OCASI-Positive Spaces Initiative Training

The OCASI Positive Spaces Initiative (PSI) is grounded in ongoing learning that is accessible to diverse audiences and communities. We believe that everyone can work to create Positive Spaces through training, education, leadership, and resource-sharing. 

Currently we only offer online learning opportunities due to the global pandemic.

Woman leading a training workshop

Training Overview

Positive Spaces are welcoming environments where LGBTQIA+ newcomers are able to access culturally inclusive services with dignity and respect, and where service providers can work free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. In order to ensure your agency is a positive space, it is important to recognize and address all forms of LGBTQIA+ persecution and harassment, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism, monosexism, and cissexism. We offer training for frontline staff and management, as well as develop customized enhanced training with selected agencies to advance their policies and practices in service delivery, community outreach and engagement, and volunteer management.

Training for Service Providers

OCASI-PSI is strongly committed to building the capacity of organizations and individuals serving immigrants and refugees to respect and embrace the rich diversity of sexuality and gender present in our region. Our training is designed to assist settlement workers in updating their knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the needs of LGBTQIA+ immigrants and refugees.

Training objective 1

Apply the principles of an anti-racism/anti-oppression framework to support LGBTQIA+ immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.

Training objective 2

Demonstrate an understanding of the various barriers and issues surrounding LGBTQIA+ individuals in their access to services. 

Training objective 3

Demonstrate an understanding of your responsibilities as a service provider in the settlement sector by implementing better practices to create and maintain a positive space for LGBTQIA+ newcomers in your agency.

Customized Enhanced Training

This project provides a unique opportunity for organizations to promote their work and be leaders in advancing equitable and inclusive LGBTQIA+ positive spaces within the immigrant and refugee serving sector. It consists of the following three main components:

1. Identification of the strengths, gaps, and capacities to determine current organizational readiness and priority areas for advancing inclusive LGBTQIA+ positive spaces.

2. Development of capacity-building activities, including training and coaching, online self-directed courses, resource sharing and development such as toolkits, guidelines, and community of practice.

3. Implementation of evaluation framework and tools.

Woman presenting at a training event

Customized Training

We offer facilitator-led workshops that address all components of service delivery within the settlement sector for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities. Please contact us to learn more about our customized training.

Self-directed Online Courses

PSI offers self-paced, self-directed online courses for organizations that cannot attend or host in-person or online workshops. The online curriculum has been designed to assist the immigrant and refugee serving sector in effectively serving LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues affecting settlement services.

Self-directed training opportunities

Webinars

PSI webinars feature subject-matter experts on a diverse range of topics relating to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. 

Check News and Events for upcoming webinars. 

Schedule a training

We will contact you within 2 business days to follow up with your request.

People listening to a training seminar