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RainbowYOUTH Introduces New Executive Director Frances Arns

RainbowYOUTH Introduces New Executive Director Frances Arns

The Executive Board at RainbowYOUTH announced today the appointment of Frances Arns as the new Executive Director of RainbowYOUTH. She will replace outgoing Executive Director Duncan Matthews who leaves the role after four years.

“We’re excited to have Francis joining the RainbowYOUTH whānau,” says Sophie Sills, RainbowYOUTH Board Co-chairperson. “Over the last few years, we’ve really focused on strengthening our work in regional areas, developing a valued and recognisable brand presence and growing the capacity of RY in terms of what we can return to the queer and gender diverse community. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum with the leadership of Frances, who will bring a fresh perspective, experience in governance, finance and strategic planning”.

Frances joins RainbowYOUTH after previous experience on the RainbowYOUTH Executive Board and several years experience working in strategy, finance and community engagement.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of RainbowYOUTH and building on the great work that is underway,” says Arns. “Personally, I see a lack of education and awareness as a root cause for many of the issues faced by queer and gender diverse rangatahi. I’m looking forward to working with the team to explore how we might broaden education and awareness, and setting some goals for the organisation. Focusing on operating RY in a way that aligns with tikanga Māori and ensuring accessibility for takatāpui rangatahi will continue to be a priority for us”.

“We had an excellent group of candidates apply and we went through several interview stages before we offered the role to Frances,” says Sills. “We had an intergenerational interview panel which reflected the multifaceted nature of RainbowYOUTH’s work and priorities for this role”.

Arns will start with RainbowYOUTH on 25th September 2017, working alongside the outgoing Executive Director Duncan Matthews for a period of handover.

 

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RainbowYOUTH on the hunt for a new Executive Director

RainbowYOUTH on the hunt for a new Executive Director

RainbowYOUTH is on the hunt for a new Executive Director with Duncan Matthews leaving the organisation after four years.

  • Executive Director Duncan Matthews leaves the organisation after its strongest financial year yet
  • Applications for the Executive Director role open from now until July 10th
  • Applications accepted via the RainbowYOUTH website

Current RainbowYOUTH Executive Director Duncan Matthews is set to depart later on in the year, after he works part-time alongside the new Executive Director for several months. Matthews says that he intends to stay involved with RainbowYOUTH throughout the upcoming years, and that he is reducing his involvement in RainbowYOUTH “…to build skills and community involvements elsewhere.” Matthews adds, “I look forward to the different perspective a new Executive Director role will bring”.

Since 2013, Matthews has been at the helm of RainbowYOUTH through its largest ever period of growth – with the organisation tripling staff numbers, moving into a new centre, and turning its focus outside of Auckland to work across the country.

“Duncan’s contribution to RainbowYOUTH has been immeasurable,” says Co-chairperson, Sophie Sills. “On behalf of the RainbowYOUTH board and staff team, we wish Duncan the very best for his future”.

The Executive Board of RainbowYOUTH has now opened applications for a new Executive Director.

“The organisation is in a solid place to bring in new leadership,” RY Co-chairperson, Taine Polkinghorne, says. “We’re fresh off the back of our largest financial year to date, and we have a great team of experienced and dedicated staff and volunteers to help the transition proceed smoothly.”

Those interested in the role can apply via RainbowYOUTH’s website: www.ry.org.nz/employment

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25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala

  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala

RainbowYOUTH’s first ever charity auction went off with a bang last Thursday night – with $25,000 raised to support the I’m Local Project – RainbowYOUTH’s rural outreach initiative.

Supported by ASB Bank and the MediaWorks Foundation, the night was themed ‘It’s A Bit Posh’ and featured an amazing comedic and entertainment lineup. Taking the stage as MC was the amazing Ali Mau (RadioLive), Justine Smith (Comedy Guild Award for Best Comedian and Best M.C, Billy T Comedy Award winner), Cori Gonzalez-Macuer (What We Do In The Shadows, 7 Days, and Billy T Comedy Award winner) and Eli Matthewson (Funny Girls, Jono & Ben, 7 Days, and Billy T Comedy Award Nominee), Fan Brigade and local DJ Arii Jade. Topping off this awesome line up was Caluzzi’s Kita Mean and Sir Dame Judy Ginger.

RainbowYOUTH would like to say a huge big super duper thank you to:

ASB Bank, MediaWorks, Fletcher Building, Alizarian Design, Bat Country Clothing, Caluzzi Bar & Cabaret, Creative Ambiance Stage Technologies, Community Think, Duncan Digital, Endemic World, George & Friends, Golden Dawn Bar, Hauraki Blue Cruises, Holland House, Hungry Bins, Ingrid Starnes, Just 4 Catz Veterinary Clinic, Kiss Kiss Restaurant, Mexico Food & Liquor, Morepork American BBQ, Nick Von K, Promised Land, Skycity, The Caker, The Coffee Club, YMCA, Ali Mau, Arii Jade, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Eli Matthewson, The Fan Brigade, Justine Smith, Kita Mean, Sir Dame Judy Ginger, Mai FM, Little Wolf, Little Island, iTicket, Michelle Maitland & all our amazing volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you!! 

 

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RainbowYOUTH and Tīwhanawhana Trust Release Resource to Help Whānau

RainbowYOUTH and Tīwhanawhana Trust Release Resource to Help Whānau

After the release of the ground-breaking resource, Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau, Tīwhanawhana Trust

Chair and takatāpui activist Dr Elizabeth Kerekere has collaborated with RainbowYOUTH to release the second resource in a series about takatāpui* well-being.

Growing Up Takatāpui: Whānau Journeys is a print and digital resource which is informed by interviews with seven takatāpui rangatahi and their whānau about the importance of whānau support. Featuring whānau of different kinds, the resource reflects the challenges and triumphs they have gone through together. It sheds light on how whānau support can improve the well-being of takatāpui rangatahi using the Te Whare Tapa Whā Maori health model.

Dr Kerekere noted that “our takatāpui rangatahi often experience discrimination, violence and rejection because of their diverse sexes, sexualities and gender identities. Studies** show that this leads to higher rates of depression, self-harm and suicide than for their heterosexual and cisgender*** peers. Because whānau support is the Number One protective factor for our young people, we have created this resource with whānau, for whānau.”

Toni Duder, Communications and Operations Manager at RainbowYOUTH and project manager found the interview process “humbling”.

“Being able to meet and listen to the stories of these incredible people was a ‘I can’t believe I actually have this job’ kind of moment. These stories are taonga that we are so excited to share in a way that hopefully helps those who are struggling. I’m very proud of this resource”. 

Available for free around Aotearoa, the resource was developed for whānau who are struggling or need more information to better support their takatāpui rangatahi. It is also relevant for takatāpui who are struggling to communicate with their whānau. It is also relevant for takatāpui who are struggling to communicate with their whānau.

Duder says that the funding received from Te Ara Whiriwhiri, Te Puni Kōrkiri and It’s Not OK have meant that the resource’s reach will be considerable. “We were able to develop a website to make the resource more interactive and accessible,” says Duder, “we’ve included audio excerpts from the interviews, and we’ve provided links to other resources that shed more light on takatāpui issues. We want this website to be a thing that can grow as more resources are published, and will act as an awesome digital library of takatāpui content”.

Dr Kerekere adds that “whānau remains the core place of identity and belonging for our young people. We hope this resource serves as a reminder that if we put our children at the centre, we will transform our whanau”.

Those wanting to visit the website or order resources can visit: www.takatāpui.nz

 

*Takatāpui = a reclaimed term to embrace all Māori who identify with diverse sexes, genders and sexualities such as whakawāhine (trans women), tangata ira tāne (trans men), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer.

**Lucassen, M.F.G., Clark, T.C., Moselen, E., Robinson, E.M., & Adolescent Helth Research Group. (2014). Youth ’12 the health and wellbeing of secondary school students in New Zealand: Results for young people attracted to same or both sexes. Auckland: The University of Auckland.

***Cisgender = denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their sex assigned at birth.

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ASB and RY 2017 Tertiary Scholarship Winners

ASB and RY 2017 Tertiary Scholarship Winners

In an effort to spotlight and celebrate the work of volunteers in the rainbow community, ASB and RainbowYOUTH have selected the recipients for the 2nd round of the ASB and RY Tertiary Scholarships.

ASB and RainbowYOUTH are excited to announce the recipients of the ASB and RY Tertiary Scholarships for 2017 – Kassie Hartendorp and Mathew Minnear.

Each recipient will receive a total of $2,500 towards costs associated with their study.

With an excellent set of applications in 2017, representatives from RainbowYOUTH and ASB faced a tough decision when deciding the recipients.

Duncan Matthews, Executive Director of RainbowYOUTH said “There are so many smart, motivated young people out there working hard to make the world a
better place. All the applicants for this round were exceptional in their areas of study, their volunteering work, and how these overlapped in support of rainbow people. I enjoyed leaning about each of the applicants, and wish them good luck with their future.”

In the end, the recipients chosen are both dedicated volunteers in the rainbow community with a desire to use the skills they acquire through study to help add to the work they already do.

Kassie Hartendorp is a youth worker based in Wellington. Kassie has been working and volunteering in the rainbow community since 2010, with a focus morerecently on addressing the gaps in support for Māori and Pacific sexuality and gender diverse people. Kassie’s area of study is a Diploma in Mātauranga Māori (Indigenous Knowledges) at Te Wānanga Raukawa. Kassie hopes to “benefit both my hapū and general takatāpui communities through this journey”.

Mathew Minnear, also based in Wellington, is a WelTec student studying a Bachelor of Counselling. Mathew’svolunteering has focused on the last year and a half with the organisation School’s Out, working to support queer and gender diverse people as well as organise events and creating a safe and affirming space. Mathew intends to continue his studies, with a hope that, “my experience may provide solace for young people that are struggling with their gender and/or sexual identity”.

“The applications were of an exceptionally high level and so great to see the number of young people volunteering across the LGBTIQ community” says ASB’s Carl Ferguson who heads the bank’s Unity Network. “By offering this scholarship, we hope to help acknowledge and support the critical work that volunteers do every day across the country.”

RainbowYOUTH and ASB would like to extend congratulations and well wishes to this years to this year’s applicants and recipients.

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RainbowYOUTH does Outward Bound

RainbowYOUTH does Outward Bound

The role of volunteers at RainbowYOUTH is vital to our day-to-day running, and to several of the services we’ve been providing since our earliest days (such as our peer support groups). We work hard to make sure that our volunteers are recognised for the work they do, and also have access to some cool opportunities they wouldn’t usually have. This year, RY teamed up with Outward Bound as one of their community partners which meant that we could offer Outward Bound courses to our members at a special price. Then the awesome folks at ASB generously funded two of our volunteers to attend an Outward Bound course in August.

Selected to go were our Co-Chairperson, Sophie and facilitator of GQ and Star* , Hayden. The prospect of three weeks with a bunch of strangers, with no contact with home or the internet was definitely a source of nervousness for both Sophie and Hayden, as well as the RY staff team. But both Sophie and Hayden came back safe and sound with some awesome stories to share.

Here’s a few of the highlights:

“It’s so hard to put into words how amazing the course was, if i explained to you all the physical stuff we did everyday you’d think everyone would’ve been grumpy and tired the whole time but everyone was prepared to push themselves and although breakdowns did occur, more often than not we were laughing” – Hayden

Hayden (right) with one of the Outward Bound crew

Hayden (right) with one of the Outward Bound crew

“We packed a huge amount of activities into the three-week course. We conquered the 12-metre-tall high ropes course. We practiced our new map and compass navigation skills by scaling the steep slopes of Mt Onahau, slept under our badly-hung fly sheets, and tramped back down the next morning in the rain. We set ourselves goals for the course by running all over the neighbourhood locating self-reflection activities. We went white water kayaking as snow began to fall on the surrounding mountains, wearing two layers of thermals under our two layers of wetsuit. We went out to volunteer in the community, gardening at the local marae and helping DOC to save newly planted native trees that had been swept over in a flood. We climbed the natural rock wall, some of us in blindfolds made out of blackened swimming goggles. We tried to go sailing, but ended up rowing for two days straight. We slept on the floor and sides of our cutter, and rowed all the way to the outer limits of the Sound, taking occasional side trips to meet pods of dolphins” – Sophie

Sophie (second from right) with her Outward Bound group

Sophie (second from right) with her Outward Bound group

“Sailing through the night under the stars while my watchmates sung and some played a guitar was probably one of my biggest highlights of the trip. Reaching the peaks we did on the hike, literally being in the clouds, with snow under our feet and being able to see the north island in the distance is unforgettable” – Hayden

“I came out to my group early on in the course, not really sure what to expect. Some of my group were fresh out of ‘boyish’ high school culture, others came from religious backgrounds, and some seemed to have never met an out queer person before. But they were very open and accepting, quickly setting group rules to cut the homophobia from their language, and working hard to police each others’ phrasing, which was a very welcoming gesture” – Sophie

sophie04

“One of the things I was particularly nervous about was how the group would deal with my gender, I’m a non-binary transperson. Lucky I was blessed with an amazing group, and although sometimes ignorant they were supportive and ready learn and understand. I think it was really good for me to see this because I’ve found it quite hard to open up to people outside of the lgbtqia+ community, it was good for me to learn that sometimes trusting people who I think wouldn’t understand can be worth it” – Hayden

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“There are many parts of the experience that really cannot be conveyed in writing. But this was definitely one of the best, most rewarding experiences of my life” – Sophie

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“Outward Bound taught me so much about myself, definitely improved my self confidence and helped improve my mental health by helping me see how much I’m capable of” – Hayden

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A huge thank you to both Outward Bound and ASB for making this opportunity possible for our members. We can’t wait to offer the experience to more of our awesome volunteers!

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Meet Mahipahi – RY’s New Ride

Meet Mahipahi – RY’s New Ride

Mahipahi

We’re super duper excited to introduce Mahipahi (they/them pronouns!) – the newest addition to the RainbowYOUTH whānau.

Mahipahi was an incredibly generous donation from Incedo Trust & we’re still trying to wrap our heads around how awesome our supporters can be.

Mahipahi will be first and foremost, a resource to help RainbowYOUTH get our members to events around and outside of Auckland & to help us connect to our regional peer-support groups in Whangarei (WhangaReinbow <3) and Tauranga (Tauranga Pryde <3).

To get the name ‘Mahipahi’, we combined two Te Reo Māori words: ‘mahi’ meaning ‘work’, and ‘pahi’ meaning ‘bus’. They suit it, don’t they?

Mahipahi is a Ford Transit that can seat 12 people, has over-the-shoulder belts on every seat, and comes with heaps of room for luggage.

Welcome to the whānau, Mahipahi! We’re so excited to have you on board.

And once again, a huge big thank you to Incedo Trust! You guys are incredible!

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RainbowYOUTH’s AGM & Official Centre Opening

RainbowYOUTH’s AGM & Official Centre Opening

Today we held our 2016 AGM & official opening of our new centre!

The opening was a beautiful and emotional ceremony, acknowledging the long journey that has lead RainbowYOUTH to our new whare on 11 Edinburgh Street. Thank you to all those who have helped us get there along the way.

Matua Pierre led the proceedings of our offical opening.

Matua Pierre led the proceedings of our offical opening.

Ahakoa Te Aha performing

Ahakoa Te Aha performing

Aroha nui and much gratitude to Matua Pierre who lead the the proceedings, as well as to Ahakoa Te Aha for their moving waiata and tautoko.

After the opening we held our Annual General Meeting. There, our members passed several constitution changes – including changing our offical language from ‘queer and trans*’ to ‘queer and gender diverse’.

Our new Executive Board was also elected. We’re super duper excited to introduce you to the awesome team of change makers for 2016/2017.

Left to right: Emilie Rākete (Tangata Whenua Rep), Taine Polkinghorne (Gender Diverse Rep), Sophie Sills (Co-Chairperson), Joel Gatland, Rachel Brebner (Co-Chairperson), Debra Doyle, Ryvre Thompson, Hamish Tait (Treasurer), Beth Maynard (Secretary) & Jake Angus (not pictured).

Left to right: Emilie Rākete (Tangata Whenua Rep), Taine Polkinghorne (Gender Diverse Rep), Sophie Sills (Co-Chairperson), Joel Gatland, Rachel Brebner (Co-Chairperson), Debra Doyle, Ryvre Thompson, Hamish Tait (Treasurer), Beth Maynard (Secretary) & Jake Angus (not pictured).

A big thank you to Audrey Hutcheson who MC’d our AGM and to Nick Liang, Toni Reid and Stace Robertson who counted the votes.

To see the constitutions voted in, click here.

To get the lowdown about everything that’s gone down at RainbowYOUTH over the passed year, check out our Annual Report for 2016!

AGM_5

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RY’s Annual General Meeting 2016

RY’s Annual General Meeting 2016

AGMTILE

What does our AGM involve?

As a charitable organisation, we have to hold an annual general meeting (AGM) every year. What happens is that the people responsible for the running and organisation of RY, the board, use the AGM as a chance to report about all the happenings of the last year to its members (YOU GUYS).

There are boring bits (like how much money we have) but there are also über fun things like free food, chatting about our campaigns and also getting to enjoy some super cool company.

Why should I come?

The free food, obvs.

The AGM is YOUR chance to have a say about how RY is run and what we do.

We also elect our new board for the next annual term!

If you think you have what it takes to be a board member, then submit an online form.

Changes to our constitution!

Some other official stuff needs to happen too – like voting on some proposed changes to our constitution. This is decided by RainbowYOUTH members – so if you are one, come along and help decide.

Proposed constitution changes:

  1. Change of language from ’trans*’ to ‘gender diverse’
  2. Co-chairpersons elected for two years, at alternating AGM’s
  3. Change to order of voting of Executive Board and Office Holder and Representative Positions
  4. Introducing a review process for the positions of Co-chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary.
  5. Clarification of quorum and resignation requirements.

Find more details about the proposed changes to our constitution here.

Compare the old constitution and the proposed constitution changes here.

So come along, eat food, meet people and share your ideas with us!

AGM Agenda
Sunday, 26th June 2016

10:30am: Official opening of Level 1, 11 Edinburgh Street – All Welcome
11:30am: Kai!
12:30pm: Start of AGM Formalities
12:40pm: Officer reports

Co – Chairpersons : Rachel Brebner & Sophie Sills

Treasurer: Hamish Tait

Executive Director: Duncan Matthews

1:00pm: Motion to accept proposed changes to the RainbowYOUTH constitution

12:59pm: Motion to accept officer report and 2016 Accounts

1:20pm: Motion*:

“That the incoming Executive Board for the 2016/2017 term be tasked with reviewing the representation model on the RainbowYOUTH board, with regards to Māori, non-Māori, Gender Diverse and Intersex populations in Aotearoa.  The Board will report back at the 2017 AGM.”

1:25pm: Executive Board Elections

2:30pm: General Business

2:40pm: Karakia, meeting closed.

 

 

* Conditional upon the passing of proposed changes to the RainbowYOUTH Constitution

 

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RY Volunteers Recognised at Youth Week Awards 2016

RY Volunteers Recognised at Youth Week Awards 2016

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Tonight we’re at the Beehive to celebrate the Youth Week Awards! Here are our two winners: Alice – one of our awesome interns (left), our co-chair Rachel (right) with our Support Manager Morgan (centre).

Alice has been with RY since she was 13. Her dedication and hard work makes her one of our most valued volunteers, and we’re super proud to see her grow.

Our 2nd winner is Rachel – our Co-chair. Rachel has also grown up in RainbowYOUTH, and was a group facilitator before stepping onto the board. Their commitment to RY, hard work and leadership are a pillar of strength for our organisation!

Congrats Alice & Rachel! Your RY whānau is very proud of you both!

Also a big congratulations to the other young people and groups receiving awards tonight. It’s an honour to be all working together to uplift our rangatahi!

Find the full list of winners here.

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