North Grenville Rainbow youth alliance
Mission statement
The North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance mission is to create a safe space where all 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying and questioning youth can come together to foster friendships, experience creativity and gain confidence in themselves. This is a space where they can be 100% their authentic selves without the fear of judgment or bullying from others.
Board of Directors
Chair
Mel volunteered with NG Pride for 2 years. During that time, it became apparent that we needed to have a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the community. In October 2022, she resigned from the NG Pride board with the dream of starting a youth program in North Grenville. On November 1, 2022, the North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance was created and registered as a Not-For-Profit. Since that time, the group has successfully helped 30+ youth in the community while staying true to the promise of never charging families a cent for participating.
As a queer mother of 2, Mel loves all of these kids as her own and can't wait to see NGRYA continue to grow and succeed.
chair
Currently on leave.
Vice chair
Leah is a mom of a fantastic pansexual kid. Having lived in NG since age 3, she has seen many changes in our town; some good, some bad. Having a kids that is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, she wishes to do everything possible for all in the community, especially the youth. Leah is looking forward to working with the NGRYA board to ensure that the youth are treated with the respect that we all deserve.
treasurer
Ira is originally from North Grenville, and having grown up as a queer youth in the 80s and 90s is no stranger to the lack of support and safety available in a rural setting for young members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. A driving force behind his involvement in NGRYA has been to continue the work that has come before in establishing a vibrant, inclusive community, and one that particularly caters to providing queer youth with the acceptance and love that they deserve. To this role, he brings a wealth of professional experience, as well as decades of volunteer experience in youth groups, outreach efforts, and youth support programs.
Secretary
Linden is a disabled, nonbinary mom living in North Grenville. They bring their experience of having taken several courses on child development and education, as well as working with youth as a care provider for several years. They are excited to be a part of the board for many reasons, but the biggest is to support the kids as they learn about themselves and navigate a world that is still learning to accept them.