Annual Report 2011/2012 Philosophy Statement Open Doors values and celebrates the legitimacy of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities and the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultures and communities. We believe that all young people have the right to explore their gender and sexuality in safe and supportive environments. All aspects of Open Doors are underpinned by a genuine commitment to the principles of participation, access, equity and collaborative action. Open Doors believes that the exploration and experience of sexuality and gender is diverse and life-long. Open Doors recognises that young people exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues do so in a cultural environment that can disadvantage, discriminate against and marginalise them both directly and indirectly. Open Doors actively works toward creating environments and opportunities that empower young people to live with pride in their lives as valued and equal members of their communities. Open Doors is based on an innovative and dynamic service delivery model. This service works with young people in accessible and culturally appropriate ways to reduce isolation, share information, develop support networks and enhance young people’s participation and connection to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultures and other communities. Open Doors works to enhance the capacity of communities to understand and support young peoples expressions of their gender and sexuality. Open Doors advocates for the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people to access a variety of services and support appropriate to their needs. We work collaboratively with others to: a) meet the needs of young people, either directly or indirectly; b) identify gaps and enhance capacity to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people. Through participation in relevant networks and undertaking community education and training, we challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions which hinder the access of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people to a full range of services and supports. Open Doors is committed to the development of sustainable networks across sectors. Open Doors values the contribution, opinions and experiences of each member and the practice of open and honest communication. We aim to achieve a shared understanding and direction through equal access to information and an active commitment to consensus where possible. We employ supportive processes that encourage learning and development for all members of the organisation. We are committed to the positive resolution of conflict to enable effective organisational growth and change. In these ways, Open Doors aims to make a significant difference to the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people and their communities. We will operate ethically, transparently and accountably in all facets of our service. We acknowledge the challenge and responsibility of this opportunity and welcome the participation of all communities who share this commitment. Open Doors Youth Service Inc. Annual Report 2011/2012 Page 2 Open Doors Youth Service Inc Annual General Meeting 5 Greensquare Close, Fortitude Valley 24th January 2012 Minutes Meeting Commenced: 6.20pm Welcome to Country: Aunty Dawn Daylight delivered a traditional welcome acknowledging the traditional owners of Brisbane. Attendance (18): Dawn Daylight, Rod McLaren, Cherry Waldron, Linda Hibbert, Jules Woodley, Rocky Malone, Mick Gardiner, Greg Banach, Sally Morris, Ged Farmer, Keith Vanhaefien, Glenn Deller, Russel Flynn, Pauline Coffey, Ashleigh Broom, Amanda Dean, Marya McDonald, Shannon Michaels, Suzanne Michaels, Dale Symons, Grace Grace MP, Logan Wolfrhamn (YP) and Lachlan Black (YP). Apologies: Bobby Noone, Senator Claire Moore, Joy Glover, Rebecca Johnson, Tanya Quakawoot, Ashli Roberts and Joseph Robinson. Proxies (5): Rebecca Johnson, Joy Glover, Ashli Roberts and Bobby Noone Cherry Waldron, finance and admin worker, welcomed everyone to the meeting Minutes of 2011 AGM: Minutes of 2010 AGM: Proposed that Minutes from the 2010 AGM be accepted Moved: Seconded: Accepted Committee Report: Shirralee Ransley 2010/2011 Chairperson of the Management Committee spoke to the Management Committee report. Thanked staff, volunteers, young people and Committee and all those who have supported Open Doors in past year. Proposed that the Chairpersons Report be accepted Moved: Seconded: Accepted Service Report : Rocky Malone Acting Coordinator of Open Doors spoke to the 2010/2011 Service report. Highlighted key events and achievements from all projects and programs. Proposed that the Service Report be accepted: Moved: Seconded: Accepted Open Doors Youth Service Inc. Annual Report 2011/2012 Page 3 Minutes Cont. Treasurers Report: Rod McLaren 2010/2011 Treasurer of the Management Committee spoke to this report. Thanked all those who generously donated money to support the work of Open Doors. Proposed that the Treasurers report be accepted Moved: Seconded: Accepted Report on Public Liability Insurance: Cherry Waldron announced that Open Doors Youth Service had increased their Public Liability Insurance from $10mil to $20mil. Appointment of Auditor: Proposed that Haywards Chartered Accountants be adopted as the Auditor for the financial year 2011/2012. Moved: Seconded: Accepted Election of Management Committee: Russell Flynn, Returning Officer declared all positions vacant. All nominations were unopposed and the following members were declared elected: Dale Symons – Chairperson Jamie Langlois – Secretary Rod McLaren – Treasurer Rebecca Johnson Joy Glover Sophiaan Subhan Russell announced that there are still vacancies on the committee and that everyone is welcome at the Management Committee Meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month. Cherry Waldron acknowledged the new IT consultant, Greg Banach and the two young people who attended. In closing, she thanked all those present for their attendance and for their continued support of Open Doors. Meeting closed: 7.20. Entertainment: Jules Woodley Open Doors Youth Service Inc. Annual Report 2011/2012 Page 4 Committee Report Reflection Over the past year Open Doors Youth Service has seen considerable change both within the service, and in the overseeing committee. These changes have been a catalyst for Open Doors youth service to explore new opportunities as we advance our plan for the next year, five year, and ten year periods. The Open Doors tenth anniversary, celebrated in December 2011, marked a service milestone and also gave a moment of reflection. Reflection showed the path Open Doors has moved along since it was established til today: where it has evolved into a solid, incorporated Youth service. The challenge of maintaining, expanding, and finding new opportunities to engage those young people in need is still ahead. Rocky, like her name sake, has been the rock of Open Doors Youth Service over the past 4 years – ever more so over the past year since she has stepped up to the coordinator role. Rocky has worked hard at pulling together staff and volunteers to help run the service and keep the wheels turning. Rocky’s dedicated team, comprising staff and volunteers, have supported Open Door’s clients as through mentoring, Drop-in days, and special events. Over the past year, Open Doors Youth Service has witnessed a shift in the diversity of the young people attending and accessing the services. Some of these young people are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures. This is testimony that Open Doors has created a safe haven for young people to meet likeminded peers and participate in the services available. This is especially evident during the ‘Drop-in’ times. Regardless of their background, the young people form a bond and unite to continue their journey. Events Rocky and the staff put together a fantastic night solely devoted to Open Doors’ volunteers - acknowledging their tireless work in the service. The young people hosted a BBQ and prepared food for all the volunteers that attended. Special thanks to Beau, Ashli, and Jonathan who not only coordinated on the Volunteer night, but helped pull the feast and the awards together seamlessly. On Pride day, many of the young people and volunteers helped organise and put together activities and information to show any prospective young people attending. Jonathan helped stage a youth event at the Pride day: the Youth Olympics. Big Gay Day was a success: the staff, volunteers and young people got together to help raise money for Open Doors Youth Service. Through networking and word of mouth, the staff and volunteers spread vital information to young people and friends of young people who may have not known about Open Doors Youth Service. Queeriosity was staged for the third consecutive year. Each year the event increases in scope, momentum and attendees. This year 307 young people attended Queeriosity, many of whom were new to the service. Queeriosity a great day for all young people to come, meet friends, and have fun. This year the event took place under the Story Bridge right near the river which was a great venue with plenty of space and market-like stalls for all to enjoy. Funding Open Doors Youth Service operates though funding received from grants and donations. Several grants have been ongoing, and negotiations continue with the current State Government for a small but significant allocation of funds to continue supporting Young People at risk. Open Doors Youth Service