Apply now for LikeMinded, a new LGBTI+ youth programme

Gaisce – The President’s Award are inviting people, both youth and mentors, to apply for LikeMinded, and new LGBTI+ youth programme which will be taking part in 2019.

What is LikeMinded?

Gaisce, supported by the Social Innovation Fund Ireland is piloting a new youth programme for young members of the LGBTI+ community in Dublin and the surrounding areas. LikeMinded aims to create a safe space for twelve young people to explore their individuality, talk about their ideas and explore issues in today’s society which are relevant to them as members of the community. This programme will provide young people with an option to carry out their Gaisce journey with like-minded people, in a non-judgmental, relaxed setting.

Speaking about LikeMinded, Marion Irwin-Gowran of Gaisce said, “We at Gaisce – The President’s Award are very excited to launch LikeMinded, a new fun, challenging and safe space to undertake the Gaisce Award, meet new friends and have new experiences. We are delighted to partner with the Social Innovation Fund Ireland on this programme, which is the first of its kind for Gaisce.”

What will the programme involve?

Over the course of six months, each participant and mentor will be selected through the applications submitted in late January. Each participant will be paired with a mentor for the duration of the programme. The programme will include one-to-one mentoring, bi-monthly peer group meetings, and adventure journey which will take place during the summer coming up to the end of the programme, and lastly, an award ceremony which will take place in September, 2019.

The programme will follow the structure of a Bronze Gaisce Award programme, and after the programme has been successfully completed, participants will be presented with a bronze award (or silver if the participant already has a bronze award).

When will the programme take place?

Participants and mentors within the programme will be asked to commit to the programme from February to July of 2019. A full layout of plans for the number of months of the programme are laid out here for both participants and mentors.

Who can apply?

LikeMinded are looking for 12 participants, young people aged 15 to 17, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning to take part in the programme.

They are also looking for 12 adult mentors who have an interest in supporting these young members of the LGBTI+ community through one-to-one mentoring.  

Application deadlines

For young people interested in applying, you can find further information about the position here.

For mentors who are interested in this position, you can find further information here.

To apply, you must fill out an application form. Forms for both participants and mentors can be found online at gaisce.ie.

The deadline for applications for both participants and mentors is the 1st of February, 2019, by 5pm. You can apply by either email or post.

Email: [email protected].

Post: LikeMinded, Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 YD62.

If you would like any further information, you can email [email protected].