No one should feel like they are the only one.

 

Our Vision

A world where children and youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities live authentic lives.

Our Mission

To foster Awareness, Respect and Capacity through SOGI-inclusive K-12 education.

Our Values

Accessible: We are approachable and responsive, making ourselves and our resources available with as few barriers as possible. We are open to dialogue and seek to understand multiple perspectives.

Adaptable: We respond thoughtfully to changing circumstances or needs and remain curious and creative in finding solutions to support educators. We approach change with a positive mindset and openness to new ideas. 

Collaboration: We believe bringing diverse perspectives together expands capacity and fosters a sense of community, and ultimately leads to better outcomes. Simply put, it’s more equitable when we work together.

Empathy: We value empathy in all our interactions; listening with compassion and open minds to be inclusive of all perspectives in seeking authenticity, respect and well-being for all.

Integrity: We are guided by acting honestly, transparently and professionally to be trustworthy and accountable to our stakeholders, our partners, and to each other. Credibility and reputation are earned; acting with integrity achieves this.

 
 

Why We Do This Work

 
 
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Canada is a leader in reducing 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination.

Seventy-three countries still consider same-sex relationships illegal. In seven of these countries, same-sex acts are punishable by death. In almost all countries, transphobic laws limit the freedom to act in ways that do not conform to the roles and expectations that are culturally determined by a person's sex at birth.

 
 
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The health, freedom and safety of students are at risk.

About 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are five times more likely to consider suicide, and seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

The rate of discrimination experienced among students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ is three times higher than heterosexual youth.

64% percent of recent BEd grads say they were not prepared for SOGI-inclusive education.

Homophobia and transphobia affect all students whether they identify as 2SLGBTQ+ or not.

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Change is needed now as much as ever.

For students, the newly emerging anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiment that they see in social media and North American politics only emphasizes some of their struggles to come to terms with their own sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

Our Focus:
Schools

School might be the only place a student feels safe to be their authentic self. For youth who don’t experience a sense of belonging at home, a teacher could be the one supportive adult that helps them feel valued. When a student feels connected to their school, they have a higher chance of graduating, are less likely to experience substance abuse and experience better mental health into young adulthood. ARC Foundation is committed to a long-lasting and far-reaching approach to changing the experience of youth one school at a time.

 
 
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Our Approach:
Systemic Collaboration

There is so much great work already being done. However, many experts are working in isolation and institutional silos, grossly limiting the potential impact we could have on students’ lives. At ARC Foundation, we create and co-fund breakthrough collaboration models for bringing everyone together for accelerated and sustainable change.

Why collaboration?

  • To create a common language for unprecedented conversations

  • To combine expertise for greater impact and innovation

  • To give leaders a collective voice and larger audience

  • To create a movement for change in which newcomers feel welcome

  • Because we are stronger together

 

Let us introduce ourselves.

 
 

Our Team

 

 
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Reg Krake, Executive Director (he/il)

Reg is an executive leader with over 20 years’ experience in the for-profit and non-profit sectors and as an educator with several years of teaching experience. He has held senior leadership roles with the Vancouver Airport Authority, Tourism British Columbia (Destination BC) and Intrawest. In his early career, he worked as a French Immersion teacher with the Vancouver School Board. He is a focused, team-oriented and results driven leader that brings an unwavering passion for, and commitment to, education and inclusivity.

 

 

Kimberley Hollett, Director, Finance and Administration (she/her)

Kimberley is a team-oriented leader: she is driven by continuous learning and thrives when working with others to achieve a common goal. She is passionate about helping people, making genuine connections, and hearing new perspectives. Kimberley has many years of experience working in diverse industries, as a trusted advisor and problem solver. In her role at ARC Foundation, she is responsible for developing and managing the finance, operations, and human resource strategies.

 

 
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Heather Vause, Director, Community Engagement (she/her)

Heather is a strategic leader with multifaceted community engagement experience, who joined ARC Foundation in 2019. She is a passionate collaborator, innovator, and relationship builder. Heather is a community champion with a strong interest in creating systemic change to support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. In her role of Director, Community Engagement, Heather leads the SOGI 123 strategy and operations, including community partnerships and communications functions, nationally for ARC Foundation.

 

 

Abigail Shakespeare, Director, Development (she/her)

Abigail is a passionate, values driven community connector who leads with authenticity, curiosity, collaboration, and the desire to positively affect the people and world around her. With experience in both the for-profit and charitable sector, she has always championed the advancement of marginalized voices and experiences throughout her career. In her role as Director, Development, Abigail is excited to build a culture of philanthropy, and lead ARC’s strategic fundraising initiatives by connecting with individuals, foundations, government, and corporate organizations who are passionate about bettering the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ youth through their philanthropic endeavours.

 

 
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Scout, Director, National Programs (they/them)

Scout is an education and youth engagement specialist with over a decade of progressive leadership experience in the non-profit sector. They support SOGI-inclusive education through collaboration and empathy and they have a deep commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all. They have worked with education leaders across Canada to share, workshop, and refine best practices in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and, families. Scout is responsible for leading SOGI 123 nationally for ARC Foundation.

 

 

Dutch, SOGI 123 Regional Program Manager (they/them)

Dutch is a leader in the business and non-profit sectors with a focus on supporting children and youth. As a Métis person, they are committed to decolonization, and ensuring hope, belonging, meaning and purpose is attained by all students in the K-12 system and beyond. They are passionate about using their workshop facilitation and research experience to create systems change. Dutch is a Regional Program Manager for SOGI 123.

 

 

Avery, SOGI 123 Lead – Alberta (she/her)

Avery is a thoughtful facilitator who is invested in creating a world in which all 2SLGBTQ+ people can access healing, self-discovery, and liberation. Her background in design and procedural writing has honed her ability to create and share resources that are approachable, impactful, and resonant for those who need them most. Avery is responsible for leading SOGI 123 in Alberta.

 

 

Luke, SOGI 123 Lead – Yukon (nekm)

Luke is a community organizer, facilitator, and educator with a focus on social justice and advocacy. Luke is a Black Indigenous genderpunk with a background in non-profit programs coordination and administration, education, culinary arts, and logistics, and is passionate about nourishing people both physically and mentally. Luke is responsible for leading SOGI 123 in the Yukon.

 

 

Taylor, SOGI 123 Lead – BC (she/her)

Taylor is a skilled human rights educator and facilitator and is passionate about developing and leading participatory learning environments where lived experience is honoured and young people are authentically engaged. She has experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote and advocate for the meaningful involvement of children and youth in decision making spaces and community life. Taylor is the SOGI 123 Lead for BC.

 

 

Emily, Fundraising & Communications Specialist (she/her)

Emily is a communications specialist with a strong interest in creating equitable learning environments for all students. With a background in non-profit administration and sociology, she is passionate about supporting institutional social change for a more equitable world. She values creativity, curiosity, and life-long learning, which are reflected in all facets of her work. Emily is responsible for developing ARC Foundation’s fundraising and communications initiatives.

 

 

Christina, Administrative Coordinator (she/her)

Christina is an administrative coordinator with a passion for social justice and advocacy. With a background in academic administration with diverse school populations, Christina prioritizes fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusivity for all people of all identities. Christina is responsible for providing administrative and logistical support to ARC Foundation staff.