CONNECT. INSPIRE. CHANGE.
xtra.ca/spark 416-644-5232 Twitter: @xtraspark
WHAT IS XTRA SPARK? Xtra Spark is a program created by Xtra to provide support to non-profit organizations, community groups and coalitions of individuals undertaking important activist work in Canada's LGBT communities. We recognize that community work and activism are often constrained by limited budgets and resources. To alleviate this need, Xtra Spark provides a number of services free of charge to assist activists who seek a freer and fairer world for LGBTQ people. Xtra Spark works in partnership with local progress-minded businesses to provide in-kind services free of charge to assist activists.
HOW XTRA SPARK SUPPORTS LGBT ACTIVISTS XTRA SPARK ARTICLES Xtra Spark articles highlight activist campaigns to our national LGBT readership. Different from our regular editorial coverage, Spark articles are written in the aim of inciting our audience to support your campaign, containing links to donations pages or other calls to action.
CREATIVE DESIGN SERVICES We can offer professional design services to create effective and appealing artwork for your campaign posters, social media graphics, etc.
PRINTING SERVICES We can provide basic reproduction of posters, pamphlets and flyers for your campaign.
MEETING SPACE In some cases, we are able to offer meeting rooms space to organizations and community groups.
SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT Xtra Spark can help amplify your campaign's message through cutomized social media campaigns and/or shares.
SPARK ACTIVISTS Xtra Spark supported an artist run centre in Vancouver in their effort to digitize and archive an important part of Canada's queer history. The article above engaged our readership to provide donations and attend a fundraising event.
Spark maintains a database of LGBTQ and LGBTQ-allied activists interested in contributing to their community. We are able to engage our volunteer database to participate in your campaign.
SPARK PARTNERSHIPS For other services outside of our ability, we work to find partner businesses for in kind donations. 10-01-2017
CONNECT. INSPIRE. CHANGE.
xtra.ca/spark 416-644-5232 Twitter: @xtraspark
HOW TO OBTAIN A SPARK PARTNERSHIP To obtain a Spark Partnership, connect with Eric Wright, the Sponsorship Program Manager at Xtra. He can be reached on email at
[email protected] or by phone at 416-644-5232. If communicating by email, provide a brief description of your project and its expected results.
QUEER ACTIVISM AND PINK TRIANGLE PRESS Hours after the infamous Bathhouse Raids of 1981, members of Toronto’s LGBT communities assembled at the drafty offices of The Body Politic to plan a response. Reeling from the assault yet determined to act, the group emerged hours later with a decision: there would be a mass demonstration that night at Church & Wellesley streets in the heart of the “gay ghetto.” The pent up anger and humiliation of so many LGBT people exploded that night as thousands poured into the streets and asserted their right to live free and open gay lives. The end result of decisions made that night had far reaching consequences for LGBT liberation. It is upon the legacy of this seminal event in Canadian queer history, that Xtra Spark seeks to continually drive social change forward for Canada’s LGBT communities and all those who continually strive for equality in our society.
A PARTNERSHIP WITH XTRA SPARK HELPS YOU REACH OUR POLITICALLY ENGAGED AUDIENCE. 43% of our readers view Xtra stories to inform their activism and community engagement.
49% of our readers already volunteer for LGBT community groups and organizations.
38% want to become more active in politics or community organizing.
Our readers are concerned with a diversity of issues within the LGBT community. These include the following:
• Mental health • Physical safety • Sexual health • HIV education and access to PrEP • Poverty • Transphobia • Racism • Misogyny •Source: Xtra Readership Survey, 2016. 10-01-2017
