Equality New York’s LGBTQI+ Advocacy Institute 

Our LGBTQI+ Advocacy Institute provides the education and resources needed to help build the leadership of all LGBTQ New Yorkers. 

Participants will be provided with the training and mentorship needed to understand the theoretical and programmatic components of effective organizing, along with the tools needed to implement a successful campaign in local communities.

The goal of the program is for individuals to identify local challenges in their community and create solutions through developing programs, community building, and policy change.

The goal of the program is for individuals to identify local challenges in their community and create solutions through developing programs, community building, and policy change. 

Virtual Campaigns course

Individuals accepted into the LGBTQI Advocacy Institute have access to three unique community organizing courses.  The programming includes monthly meetings and training to support and foster projects. 

  • taught by season advocates;

  • follow core curriculum and include readings

Community Organizing course 

The Community Organizing training provides participants with an understanding of core organizing concepts by studying campaigns and movements throughout history. Each class highlights a practical organizing strategy which contributes to building a robust toolkit for participants. The course ends with each person presenting an outline for a grassroots advocacy effort they can implement in their community.

The Organizing in the 21st Century: Virtual Campaigns training provides participants with an overview of what technology can do for mobilizing communities. Each class focuses on different tools and techniques in engaging people via virtual campaigns and programming. The course ends with each person presenting an outline for a virtual campaign that they can implement.

Rapid Response course

The Rapid Response track trains participants on how to identify, engage, and implement a rapid response campaign or program in their community. Each class focuses on how to authentically engage the community. The course ends with each person presenting an outline for a rapid response project that they can implement.

Alumni Projects

  • Healing LGBTQ Faith-Based Trauma in Black Christian Communities

    Dr. Renair Amin (she/her)

    State-wide community initiative

  • Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary (TGNCNB) Cultural Competency in Rochester Medicare Care

    Manuel Greer (he/him)

    Rochester Community Initiative

  • Stolen Lives Project: educates the community about the violence & lack of inclusion towards Transgender individuals

    Dr Nichelle L Rivers (she/her)

    State-wide Community Initiative

Applicant Guidelines

  • The LGBTQI Advocacy Institute is highly competitive and selects candidates on their dedication and service to community rather than academic or merit based accomplishments.

  • Applicants must live in the state of New York, and demonstrate a commitment to improving their community.

  • Applicants who identify as Black or POC, Transgender/Non-binary, young people and/or women are highly encouraged to join us.

Next cohort: fall 2024

Community Organizing Track

The Community Organizing training provides participants with an understanding of core organizing concepts by studying campaigns and movements throughout history. Each class highlights a practical organizing strategy which contributes to building a robust toolkit for participants. The course ends with each person presenting an outline for a grassroots advocacy effort they can implement in their community.

Dates Include:
Thursday Evenings from 6:00PM-8:00PM
Tuesday, September 12, 2024 - October 17, 2024

DEADLINE: Thursday. August 1, 2024