::: OUT THERE :::

The development of Aotearoa NZ communities that support and celebrate the sexuality and gender diversity of young people enhancing their health and wellbeing.

OUT THERE is a Joint National *Queer Youth Development Project between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Rainbow Youth. The aim of OUT THERE is to enhance the wellbeing of Queer youth within Aotearoa NZ. The project is endeavouring to combat queer based prejudice and discrimination through the development of environments that are safe and supportive of queer young people. Such environments will be of benefit to all young people who are impacted upon by queer based prejudice.

OUT THERE is involved in producing and distributing resources which increase visibility, promote acceptance and meet the informational needs of both queer young people and people working with queer youth.

Workshops

Workshops are conducted with people who work with youth, such as youth workers, teachers, school counselors and public health nurses. These workshops develop their skills and knowledge to assist in the promotion of environments that are inclusive of queer young people.

Research

OUT THERE is currently funding several research projects. Such research will contribute to our knowledge about queer young people within Aotearoa NZ and assist organisations and schools to better meet queer young peoples needs.

Community Development

As well as supporting queer youth groups nationally, OUT THERE also funds and organises a two-yearly hui (conference) in Wellington. This hui provides educational and networking opportunities for people involved in facilitating and coordinating queer youth groups.

OUT THERE is supported by a project management group, which meets every four to six weeks to assist with operational issues. The PMG comprises of three Rainbow Youth Board members, a Rainbow Youth adult advisor, a manager from the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and the OUT THERE coordinator.

The OUT THERE National Advisory Group

OUT THERE is also supported by a national advisory group, which meets three times a year to assist with strategic issues. The national advisory group comprises of between 10 and 15 professionals and young people from around the country. These people are passionate about queer youth development and come from a number of backgrounds including: education, suicide prevention, queer research, youth development, counselling, community development, queer youth organisations and youth activism.