the diversity of Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities.
WHEN WILL THIS PROGRAM BE HELD?
The program dates are as follows:
Induction (online): Wed 2 February 2022
Welcome event: Mon 7 February 2022
Intensive I: Tue 8 - Wed 9 February 2022
Online session: Tue 15 February 2022
Online module A: Tue 22 February 2022
Online module B: Tue 1 March 2022
Online module C: Tue 8 March 2022
Intensive II: Thu 31 March - Fri 1 April 2022
Graduation event: Sat 2 April 2022
Where will the program be held?
The in-person program days will be held at a central location in Melbourne. Venue details will be provided to applicants selected to participate in the program.
Is there a fee to attend the program?
There is no fee. The LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program is fully funded by the Victorian Government.
How will the program be delivered?
The program will consist of five in-person program days, four online sessions, plus an in-person welcome event and graduation event. The course comprises approximately 40 learning hours, not including 1:1 mentoring sessions.
If coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are in place in Victoria during any of the in-person program days, these will be modified for online delivery based on current advice.
What will the learning environment be like?
The program will be delivered in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, which recognises participants in their own unique learning and leadership journeys.
At all times, the cultural, psychological and physical safety of participants will be prioritised. This will be achieved through the support of cultural safety facilitators, workshops to build trust among participants, opportunities to debrief and provide feedback and implementation of accessibility measures.
How will The Equality Project ensure that the program is COVID safe?
Participants will be required to adhere to all COVIDSafe requirements that are relevant to the program at the time of delivery, to ensure the health and wellbeing of all attendees is maintained.
If coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are in place in Victoria during any of the in-person program days these will be modified for online delivery based on current advice.
Can reasonable adjustments be made to support the participation of people living with disability?
We want the LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program to be accessible to participants of all abilities. Reasonable adjustments to support full participation will be accommodated. These may include, but are not limited to:
Universal access for people using a wheelchair or other mobility devices
Adjustments to the set up of learning spaces/venues
Accessible accommodation
Accommodating the presence of support workers at training workshops
Auslan interpreting / Hearing Loop access
Alternative format learning materials
Dietary requirements
Technological assistance or modifications/use of specific software
Alternative format application process
Counselling / Debrief sessions available to participants if required
You will be asked to provide details of the types of support or adjustments that you require at the time of application. This is to assist us with planning if you are successful in being offered a place and will in no way be considered as a factor in assessing your application for participation in the program.
If you would like to discuss your accessibility requirements with us before you submit your application please contact us on:
ph. 0491 023 821
Is there financial support for participants from regional Victoria?
Yes, travel and accommodation to participate in the in-person program days and reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket travel to and from Melbourne is available for successful program participants who live in rural and regional Victoria.
Application and recruitment process.
Who is eligible to apply for the LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program?
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program is for LGBTIQ+ Victorians who are emerging leaders in their organisation or community and are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Applicants must have up to five years’ experience as a change-maker or emerging leader, and must be able to demonstrate a significant interest in leading and supporting LGBTIQ+ communities.
Applicants must also be:
18 years old or over;
Able to commit to attending all the program sessions;
Based in Victoria.
That sounds like me! How can I apply?
When you’re ready to apply, please use this form to submit your application. You will need to supply a letter of support from a referee.
You can review the application form before submitting by downloading the guide here.
What needs to be included in my letter of support?
A letter of support or recommendation from a referee is required to complete your application. The letter should:
Demonstrate your leadership experience, knowledge, capabilities and potential for growth.
Outline relevant experience and commitment to working with LGBTIQ+ communities.
Include your referee’s contact details.
How will participants be selected?
All applications will be reviewed by a panel to determine suitability for the program. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in November or December.
Further details on the interview process will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 17 December 2021.
Who do I contact if I need help with the application process?
For more information or to access support to complete your application, please contact us at:
Phone: 0491 023 821
My question hasn't been covered. How can I get in touch?
Please contact us at:
Phone: 0491 023 821
We need more diverse leaders who understand the lived experiences and challenges facing LGBTIQ+ communities.
The Victorian LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program 2021-22 is being delivered by The Equality Project on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Program details are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change without notice.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the Kulin Nation, this land that we meet and work on. We wish to pay respect to their Elders — past, present and emerging — and acknowledge the important role all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia.