Heather McDowell and her daughter Dylan.Contributed photo
There are only two comparable positions in all of Ontario: the executive director positions at https://www.ourspectrum.com/ in Kitchener Waterloo and https://www.the519.org/ in Toronto.
These are the only LGBTQ+ community centres in the province. The SPCC is the smallest and the only one that is rural-based.
Heather's position is funded through the generous support of the United Way Perth-Huron which, along with TD Bank Group, provides core funding for the SPCC.
“Although there are many, the main reason that I want to be a part of the SPCC is, quite frankly, to be a part of the vital work of giving our LGBTQ+ rural community members a place that is navigational, social, informed, a refuge but most importantly a place that feels like home”.
"I have spent a great deal of time in the advocacy, allyship and support space, whether it be for Métis and Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, women, socioeconomic disadvantaged, rural folks, and survivors of intimate partner violence. It’s my belief that even if we haven’t walked the unique path of people, there’s still a tremendous opportunity to play a part in their next big chapter," said Heather.
“The starting point of that critical work begins with attentively listening. To understand a person’s story, then a community’s story and continue to stretch outwards, begins with genuine curiosity and agility is where the real work is done to move the initiatives forward in a meaningful and sustainable way.
"Subject to the feedback from the community and the Board, here are some initiatives that I would seek to rollout. A mentorship or talking circle where tenured community members are partnered formally or informally with junior community members to share their journey and provide critical navigational guidance. I also want to continue to scale up the community partnership by liaising with other non-profits and charitable organizations to leverage and crowd share knowledge and resources, wherever appropriate. This will also ensure that SPCC has a seat at the table for important rural community discussions.”
Heather becomes the head of SPCC operations, the spokesperson and the public voice of the SPCC today. She can be reached at ed@stratfordpride.,com and 519-273-SPCC (7722)
She will report to the president.
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Contact:
Bruce D. Skeaff
President & Chair
519-273-SPCA
Pride@stratfordpride.com
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