Building Your Own Community Program
EDITOR’S NOTE: The resources hyperlinked in this essay are specific to colonized Canada, but are included for readers as examples of the kinds of organizations and resources available, regardless of location.
I grew up in what I often refer to as “the golden age of youth programming” in Toronto, Canada. For a brief time from the early 2000s to the 2010s, there was an abundance of youth empowerment programming. It focused on giving young people the leadership and innovation skills we needed to develop solutions to some of the big social problems that we saw in our communities.
Thankfully, the adults who ran the programs actively involved me in shaping my world. From collaboratively writing grant applications to developing new programming and from identifying where we needed to learn more to getting involved with boards and city councils, they nurtured me. I learned what was possible and understood the process of building something from scratch. That experience saved my life.
For those who are trying to build and sustain community programming in this time of deep destruction and threat, I offer an outline for how you can get started.
The Idea
Your idea could be sparked by something that you’re curious about. For example, you notice that disabled people don’t attend in-person events in your community. It could be specific, like wanting an accessible dance class. You don’t have to be an expert, especially because it’s better if you can get a group of 2-3 people together who are also interested in your idea. So, once you have your idea, ask around.
Start Small
There is no need to form a new organization to get started. In my community, there are small grants available to groups of 2-3 people who work together to bring a specific project to life. There are also informal organizations—as opposed to formal non-profits. These ad hoc groups are a good option for those who aren’t sure about commitment to the long-term management of a formal organization.
Another option is to work with existing organizations. Organizations love it when people propose ideas that they want implemented in their community. Their funding is often determined by evidence of high attendance or community engagement with the organization. This process is often slower. Organizations sometimes need to look 3-5 years ahead to sync programs with their funding cycles.
Looking for Funds
Money to run community arts programs can come from many sources. Sometimes funds are available through youth engagement funding programs (if you’re working with young people) or other specific community activation funds. Some grants are administered by local businesses or residents’ groups. Local elected officials often have funds for groups in their local areas. Talk with your community; people will likely have funding suggestions. Keep in mind that what’s available depends on your location: country, state/province, county, and city/town.
Access Needs
As a disabled organizer, I’ve found that managing access needs—including my own—for community programming can be tricky. Be realistic about: what can be accomplished financially, deadlines, and the capacity of your group. It’s also important to understand the needs of your project’s attendees. Sometimes granters award extra money for accessibility if you can show that other local funders do so. It requires some advocacy, but there is growing understanding that access is an important priority. In some cases, you can even apply to receive support with preparing grant applications, an invaluable resource for many with limited spoons.
Building Community
Too many disabled people experience extreme isolation and cycles of inaccessibility. Many organizations never see disabled people as part of the core group they serve. Building your own programming is a powerful antidote. There is a kind of magic to how disabled people take up public space for ourselves. Organizations around us become more accessible. Other disabled people see that leadership is possible and consider running their own programs. Slowly, we shift the conversation and open up worlds for both ourselves and those that will follow.
Shay Erlich (they/them) is a disability justice world builder, artist, and disability educator based in Tkaronto/Toronto, Ontario. Shay is the Founder and Program Co-Lead, with Paulina Drohomyrecky, for Pushmakers – a national initiative focused on excellence in manual wheelchair dance. Shay holds an MA in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University.
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