By Julie Patterson, director, AIDS Funding Collaborative, Center for Community Solutions

Coalitions are powerful places to create community, form relationships, and work toward a shared vision of the future. Joining forces with others in collective action is one of the most effective ways to fight for justice and equity.

In Greater Cleveland, a LGBTQIA Coalition (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) has been meeting on a regular basis since 2020. It started thanks to a partnership between Equality Ohio, Plexus, and the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. It has continued as a way to create space for LGBTQ+ community members and leaders to connect, share information, brainstorm, and dialogue about key issues.

Over the last three years, the coalition has built a membership of over 100 member organizations and individuals who communicate regularly about resources, events and advocacy. An online platform highlights connections, hosts conversations and tracks action items.  

Now the coalition is going through a process to strengthen its structure and unify its members by seeking a consultant to help develop a common strategy and re-launch the coalition with a new structure and formalization. LGBTQ+ community members will guide the process with support from the Center for Community Solutions, via a contract from the Cleveland Foundation.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for a coalition planning and launch consultant has just been released and proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. Preferred qualifications include being a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community in Northeast Ohio, having experience with facilitation and/or mediation, and being rooted in racial equity & inclusion, community organizing, and empowerment.

This is not a full-time position. The contractor will provide context, seek feedback, engage stakeholders, and then recommend a structure with guidelines and governance documents. They will also provide launch support under the new structure.  Ongoing facilitation will be needed, and there may be an opportunity for a renewed contract.

Do you know a consultant who may be interested? Have them reach out to Andrew Katusin, Responsive Grantmaking Officer, akatusin@clevefdn.org