LGBTQ people, families, and broader communities face numerous barriers to accessing the services or programs of community-based organizations. Some of these barriers are relatively simple to overcome, while others may require more transformative changes to the ways in which services are imagined and delivered. Service providers and organization can make a difference by working together to increase access to services and to advance broader movements for social justice.

Demonstrate Access is a free resource website with ideas and tools for community-based service organizations. It is designed to help providers and organizations identify barriers and make changes in policy and practice to increase access for LGBTQ communities.

Opportunities to take action!

BUILD ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY 

Human service organizations are incredibly diverse in terms of mission, values, scope, size, region, cultural context, and area of practice.  Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to LGBTQ access, this site offers an adaptable step-by-step process for building organizational capacity in various settings. This includes: making an explicit commitment to LGBTQ access, engaging in organizational self-assessment, identifying opportunities for change, and honing practices that can evolve with organizational and community needs over time. 

CHANGE ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES & PRACTICES 

Staff training and community outreach are two important ways that organizations can take action. However, one-time efforts are rarely sufficient for meaningful changes in access to services. This site offers tips and strategies for change in ten areas of organizational operations-- from hiring to facilities to fundraising.  Each area includes prompting questions that can help organizations to evaluate existing strengths and identify opportunities for sustainable change.

COLLABORATE FOR BROADER SOCIAL CHANGE

Providers and organizations working in silos cannot overcome the most complex institutional and cultural barriers for LGBTQ and other underserved communities. Opportunities for provider peer-to-peer learning and creative community collaborations can help build the momentum needed for social, economic, and political change.

REACH OUT FOR TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Organizations may benefit from working with an outside trainer or expert consultant. Working with a field expert or LGBTQ anti-violence organization can help organizations with professional development, reviewing policy documents, developing new program areas, and much more.

Demonstrate Access was originally designed as part of a regional pilot project to increase access to services for LGBTQ survivors of violence in King County, Washington. Learn more.