Frequently Asked Questions
As with any organisation, there are questions which are often asked about how it operates. Following are some of those questions and our answers to them. If you a question other than those listed below, please don't hesitate to contact Julian:
Phone: 6239 6606 or email:
julian@logtas.org
Q: How is the Coming Out Proud Program
financed?
A: It is currently financed by The League of Gentlefellows, which raises
funds at its social events. The funds raised are then made available
to the COP Program Steering Committee to
spend on State-wide initiatives and to allocate to the Community
Liaison Committees to fund local/regional initiatives.
Q: How is a COP Community Liaison Committee established?
A: A proposal is prepared for the relevant Local Government
Authority by the sponsoring organisation. This outlines the history,
aim, objectives and proposed outcomes of the Coming Out Proud
Program and
seeks endorsement for the establishment of a CLC in that region. It
is usual for the Community Development Department of the
Council/Authority to prepare a briefing paper and recommendation for consideration and decision
by the relevant committee.
Q: Who appoints the Chair of a CLC?
A: The COP Program Steering Committee appoints the Committee's Chair
(or, ideally, Co-Chairs - male and female).
Q: Are any other members of a CLC
appointed?
A: The Local Government Authority appoints its representative on the
Committee.
Q: Can I become a member of a CLC?
A: Almost certainly! As the program seeks to provide strategies for
members of local/regional GLBTI communities, CLCs seek to achieve a
balanced membership that represents the full diversity of those
communities, together with interested people from the broader
community. It is expected that the interests of the local GLBTI
communities will prevail through balanced membership and the
Chairperson's casting vote (or Co-Chairpersons’ casting votes).
Q: What responsibilities do CLC members
have?
A: The responsibilities are not onerous. They include:
- Raising consciousness and ownership of the project by the local GLBTI communities
- Developing and contributing to the COP Program strategies
- Taking a lead role in local activities
- Accounting for the expenditure of allocated funds
- Arranging any tendering processes
- Monitoring and reporting on progress.
Q: How does the COP program operate at
local level?
A: The CLC develops a Management Plan in which it outlines how it intends
to implement the program. This is normally through the development
of partnerships with service providers. It is important to note that
the COP Program does not directly fund service provision. The Management Plan of each
CLC is available on the CLC's page on this site.
Q: How is membership of the Program
Steering Committee decided?
A: The COP Program Steering Committee is comprised of the State
Coordinators of The League of Gentlefellows (the funding body), the
Chairs (or Co-Chairs) of the CLCs and the COP representatives on
Departmental GLBTI Reference Groups.