Becoming an inclusive and affirming mentoring program is more than hanging safe zone posters and using personal pronouns. This requires a practice of allyship and leveraging our personal empathy to ensure that young people in our care—especially those on the margins—are safe and cared for.

Kids ‘n Kinship is committed to creating safer and more affirming mentoring services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and mentors that participate in our program. We strive to follow nationally recognized best practices outlined in the LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring^TM. To achieve these standards, Kids ‘n Kinship participated in a virtual training program and community of practice provided by Dr. Christian Rummell (Mentorist), Nia Clark M.S.W, MENTOR, and MENTOR Minnesota over the course of one year to help guide us in how to put these practices into place. To receive recognition as an LGBTQ+ Ally Site, Kids ‘n Kinship completed the following requirements, including participation in the training and committing to continue this work toward a culture of inclusion for LGBTQ+ youth:

• • Participation of at least two staff in the entire training series (Session topics were: Orientation, Awareness, Practicing Allyship, and Creating an Affirming Program)
  • Formation of an LGBTQ+ Ally workgroup that led efforts to update policies and practices found within the LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice, which will include (at a minimum) implementation of:
    • Inclusivity/affirmation statement
    • Confidentiality policy
    • Anti-bullying policy
    • Updated screening policies to ensure safety for LGBTQ youth and volunteers
    • Matching policies that are inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
    • Training for volunteers to support critical moments such as coming out or transitioning
    • Referral links for young people and their parents/guardians to access additional care or resources
  • Participation of all Ally Workgroup Members in the organization’s individual coaching session with facilitators
  • Completion by staff and board members of an Online Inclusivity Assessment
  • Participation in a community of practice which included engagement with other Allies in the cohort
  • Participation in quarterly cohort check-ins
  • Commitment to intentionally providing inclusive, affirming and safe mentoring and program culture for LGBTQ+ youth

Learn more about this initiative here:   CLICK HERE