2022 Alphabet Institute
The Alphabet Institute is an opportunity for QTBIPOC to increase their leadership skills. By facilitating mentorship relationships, the Institute helps connect community members with each other in non-hierarchical and reciprocal ways, with an understanding that we can all learn from each other. These transformational relationships support people in growth toward their own radical visions and goals.
Art: Kalu
Program Requirements
Be queer and/or trans
Be Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color
Live and/or work in the Puget Sound region
All ages and levels of experience welcome
Commit to being fully present: Relationship building is central to the institute.
Attendance expectations: Participants are expected to attend all events, so that everyone can learn from each other. Missing part or all of up to two sessions is acceptable, with prior notice. Please communicate about emergencies that will impact your attendance. Mentors are welcome, but not expected, to attend the five Weekly Workshops. Mentors are expected at all other events. Mentors and mentees will receive stipends for participation, based on attendance. Participants will receive DoorDash Gift cards for workshops and sessions (not 1-on-1 meetings with mentors).
Application Dates
June 1: Applications due
June 1 - 15: Review process, calling references
Mid-June: Decisions and announcement email, including bios for all mentors and mentees.
Applications for 2022 Institute
Apply to be a Mentor
Offer guidance and support to mentees, while growing and developing your leadership skills as a mentor.
Apply to be a Mentee
Build community in workshops with other mentees and receive ongoing support from a mentor.
Not sure?
If you’re not sure whether you want to apply as a mentor or a mentee, apply as a General Leader and we will see which role suits you for this year.
What to Expect
Weekly Workshops
*Mentees required, mentors welcome, not required
Virtual, content-focused spaces exploring a range of topics:
Implementing Disability Justice and Making Spaces Accessible
Unpacking Imposter Syndrome
Conflict Mediation
How to Handle Burnout
Advocacy
and Embodied Leadership
Connection Sessions
Both mentors and mentees required
Virtual time for mentors and mentees to get to know each other and connect, including debriefing workshop material and meeting your pairs!
General Membership Meeting
Both mentors and mentees required
Virtual meeting with the general membership of AAOC to see how we come together to share resources and collaborate across QTBIPOC communities. After attending the July meeting, participants can attend all other meetings which are on 4th Wednesdays.
Meeting with Mentors/Mentees
Both mentors and mentees required
At least four meetings, scheduled whenever works for you. About once per month, virtual or in person.
Mid-Program Check-in
Both mentors and mentees required
15-20 minute virtual check-in with an AAoC staff person about how mentorship relationship is going, scheduled at a time that works for you.
Stipends & Gift Cards
All participants will receive:
Stipends for participation, based on attendance.
DoorDash gift cards for Weekly Workshops and Connection Sessions.
Program Timeline
Thursday, June 30, 5 - 8 p.m.
Institute Kick-Off
Thursday, July 7, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday, July 14 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Connection Session
Thursday, July 21, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Wednesday, July 27, 5 - 8:30 p.m.
General Membership Meeting
Thursday, July 28, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Connection Session
Thursday, August 4, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday, August 11, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Connection Session - Pairing Party
Thursday, August 18, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday August 25, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
August - December:
Meeting with your Mentor/Mentee
October:
Mid-Program Check-in
December:
Closing Ceremony
Art: Eileen Jimenez
Art: Jiéyì 周杰意