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Post by Board (Admin) on Sept 22, 2014 20:33:38 GMT
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: stjohnspride.boards.net/thread/3/campaigning-guidelinesDIRECTOR(S)-AT-LARGE ROLE DESCRIPTION:The Directors-at-Large constitute the majority of the Board of Directors, double that of the Co-Chairs. Directors-at-Large (DAL) work on a system of "project portfolios" which are chosen by the Director upon their election based on their strengths and interests (granted some portfolios may have to be assigned if not voluntary taken). Ideally, these portfolios would be distributed equally, but this is dependent on the individual Directors and their availability and presence of other commitments. However, general duties and responsibilities include: - serve a one (1) year term (notwithstanding removal or voluntary leave)
- in tandem with the other Board members, ensure the productivity of the Board as a whole
- partner with, support, and when necessary assist and be assisted by one (1) Co-Chair
- give regular verbal or written reports and be accountable to the Co-Chair most closely aligned with your project portfolio
- complete a comprehensive year-end report and annual return by August of each year
Here are some of the working titles of current project portfolios passed down by the 2014 Board (to be amended, amalgamated, and created as St. John's Pride needs shift and grow organically): - Administrative Officer (linked to Co-Chair Internal unless delegated)
- City Liaison (linked to Co-Chair Internal unless delegated
- Events Coordinator (linked to Co-Chair External unless delegated)
- Finance Officer (linked to Co-Chair Finance unless delegated)
- Sponsorship Coordinator (typically performed by Co-Chair Finance unless delegated)
- Inclusivity Advocate
- Grant Writer
- Branding and Corporate Image Coordinator
- Community Liaison
- Website Coordinator
- Festival Programming
- Festival Site Coordinator(s) (2)
- Parade Coordinator(s) (2)
- Internal Structuring
- Community Connections and Outreach
The best method of campaigning for a Director-at-Large is perhaps to emphasize your strengths, skills, and work experience rather than campaign on certain portfolios as this system is inherently flexible and fluid and many Directors may in fact share one portfolio (such as Festival Programming, which all 9 members must work on collectively) or otherwise overlap with another's duties. |
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Teej
New Member
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Post by Teej on Sept 28, 2014 12:37:28 GMT
Happy Sunday everyone!
Looks like I'm the first out the gate. That's strange.
Here's a thing I put together to let folks out there know a bit about what I bring to the table, and what I would like to contribute to this coming year's preparation for a a Pride Festival that builds upon the stellar work of last year's Board. Have a gander, and let me know what you think!
"Hey everyone!
Figured it was about time to throw my proverbial hat-in-the-ring and see if all you fine folks would support me in my effort to contribute to Pride 2015!
My name is Tj (aka Teej). I’ve been around some the last couple years (contributing my voice to events such as Sexuality Unconferences, the Trans Week of Awareness Panel (thank you to Rebecca, Sarah, Taylor and the TNC for making me feel of value at that table), and the events of this past July) and hope to avail of St. John’s’ ever-burgeoning community for a good time to come. I’m literally two weeks away from my 29th birthday, and this is my gift to myself - involvement and acting on the desire to be a greater part of building and nurturing said community and its relationship with our amazing city that I call home.
I am a trans-masculine sort that believes in the finer things in life – the desire to share, educate, inspire and include. And, having spent the better part of the last half of my life attempting to make sense of this thing we call ‘identity’, I feel I have garnered the ability to do exactly that and feel it’s time for me to start giving back.
In seeking out who and what I was as but-a-wee-Teej at the tender age of 16, I did the best thing I could have done for myself at the time – I gave myself Pride.
Having lived in the GTA for the previous two years after moving from here, I decided it was time to see what Church and Wellesley in Toronto was all about. I signed up to marshal in the Dyke March and having never taken a subway before - let alone been in a city the size of TO - I hopped a bus from Brampton and dove in. The 519, and the ensuing connections I made there, were exactly what I needed to begin providing myself the safe, productive space to both question and acknowledge that which made me unique. Two weeks later (including at least a dozen subway rides!), I was headed home bedecked in beads, rainbows, and one of the most authentic and genuinely ‘me’ smiles I had had up until that point in my young life. It’s this sense of belonging and breathing room that I wish to be a part of providing for the folks that are here now, and to come.
Therefore, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to join your St. John’s Pride Board as one of its six At-Large members, and if elected, I will offer all that was and is my journey, and hopefully assist in continuing to make St. John’s and its greater community the safe space for us all to embrace and nurture our own individual uniqueness.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I better see you all on October 5th!
Tj Jones"
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Post by Carol Crocker on Sept 28, 2014 14:28:42 GMT
PRIDE is certainly what I have in you, my grandchild. I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful person to carry a torch and continue to help make a safer, happier, progressive and inclusive environment for not only those with various "identity", but, also those, like me, your grandmother who need information, education and support. I, coming from a place of love for you, find it much easier to learn. Your creativity, intelligence, spirit and love of others will make you a wonderful, tenacious and dedicated "Director at Large". All the very best to you and all.
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Kyra
New Member
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Post by Kyra on Sept 28, 2014 15:34:23 GMT
My question for ALL candidates:
If you were to be successful in your bid for an At-Large position, what portfolios interest you and what relevant experience/training/competency do you have with any of those portfolios?
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chris
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by chris on Oct 1, 2014 15:50:53 GMT
Hello All:
I want to start off with thanks to all the organizers and volunteers of the previous Prides that have been held in St. John’s. Without the commitment and dedication of these people we would not see the continuing success of St. John’s Pride and the creation of an organization that endeavors to ensure future success for a fundamental educational, advocacy, and celebratory platforms of the LBGTQ2S community.
I identify as Chris, if need be, I prefer the use of male identifiers and personal pro nouns such as “he” and “him”. I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Director at Large, St. John’s Pride, 2015.
As a Director at Large, my main strength will be business affairs given my education and professional experiences. I have diploma in Business Management, Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration; four years of professional Human Resource Management experience and a wealth of work experience in different industries and abroad. I am particularly interested in the continued development of St. John’s Pride organization so that the upcoming and future Boards will have an organizational living memory which to easily access the developed resources and contributed learning of current and past prides.
Along with organizational development, I am really interested in the educational and advocacy platforms that Pride provides. I believe that with all the celebration that Pride brings, we also need to remember where we have come from and where we need to go as a community. Currently I am completing a Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) and was the Vice President External of the Student Representative Council of the Prince Philip Drive Campus of the College of the North Atlantic, giving me insight and experience in organizing events around education and advocacy.
I look forward to having the chance to add to the continuing success of St. John’s Pride, through strong organizational development and educational and advocacy events.
Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy and for your continued support of the community we belong to.
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chris
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by chris on Oct 1, 2014 16:21:12 GMT
My question for ALL candidates: If you were to be successful in your bid for an At-Large position, what portfolios interest you and what relevant experience/training/competency do you have with any of those portfolios? Kyra, Thank you for the excellent question. I am interested in the following portfolios: • Administrative Officer • Inclusivity Advocate • Branding and Corporate Image • Internal Structuring I feel that I have the education and experience provide through working in corporations at the administrative level to work on business related affairs of the organization. I also feel very strongly about inclusivity issues, we want all of the LBGTQ2S and anyone who identifies with our community to feel welcome and be able to access all of our events. |
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Post by sarahdowney on Oct 1, 2014 19:08:47 GMT
Thank you in advance for the opportunity to run for the Position of Director at Large. =] I will provide a copy of my platform for review and questions.
My name is Sarah Downey, originally from Makinsons, NL, now residing in St. John's. Please consider this blurb as a bud for an At Large position on the 2014-2015 St. John's Pride Board.
I have been a part of the LGBTQ+ community here in St. John's for approximately five years now, and have always enjoyed the pride festivities, but of course there is always room for growth!
As a member at large, I hope to work with a strong, focused board to help make St. john's Pride a far reaching, and useful resource for LGBTQ+ residents of the St. John's area, and to assist in delivering the most successful Pride Festivities yet! If elected, I would love to work on the Fundraising portfolio and raise the working budget of St. John's Pride by completing grant applications, pursuing partnerships with large organizations, and soliciting specific goods/cash donations from local businesses.
In the past I have had extensive experience in fundraising, having raised over $25,000 for the Avalon Achievement Scholarship Competition through the use of proposal writing to private business in the Avalon Area.
In addition to this experience I have also had the experience of sitting on various boards which include but are not limited to:
-Labrador Youth Development Council
-Labrador School Board
-Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth (FINALY)
-MUN Oxfam
-St. John's Pride (prep incorporation)
-Avalon Achievement Scholarship Competition
I am very patient, easy to work with and could be called a natural leader. I take pride in my work and am happy to be held accountable for assigned tasks.
I Am an established Hairstylist in the St. John's area, and work a specific schedule, so to incorporate some time for pride planning and meetings would be a very achievable task.
Most of all I am excited to become part of an organization that could open up the city of St. John's for our LGBTQ+ residents and make queer friendly establishments, events, and activities more recognizable and accessible. I envision a group that serves as the bridge between many grassroots organizations to ensure that Pride is felt around our City Year Round!!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the board. If there are any questions/concerns/etc, please feel free to contact me personally.
Yours in Solidarity,
Sarah Downey
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Post by sarahdowney on Oct 1, 2014 19:17:36 GMT
My question for ALL candidates: If you were to be successful in your bid for an At-Large position, what portfolios interest you and what relevant experience/training/competency do you have with any of those portfolios? Thank you for the question Kyra! The portfolios that I have a particular interest in would be: - Sponsorship Coordinator - Events Coordinator - Grant Writer I believe that my background in fundraising for various organizations has adequately prepared me for either of these roles within the organization. I am interested mostly in helping to build relationships with potential partners of St. John's Pride and helping to create a sponsorship network wherein inclusive and Queer Friendly businesses can be easily identified by the public. =] If you require further elaboration please don't hesitate to ask. Sarah |
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Post by melanie on Oct 1, 2014 21:02:19 GMT
Hey everyone! In keeping with the theme of things, I'll repost my platform here for any and all to take a look at before I begin answering questions.
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My name is Melanie Stewart and I've decided to run for one of the Director at Large positions for St. John's Pride. I've been involved in our local queer community for over 10 years now, and sincerely feel that I have a lot to offer to the position and the awesome board members and volunteers of Pride! My background is something akin to a weird jack-of-all-trades; I'm an English major, writing tutor, queer studies fan and hopeful social worker. I foster cats and own rats and am a self-proclaimed lifelong student. I also know more random and unnecessary facts about any and everything than is normal. Pleased to make your acquaintance!
So, with that out of the way, let me take a moment to talk about why I think I'd be a good fit for the board of St. John's Pride. As mentioned above, I have an abundance of experience with the LBGT community, beginning as a board member at LBGT-MUN for two years and, most recently, working as a volunteer with last year's Pride. To be totally and unabashedly forward, I think this past Pride was the best one yet! The board has built such a fantastic foundation for future projects and I'm eager to be a part of that. I want to stretch our reach even further, igniting the passion and creativity I know to be an integral part of our community. Were I to be elected onto the board, I would use my position to encourage more events that promote and highlight the artistic ability of queer St. John's. There is just so much talent out there, and I firmly believe that events such as open mike nights, poetry readings, art shows, and art workshops are an excellent way to harness that talent.
If given the opportunity, I will work my absolute hardest to ensure that I represent the best qualities of our community's history while striving to take steps forward and enact positive change. Please consider me for your vote, and thanks for reading!
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Annnd, just for keeping things nice and contained, here is Ky's question:
If you were to be successful in your bid for an At-Large position, what portfolios interest you and what relevant experience/training/competency do you have with any of those portfolios?
This is an excellent question, and one I'm excited to answer. I'm primarily interested in community connections and outreach, festival programming, grant writing, events coordination, and festival site coordinating. As mentioned in my platform above, I have experience doing both management and volunteer work with non-profit events. In 2008, I volunteered with the Equalitus queer art show held at Eastern Edge Gallery, a largescale event showcasing the local creative talent of St. John's. These types of grand events, spanning over several days, require multifaceted workers to keep the engine running and help coordinate the volunteers, vendors, participants and businesses involved. This event in no small way spawned a passion in me for festival planning and taking on creative, fun initiatives for our community to enjoy.
Understandably, it takes more than interest and wishful thinking to successfully orchestrate such big events. As the former Director of Resources at LBGT-MUN, my primary objectives were to manage and expand our selection of books, documents, pamphlets, and websites, as well as form a committee to survey and document the resources available elsewhere on campus and in St. John's. I am no stranger to the joys of cataloging and know all too well how necessary it is to balance professionalism and diligence with dreams and aspirations when planning festivities. It's my goal to bring this skillset to the board and offer a balance that will ideally improve this coming Pride week.
Additionally, my degree in English studies and current employment as a writing tutor enable me to write professionally when needed, and commit myself to grant writing and bursary applications. I'd be lying if I said that the thought of doing so didn't make me a *little* excited - I really love to write! (maybe you can already tell?)
I hope I've answered these questions effectively. Thanks again, everyone!
Melanie
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Post by Pamela Sheaves on Oct 2, 2014 17:33:14 GMT
Open question to all candidates. What is your definition of inclusiveness. How would you approach the senior LGBTQ Membership, and the teen aged/school age membership to make them feel included, and address issues of these two under represented groups with-in our Community.
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Post by sarahdowney on Oct 2, 2014 18:42:14 GMT
Open question to all candidates. What is your definition of inclusiveness. How would you approach the senior LGBTQ Membership, and the teen aged/school age membership to make them feel included, and address issues of these two under represented groups with-in our Community. Thank you so much for your question, Pamela! Inclusiveness seems to be an issue that is ever present in every pride community. Especially being in such a small province (albiet, one with a pretty open urban population) it can be hard to encourage the senior population to embrace their identities and share in celebrating the accomplishments that they were a part of. My vision of pride is one where communities come together to bridge gaps in age, identity, socioeconomic standings, etc. Standard of living for LGBTQ+ seniors is steadily becoming a more pressing issue as the population of our province begins to age. I have a few recommendations which could help speak to these issues specifically: - An education session and round table discussion which invites LGBTQ+ seniors to meet with prominent overseers of senior care within our city/province. This will allow constructive dialog between seniors and caretakers pertaining the specific needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and allow seniors to give feedback and suggestions about how to make care facilities more inclusive. - Creating a social gathering that is exclusive to LGBTQ+ seniors. A brunch, a walking tour, etc. Thus could be an annual or quarterly event. - Part of my platform includes implementing a system which allows LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and establishments to more clearly identify themselves to the public. I would like to give the opportunity for seniors care programs and residencies to register themselves as queer friendly, therefore relieving stress and anxiety from seniors who are looking to avail of these services. When it comes to the teenage LGBTQ+ population in our city, I would like to suggest similar avenues. We are lucky to live in a time when LGB issues are being handled quite well through many services, but we have seen a measurable gap when it comes to services for Trans youth. It is important to try to facilitate education within youth services to be more inclusive. Some ways I think we could make the Pride festivities more accessible to youth: - work closely with agencies that work specifically with queer youth such as Camp Eclipse, Planned Parenthood LGBT Youth Group, and High School GSA groups to make sure that youth representatives are present at Public meetings of the Pride organization so that their issues can be heard. -Provide youth exclusive events throughout pride week. And the most important question of all: How do we create a sense of community between the young and old in the LGBTQ+ communities? - Create all ages events that are accessible to old and young such as community picnics, movie nights, etc. - Provide a bridging night where seniors in the community can share their stories and talents with the younger members and switch half way? Of course this is a very large number of suggestions that would take a considerable amount of person power to implement, so they are strategies that would take place over time. I hope that my response has at least brushed the surface of what you had in mind when you asked the question. If you have any other questions or would like me to elaborate on anything please feel free to ask. |
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chris
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by chris on Oct 2, 2014 19:40:32 GMT
Open question to all candidates. What is your definition of inclusiveness. How would you approach the senior LGBTQ Membership, and the teen aged/school age membership to make them feel included, and address issues of these two under represented groups with-in our Community. Pamela, Thank you for this important question. Inclusiveness is the creation of a safe space, forum, and attitude that invites all people to feel comfortable and welcomed to participate in activities, celebrations, and discussions of any given event. I feel the organizers and volunteers to date have done a good job at making Pride events as inclusive as possible. I would work on their successes and identify their challenges in past Prides. Working with the board we could then look at creating Forums that assist in discussions with all groups to identify their wants and need. Then we would proceed to create appropriate events to meet those wants and needs based upon the resources available. To reach the groups you mentioned, I would review the current strategies being used by the Board then build upon them while ensuring that everyone is equally being encouraged to participate in creating a Pride that has something for everyone. I feel as a board that some of our limitations will be based upon the participation of the community and groups in voicing their wants and needs; it will be our responsibility to make sure there are forums for discussion to develop a Pride that is wanted by all the community and not just what the Board wants. Once the strategies have been identified and forums created for discussion I would really love to hear any thoughts or feedback from you on ways to reach any underrepresented groups. Pride will only be as successful as the Board, but the Board is only as successful as the feedback from the whole community. |
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Post by Charlie Murphy on Oct 2, 2014 22:24:26 GMT
My question for ALL candidates: If you were to be successful in your bid for an At-Large position, what portfolios interest you and what relevant experience/training/competency do you have with any of those portfolios? I'd like to continue in helping create a strong brand and image for St. John's pride. I feel that with my role this past year with pride I gave my all. With my training as a animator and designer plus my over ten years of working in the industry I've learn a lot about branding,media and marketing. Pride isn't the only group I've helped with its branding. I've design Camp Eclipse logo as well as Make It Better NL. I've don't countless posters for Planned parenthood, Pflag and The Youth Group. When you look back at this years festival you will see the branding had a solid style and look. I felt it was with this change to St. John's pride that gave the committee that extra touch of professionalism. This was the first year that pride took the jump into creating a guide under its full control. This wasn't an easy step, but a well thought out plan. Many business didn't feel up to placing ads or supporting pride. It took many emails and one on one chats to get local business to trust in St. John's pride with their brands. I then went out and personally started asking the community for stories on top of posting for submissions. Tell everyone I could that this guide was the chance to talk. To share their voice in a LGBTQ+ publication. Rather that voice be a happy one or an angry one. I did what I could to make pride more visible with attending events outside what the organization itself planned. I called flea markets, the farmers market, anyone willing to offer space for us to be seen. To me branding isn't just the colourful logos and posters. It's about the organization being seen. The only way for that to come to pass is to put in the face time. With us attending these event the new brand would be seen. People were talking about St. John's Pride because of this. We had a presence before the festival this year. We also made changing to the online image with a new Facebook like page and website. Having new banners each time an event was created, or new business came on board with support. The website was updated in the fashion. Keeping the community up to date and strengthening the brand. With my volunteer work with planned parenthood, Pflag, and the youth group I know the LGBTQ+ community wants and need more visible space. This is why I sit on these kinda boards and why I stand behind them. I want pride to be more included in the St. John's community . Like why not join the Christmas parade. Why not have a food drive, why couldn't we be on more coalitions and help with change. All this things help grow a healthy and friendly brand. That's what I wish to continue to do for Pride. Thank you |
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Post by christinamallay on Oct 3, 2014 2:17:27 GMT
Hey folks! My name is Christina Mallay, and I’m running for one of the Director-at-Large positions for this year’s Pride board! I have seen first-hand how much work goes into Pride as a volunteer, and I want to help continue the success we've had in the last year into 2015.
I am a fourth year student at Memorial, I have done three years of a French major, and I am now in my first year of Primary/Elementary French education. My hobbies include badly playing guitar, singing at open mic competitions, and reading French children’s books. I've been living in St. John’s since January 2012 and have been steadily making my way into the queer community:
- I am a member of Spectrum choir and have been since September 2013,
- This past summer I was a youth leader at Camp Eclipse,
- Have been a member of LBGT MUN since September 2013,
- And have been the Internal Director of LBGT MUN since April 2014.
Besides working with and for queer organizations, I am also involved in other groups:
- Member at Large (Social Media Liaison) for Le Cercle Francais
- Resource Center Board of Directors (MUNSU).
If elected on the board, I hope to help continue making our Pride as inclusive as possible, making room for everyone under the umbrella to come celebrate and belong with their community.
Thank you all for your consideration, and I hope to get to work with you all soon.
In response to Ky's question, if successfully voted in, I would like to work on the portfolios such as community liaison, community connections and outreach, and inclusivity advocate. I think I have the skills to work on those portfolios because a large part of my positions at LBGT MUN and Le Cercle Francais is reaching out to people and figuring out what they would like to have involved. I spend a lot of time emailing and calling people asking what they would like to see at our events, what times work best for them, and most importantly what we can do to make sure that they are pleased.
In response to Pamela's question, I believe inclusivity is not only reaching out to all members of the community and making sure that they are aware and welcome to events, but also tailoring specific events to specific groups within our own community, and making sure that our events and spaces are as safe as possible for everyone to join, talk, and be heard. Part of making sure events are inclusive to seniors is to make sure that everything is accessible for them, and making sure that events are held at times that everyone can come out to, especially for the working population. To reach out to the school-aged/teenage community it is just as equally important to make sure events are being held at times where they won't be in school, and locations that can be reached by the bus system so they do not have to rely on parents to bring them. We need to have dry events where teenagers can come out and be with the rest of the community and not be held back because they are below the legal drinking age.
We need to provide events that are specific to each age groups too, to make sure that they feel like they are being heard and that they are the priority during this event.
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Post by RyanAlanSteeves on Oct 3, 2014 14:42:50 GMT
Hey There Everyone!
My name is Ryan Steeves and I am so excited to be running to be a director at large for St. John's Pride! I'd like to thank my predecessors for providing such a strong framework for the next board of St. John's Pride to work from -- the successes of the previous year are an inspiration for the growth and continued visibility of our community.
I hope to bring forward my competency with social media, media relations, event planning, and fundraising to help enrich the pride experience.
Too keep myself from bordering on repetition my platform has been posted on facebook here: www.facebook.com/stjohnspride/photos/pb.1501976603358780.-2207520000.1412347201./1558330437723396/?type=3&theater
As well I'll post the full text below:
"My name is Ryan Steeves and I'm running as a director at large for the board of St. John's Pride. In the past I served a short term as the finance director but was not as dedicated as I should have been. Seeing how Pride has grown since has inspired me to return and help insure a continued growth.
The fact that there was a parade with floats and marching groups shows how far we have come and opens so many possibilities for seeking donations and visibility - I think I can help us build on this together.
As well, I spent the summer in Ireland and experienced pride weeks in three different cities, I'd like to bring some ideas and experiences back to help us engage our small business community and make sure that all of St. John's is in some way a participant in our pride.
I think that my experience with engaging the media in political and advocacy campaigns will bring an important depth to keeping pride visible all year long. Most recently I have spearheaded the Young Liberals of Canada campaign to end the gay blood ban in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I have also had great success in engaging businesses to contribute to organizations which I'm involved in, it's with these contributions that we can have the kind of pride that we deserve. Something I saw in Ireland was that many businesses had a pride "badge of honour" which signified that they supported pride events and respected their LGBTQ customers and staff. I believe we could make that a part of our regime of sponsorship for even lower donations to help businesses feel included.
I hope you can all see the value of my contributions and can find it in yourself to offer me a vote - I really appreciate your consideration."
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