From the indiegogo fundraising page for this campaign:
The Scholars Program is a leadership development experience for queer and transgender young women of African descent between the ages of 18 and 24. Up to four candidates receive a 10 month opportunity for training in social justice, non-profit management, and community organizing. Scholars also work on individual research projects and coordinate an annual youth summit while receiving mentorship from LGBTQ women of color and allied community leaders.
Affinity is a social justice organization that works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities, queer youth, and allies to identify emergent needs, create safe spaces, develop leaders, and bridge communities through collective analysis and action for social justice, freedom, and human rights.
The Scholars Program was previously funded through a multi-year grant that has ended. Our goal for the Scholars Campaign is to raise enough funds to operate the first six months of the program while we continue to secure new foundation funding. Because of our belief in community and personal power, supporting “now leaders,” and sharing knowledge, suspending the Scholars program is not an option — for Affinity or justice movements!
There will be no 2012-2013 Scholar Program if our fundraising goal is not met.
Their goal is $25,000 and, as of the publishing of this post, they have raised nearly $2600 and have 10 days left in their campaign.
The money will go towards:
- Transit cards three days per week at $2.25 per card/Scholar
- Meal allowances at $21 each week/Scholar
- Monthly stipends of $400/Scholar
- Conference and travel fees at approximately $500/Scholar
- Administrative costs such as staffing and training materials
Please consider helping Affinity and the queer and transgender young women of African descent in their program. Here is the link to their Indiegogo campaign.