We’re Using Project Management to End LGBTQ Youth Homelessness. Here’s How.
We’re excited to share that the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) has awarded a $150,000 two-year grant to support our work to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth! Over the course of the grant, we’ll develop new project management focused resources that will be used to train and support communities across the U.S. as they create strategic plans to prevent and end LGBTQ youth homelessness.
These resources include:
- A Project Management for Communities Toolkit – to be released Spring 2018.
- A Project Management for Communities online course – to be released Spring 2019.
“We’re so thankful for the support of PMIEF, and excited to be bringing project management knowledge to communities across the country,” said Joe Moran, PMP, Chief Creative Officer & Chief of Staff of the True Colors Fund. “The training our staff received due to this grant has revolutionized the way we work, and we can’t wait to see the impact it’ll have on the national movement to end youth homelessness.”
Using a train-the-trainer model, we’re providing free project management trainings and technical assistance to communities participating in True Colors Community Initiatives, in which local coalitions develop strategic plans to end youth homelessness and provide safe and affirming care for LGBTQ youth seeking support. These Community Initiatives foster collaboration across various sectors including service providers, educators, advocates, government officials, funders, business owners, and – most importantly – youth themselves.
Strategic plans developed by Community Initiatives may include launching an innovative new program, constructing a shelter, or developing a new community partnership. Coalition members who receive these trainings are encouraged to bring this knowledge to their own organizations and agencies, thereby spreading awareness of project management methodologies and ultimately increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Trainings begin this year in Pinellas County, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Dallas, Texas; with more communities to be announced in the future.
“Our partnership with the True Colors Fund exemplifies the power of project management to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Jeannette L. Barr, PMIEF Executive Director. “Not only has the True Colors Fund become a project management-capable organization that can more effectively and efficiently problem-solve youth homelessness, but it is empowering communities around the country with project management competencies so they can do the same.”
“Real change can happen when people come together with a shared vision.” – Cyndi Lauper
This grant is having a major impact on the movement to end LGBTQ youth homelessness. Not only is it helping us train community coalitions across the country, it’s helping us train our own team, too. By getting serious about project management, the True Colors Fund has enhanced the way we do our work. We want wait to see the effect it’ll have nationwide.
PS: Thanks to the training we received, I was able to become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)! Geeking out!