Request for Proposals – Trans Inclusion and Advocacy

Overview YWCA Halifax is inviting proposals from qualified applicants to continue the work of the YWCA to support and promote the inclusion of people who identify as transgender/gender diverse/gender non-conforming. Note that training sessions are expected to be conducted in person in Halifax. Out of area proponents will be considered but travel arrangements and expenses are their personal responsibility. Operational Background Our mission: Rooted in our community, we support and provide a strong voice for women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender diverse people and their families and create opportunities for them to thrive. Our vision: We envision a more equitable world in which women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender diverse people feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to live their lives fully and with dignity. Our values: Equity – Self-determination – Freedom of Choice – Security – Collaboration – Responsiveness – Sustainability Who we are: YWCA Halifax is for, and by, women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender diverse people. Together we’re building a future of gender equality by creating opportunities and supports for childcare, education, employment, housing, financial security, and more. We transform lives by providing a continuum of supports that build on people’s strengths to create lasting, positive change for women and gender diverse people. We strive to change the root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. YWCA Halifax is a transgender inclusive organization. We recognize that trans rights are connected to, and inseparable from, the liberation of all women. We are committed to an intersectional approach in our work. YWCA Halifax presently employs a total of 273 staff (including full-time, part-time, and casuals) and has an annual budget of $17M. As a multi-service organization, we operate in multiple locations throughout HRM and Nova Scotia and offer a diversity of supports and services including childcare, housing, and community-based programs for diverse youth and adults. Our core operations include: - Early Learning and Child Care: five licensed centres, 11 before and after school sites, and 60 family home child care operators - Housing and Homelessness: six distinct housing programs, 154 housing units serving an estimate 350 residents - Violence to Resilience: micro loans for those seeking to exit sexual exploitation, two safe houses, peer lead interventions, and support for family and caregivers - Community Programs: employment and training supports for diverse participants, entrepreneurship, settlement supports, work with elder women living in poverty, advancing inclusive participation in sport and recreation - Youth Programs: youth engagement programming, community-based mental health services, youth advisory - Advocacy and Community Response: systems level initiatives to address equitable skilled trades, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, homelessness systems, and research and advocacy See more at www.ywcahalifax.com. Project Description YWCA Halifax is continuing our journey of organizational development to ensure that transgender and gender diverse individuals are meaningfully included in all aspects of our association. There are many steps in this journey, including: knowledge development and values alignment, policy revision and development, review of hiring and management practices, program review and development, communication and key message review and development, and much, much more. A hallmark of the YWCA movement has been our willingness to change to meet the needs of our community. We also know that change takes time and, as such, we are prepared to embark on a multi-dimensional initiative over the next 30-36 months. Our anticipated budget for this contract is $36,000, inclusive of HST, and we are seeking proposals within this range. Potential Project Outputs - Educational materials and training for staff and volunteers: - Building on existing work, develop and deliver new trainings on inclusion - Develop ongoing resources and training materials accessible to all staff - Inform the YWCA’s advocacy and communication efforts Note that the YWCA staff operate in multiple programs and locations. Approximately 30% operate in child care settings, 30% in community-based programs, 30% in housing, and 10% in administration. Staff are based primarily throughout HRM but some staff live and work in communities across Nova Scotia. Not all staff are available during standard business hours. - Program review and development: - Develop and deliver sessions on inclusionary programs - Audit and advise on inclusive and safe spaces across the YWCA (est. 10 main locations) - Audit and advise on individual program policies as related to direct-service work with Trans and gender diverse participants - Support recognition events or important days - Be available to support management and staff on an as needed basis to consult and advise - Policy review and development: - Develop and deliver sessions on internal policies and protocols (e.g. hiring practices, HR, code of conduct, etc.) - Support staff review of additional policies with an understanding of legislative requirements - Recommendations for further progress the organization can make: - Collaborate with the Trans Inclusion Committee and our team using an iterative process - Chair the Trans Staff Caucus - Submit bi-annual reports that include recommendations - Build meaningful working relationships with other agencies that are involved in the Trans and gender-diverse community to support ongoing learning and supportive collaboration Minimum Engagement Requirements - Meet with the CEO, COO, HR Department, and internal Trans Inclusion Committee - Present plan to YWCA Senior Management Team and Trans Inclusion Committee - Train YWCA staff via 4-5 education sessions annually in person or online - Develop and disseminate learning packages - Deliver a minimum of three in person or online workshops each year reviewing and working through existing programs - Deliver three in person or online workshops reviewing and working through existing policy revisions with relevant staff - Work with the Trans Inclusion Committee regularly to report on activities and problem solve challenges - Be available 2-3x/month to problem solve with program staff - Chair Trans Staff Caucus Applications Evaluation Trans experience and/or lived experience of gender diversity a must Scored 1-5 on each of the following for a total possible score of 50. Four applicants with the highest scores will be invited to meet with the Trans Inclusion Committee. 1. Understanding of historical gender issues and the YWCA movement. 2. Treats all people with respect, does what they say they are going to do, and adheres to timelines. 3. Flexibility and willingness to work with the Trans Inclusion Committee to meet the YWCA’s evolving needs. 4. Professional experience supporting organizational culture change. 5. Commitment to being a part of the YWCA team. 6. Commitment to and awareness of intersectionality, diversity and inclusion including neurodiversity, Two Spirit and Indigenous ways of knowing, race, and respect for different cultural understandings of gender and sex. 7. Must be comfortable explaining the intersection of sex (as category of biology), gender, and sexual orientation and fielding questions about gender affirming care and aspects of human sexuality. 8. Experience developing and delivering training and new materials a must. 9. Experience and comfort in chairing and group facilitation a must. 10. Experience in policy development and delivery. Timeframe This project requires commitment to a 36-month timeframe beginning Spring 2026. January 2 – Proposals due January 20 – Short list identified February 1-15 – In person interviews March 15 – Finalize contract details April 1 – Contract start date Proposal Requirements During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request accommodations. If you require accommodations, please contact m.suokonautio@ywcahalifax.com. Please submit one PDF document to Miia Suokonautio at m.suokonautio@ywcahalifax.com by 4pm AST on Friday, January 2, 2026 with all of the items below and with subject line "YOUR NAME/GROUP, Proposal to YWCA Trans Inclusion Committee": - Cover letter (no more than 1 page) on your alignment to the project and the qualities listed above and any additional information you wish to share; - Proposed project plan (no more than 2 pages) on how you would intend to meet the engagement requirements and timeframe; - Budget/cost estimate; - List of relevant projects of similar scope and size; - Copy of most recent resume(s) for you/your team members. Please also send any questions to m.suokonautio@ywcahalifax.com. #J-18808-Ljbffr