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We know that our communities need to be resourced, but what does that really mean?
The dictionary tells us that to be resourced is "to be provided with money or equipment," but that seems very limited.
In fact, the dictionary definition of a resource is "something that can be used to help you." Much broader!
Capitalism teaches us that money is the most valuable resource, or that it's the only resource that really matters. In fact, people often use the word "resources" when they really mean "money" or "wealth".
This can lead us to overlook the other resources available to us right now--both those that we can offer others and those that we have or that we can access.
At TSC, we take a broad view of the idea of resources. We provide funding and capacity-building to trans-led organizations (with priority for those that are BIPOC-led), specifically in the context of seeing, affirming, and building on resources that are already present.
Our movement leaders are strong, resilient, in touch with their communities, creative, brilliant communicators, strategic organizers, and able to do a lot with very little. These qualities and abilities are resources.
They are resources because they are qualities and abilities that can be used to help us.
At TSC, we do leverage resources in the form of money to support trans-led organizations. We are an intermediary funding partner with the Viiv Foundation and have worked with other foundations in this role in the past. We offer consulting to funders looking to improve their ability to work with smaller trans-led organizations.
But at TSC, we know money is only one of many resources. We focus especially on capacity-building--making sure that leaders have the skills and support they need to grow their organizations and build strong foundations for long-term changemaking. Our capacity-building is rooted in a strengths-based model that recognizes and builds upon the many forms of resources our community leaders already have.
At TSC, we look beyond conventional thinking that tells us that money is the only resource worth having. Yes, we will teach you to write a grant and prepare a budget in line with your values. But we will also honor the many different kinds of resources that you, your organization, and our communities and movements already have--and we'll support you to bring those resources together to shine brighter than ever.