2023 Alphabet Institute Resource Page
Leadership, community connection, learning, and transformational support for queer, trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
What to Expect
Weekly Workshops
*Mentees required, mentors welcome but 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
Embodied Leadership
Connection Sessions
Both mentors and mentees required
Hybrid time for mentors and mentees to get to know each other. Use this time to connect, debrief workshop material, and meet your pairs!
General Membership Meeting
Both mentors and mentees required
Hybrid meeting with the general membership of AAoC.
Learn how we share resources and collaborate across QTBIPOC communities. After attending the July meeting, participants can attend all other meetings on 4th Wednesdays of each month.
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.
Monthly Mentor Circles
Mentors only, optional
Virtual space for mentors to support each other. Unpack the role of mentorship in a non-heirarchical relationship, imposter syndrome, and offer/receive advice.
Mid-Program Check-in
Both mentors and mentees required
15-20 minute virtual check-in with an AAoC staff person about how your mentorship relationship is going. Scheduled at a time that works for you.
Stipends & Gift Cards
All participants will receive:
Stipends for participation in required events, based on attendance.
DoorDash gift cards for Weekly Workshops and Connection Sessions.
Program Timeline
Thursday, June 29, 6 - 9 p.m.
Institute Kick-Off (Hybrid)
Thursday, July 6, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday, July 13, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Connection Session
Thursday, July 20, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Wednesday, July 26, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
General Membership Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, August 3, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday, August 10, 6 - 8 p.m.
Connection Session (Hybrid)
Thursday, August 17, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Weekly Workshop*
Thursday August 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
Connection Session - Pairing Party (Hybrid)
Thursday September 7, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Weekly Workshop
August - December:
Meeting with your Mentor/Mentee
August 15, September 15, October 16, November 16:
Optional Mentor Circles
October:
Mid-Program Check-in
December 2, Time TBD
Closing Ceremony (Hybrid)
Art: Eileen Jimenez
Hybrid Protocols and Access
We have a strong commitment to disability justice at AAoC.
For us, that includes recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and impacting our communities, in particular those who are immunocompromised and their loved ones. We know that folks are (and want to be) gathering in person, and that those kinds of connections keep us alive and well, too. Based on feedback from our communities, we have crafted a hybrid protocol and plan for the Alphabet Institute for the first time this year. We are trying this out, and know there may be hiccups in the process, and appreciate your ongoing support and feedback as we do so.
We plan to include:
Both completely virtual and hybrid events, to ensure that participants who will only be participating virtually have the opportunity to build relationships and belonging. This also keeps our program accessible for those who live further away in the Puget Sound region.
Food will be provided at the event for in person attendees, while virtual attendees will receive food gift cards.
Computers on-site so that in-person and remote attendees are equally distributed and participating in breakout rooms and pairs.
Accommodation for transportation time: virtual only events begin at 5:30 p.m., but hybrid events begin at 6 p.m.
Captioning available virtually and in person. ASL interpretation available upon request.
Limited use of fragrances. As much as you are able, please refrain from using scented clothing detergent, perfumes and other heavily scented products.
In Person Participation Protocol
At-home rapid test the day before the event. Rapid tests are available upon request to those who need them. PCR tests are no longer required due to access changes/associated costs to begin in May 2023.
Day-of rapid tests at the beginning of each event. AAoC staff will be checking rapid tests upon entry.
Complete the Symptoms and Exposure Checklist on the day of the event. Please do not attend in person if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed, as defined in the checklist.
Facilities: The meeting location has a built-in, hospital-grade filtration system (100% fresh air supplied through ERVs and high-efficiency MERV 13 filters). Windows cannot be opened. Both covered and uncovered outdoors paces are available for breakout rooms. Eating will be outside.
Universal masking with well-fitting, high-filtration masks (KN 95/ N95/KF94). Some high quality masks will be available.
Contact Tracing. Notify AAoC if you develop symptoms or test positive within 5 days following the event.
Location: Seattle Girl’s School
Hybrid events will be hosted at Seattle Girls School, SGS (1700 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144)
ADA accessible, including automatic doors and an elevator.
Bathrooms are gender neutral and scent-free.
Parking: small parking lot available, street parking.
Busses: Closest bus lines: 4, 7, 8, 48 and 106 busses. Bus lines, a little farther: 9x, 554 and 987.
Light rail: The Mount Baker light rail stop is a 10-15 minute bus ride or 20 minute walk away.
Care: We understand that being in a school location can be triggering for folks. We chose SGS because of its location, the tech availability, accessibility, and our long term partnership with educators at SGS which allow us to use the space free of cost. If there is anything we can do to make being in SGS easier please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Art: Jiéyì 周杰意