Rainbow Connections is a program founded and led by youth of The New Mentality Network, which operates as part of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO).The program creates a space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to come together to address the mental health and well-being needs of Queer and other diverse communities in Ontario. In this presentation, Rainbow Connections facilitators and youth leaders will engage attendees in a discussion about the strategies and tools that have helped the program succeed, while following the format of a typical Rainbow Connections session. From the core of Rainbow Connections as a project-focused and justice-oriented program, to its connection and community building strategies, this presentation outlines how to create the foundations for a successful youth mental health program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and equity-deserving youth more broadly.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of inclusive and diverse programming that represents and supports Queer youth. 

2. Become familiar with tools to safely implement 2SLGBTQIA+ focused mental health programming. 

3. Learn about how youth leadership can shift power back to equity-deserving youth, and become aware of strategies for empowering youth to take on leadership roles.