The Out for Australia LGBTQIA+ mentoring program will empower young LGBTQIA+ individuals in the formative stages of their careers by connecting them with experienced mentors from various industries. The free program will provide a unique opportunity for young Australians aged 18-30 years to improve their workplace skills, implement structured career development plans and attend mentoring ...
Out for Australia
Out for Australia’s LGBTQIA+ career mentoring program
GOAL
$84,390
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- LGBTQIA+ people
- Professional workforce
Out for Australia
Out for Australia is a national charity dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ young people to be their authentic selves at work. We run Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ mentoring platform, helping more than 3000 young people thrive since it began in 2013. With our partners, we also run workplace events and training that spotlight the importance of inclusion for LGBTQIA+ young people and raise awareness of the negative impacts of discrimination and bias. Our mentoring and events provide LGBTQIA+ safe spaces for career development, networking and professional learning.
Every year, we organise a national '30 Under 30 Awards', which spotlight the outstanding achievements and positive impact made by young LGBTQIA+ individuals. By shining this light, the awards create visible role models who inspire others and break down stereotypes, making our communities more inclusive and understanding. Our charity provides opportunities for dozens of LGBTQIA+ young people to gain professional work experience in a safe and welcoming environment.
Project Summary
The Out for Australia LGBTQIA+ mentoring program will empower young LGBTQIA+ individuals in the formative stages of their careers by connecting them with experienced mentors from various industries.
The free program will provide a unique opportunity for young Australians aged 18-30 years to improve their workplace skills, implement structured career development plans and attend mentoring and networking events in an LGBTQIA+ safe space.
Our trained and experienced volunteer mentors will provide guided career development and advice based on their experience as established LGBTQIA+ individuals in workplaces. In-person sessions across Australia will help establish mentoring partnerships, enhance networks across industries, and showcase successful outcomes to Australian workplaces.
The program will help young LGBTQIA+ Australians develop important workplace and career skills and overcome challenges related to discrimination and isolation, encouraging them to bring their whole selves to work. By showcasing the event to Australian businesses, we will increase awareness of LGBTIQA+ issues and needs in Australian workplaces and gather support that will ensure the program’s sustainability.
Project Outcomes
Direct impact on participants:
Approximately 180 young Australians from the LGBTQIA+ community will benefit from free career guidance and mentoring, as well as gaining access to professional role models and networks in a safe space. Research has shown that mentoring increases workplace engagement, feelings of happiness and overall mental health for LGBTQIA+ individuals, which has flow-on benefits for workplaces and society more broadly.
Mentors from the LGBTQIA+ community will benefit from a rewarding volunteering experience and in some cases, valuable ‘reverse mentoring’, whereby they come to better understand the experiences, perspectives and strengths of younger people.
Broader Community Impact:
Businesses who partner with us (by providing mentors, mentees, by attending our showcases, or through other forms of support e.g. event hosting) will have access to a program that celebrates and upskills LGBTQIA+ employees and educates non-LGBTQIA+ employees on the challenges faced by the community and shares practical solutions.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $182,690
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Amex Foundation | $22,000 |
| Funding Gap | $84,390 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Program manager salary | $106,390 |
| Event costs - venue hire | $11,200 |
| Event costs - catering | $23,100 |
| Event travel and accommodation | $14,000 |
| Marketing and communication | $4,000 |
| Staff and volunteer time (in-kind) | $24,000 |
Support Out for Australia
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