Join the Onion Foundation for a presentation by 

 (SUFU) Executive Director, Monique Stairs; Program Manager, Laurie Coldwell; and SUFU self-advocates to learn more about SUFU’s model of centering self-advocates’ voices and how Maine nonprofits can partner with SUFU to promote inclusion for people living with developmental disabilities. The one-hour webinar will also include a Q&A portion for attendees to bring their own thoughts to the table.

Join the Onion Foundation for a presentation by Speaking Up For Us (SUFU) Executive Director, Monique Stairs; Program Manager, Laurie Coldwell; and SUFU self-advocates to learn more about SUFU’s model of centering self-advocates’ voices and how Maine nonprofits can partner with SUFU to promote inclusion for people living with developmental disabilities. The one-hour webinar will also include a Q&A portion for attendees to bring their own thoughts to the table.

Partner Spotlight Webinar: Centering Self-Advocates with Speaking Up For Us

The Onion Foundation is partnering with OUT Maine to provide a comprehensive cohort program for grantee organizations to develop and implement inclusive LGBTQIA2S+ programming.

This learning cohort is for arts and environment nonprofit workers (an organization's staff, board, and/or volunteers) who want support developing inclusive policies, understanding best practices for supporting LGBTQIA2S+ program participants, and meeting peers engaged in similar work.

Cohort participation is free, has both virtual and in-person components, and is open to all Onion Foundation grantees regardless of funding type.

The cohort will begin with an in-person training day covering foundational best practices, a self-assessment, and goal setting for each organization. After the in-person training day, cohort participants may attend regular virtual follow-up meetings to check in on group progress towards goals and cover specific topics more in depth. The cohort works best with a team; we strongly recommend 2-3 members from each participating organization to attend together, whether that includes leadership staff, programming staff, or board members.

October 30 - In person cohort meeting in Augusta, ME (address provided at registration)

November 2026-May 2027 - Virtual cohort meetings

For more information, contact Holly Taylor, Arts Program Associate, at holly@onionfoundation.org (Arts Grantees) or Ben DeHaven, Environment Program Associate, at ben@onionfoundation.org (Environment Grantees).

Nonprofits do amazing work supporting their communities and increasing access to the arts and environment for Mainers. In recognition of the unique role nonprofits can play in their communities as trusted third spaces, and in light of increasing hostility aimed at LGBTQIA2S+ identities and support systems nationwide, the Onion Foundation and OUT Maine are partnering for a third year to offer a range of training options, designed to help Maine’s nonprofits serve queer community members with the support of an aligned network of peers. For information on training opportunities, visit 

The Onion Foundation is partnering with OUT Maine to provide a comprehensive peer-supported learning cohort program for nonprofit staff, board, and/or volunteers who want support developing inclusive policies and understanding best practices for supporting LGBTQIA2S+ program participants.

OUT Maine x Onion Foundation Fall 2026 Learning Cohort

Leading Inclusive Organizations through Policy, Reflection, and Growth

Inclusive organizations are built through caring communities, constructive policies, and engaging reflection. This session will use a case study to see how creating inclusive policies within an organization can help resolve workplace and youth conflicts. Attendees will have time to work with others to reflect on policies they have at their organization that address youth needs, leave gaps, and review procedures for addressing conflicts.

This webinar is part of a 4 part series hosted by OUT Maine and The Onion Foundation. These 

 are designed for participants who have already completed an OUT Maine cohort or have comparable expertise. Explore new, specific topics that build upon the skills you’ve already learned. These workshops are a great option for previous cohort participants who are looking to continue learning in community. 

Advanced Workshops are capped at 50 attendees. Open to any Maine nonprofit professional.

Contact OUT Maine with questions at program@outmaine.org

This virtual session for Maine nonprofit professionals will use a case study to explore how inclusive policies within an organization can resolve workplace and youth conflicts. Attendees will work peer-to-peer to reflect on their organization's policies and review procedures for addressing conflicts. 
