“If we don't raise considerable funds in the next three months, we'll be in an absolute crisis,” says an Adult Advisor of Auckland-based GLBTTF youth advocate group Rainbow Youth. Linda Farr, adult advisor to Rainbow Youth, is appealing to the GLBTTF community to help with cash to keep their work going through a leaner financial year. Rainbow Youth has been supporting and educating youth since 1989. The organisation works to create safer environments for students of all sexualities and gender identities, through diversity workshops in schools, one-to-one support, professional and policy development and eight social groups “Maybe people still see Rainbow Youth as social club but we are considerably more than that now. It has certainly taken a huge commitment and passion from some extremely dedicated young – and not so young – people to get it to where it is today.” Farr says that until recently the organisation has been going from strength to strength, with Lotteries, COGS, ASB Charitable Trust, JR Mackenzie Trust and Vodafone among the many funders allowing Rainbow Youth to keep it's drop-in centre on K' Road open, hire two fulltime staff – an Education Officer and a Co-Ordinator – and conduct diversity workshops in almost 50 secondary schools in the greater Auckland region. “Our major funding for wages has always been Lotteries Community Grants, but due to reasons out of our control we sadly missed out on the last round of funding,” explains Farr. “We are able to apply in June but unfortunately those grants do not get released until November. With limited funds in reserve it means we are in an extremely desperate situation at present. “We are certainly doing our best and applying to other organisations for funding but until we are actually successful it is an awful predicament to be in. Previously, we've always known money was coming from somewhere – now we don't,” continues Farr. Educating New Zealand Secondary School students about diversity and sexuality is now required under the Ministry of Education's health curriculum, but the government does not provide funding for Rainbow Youth's diversity workshops to take place in classrooms. “We have certainly approached the major Government Organiastions many times over the past years but with no success, it's very frustrating,” says Farr. “The work we have to do out there is growing – we're speaking in many more schools now than in previous years, the demand is certainly increasing yearly. The schools ask us to go in and we charge them a small amount which only covers transport costs for the volunteer workshop facilitators, that assist our Education Officer, It is absolutely imperative that we remain viable.'' Funders require evidence of community support for funding applications, and Rainbow Youth is always extremely grateful to those that do support them with their various fund-raising events, especially the annual Benefit Concert which has always been their major fundraiser. Members of the public and especially the GLBTTF community can become ‘Friends of Rainbow Youth', and receive a newsletter twice a year keeping them informed about the difference contributions are making to the organisation. Donations are tax deductable as Rainbow Youth is a registered charity. This initiative was launched two years ago, but now more than ever Rainbow Youth say they would be 'exceedingly grateful' for new members. Further details are available by contacting Rainbow Youth via info@rainbowyouth.org.nz or by phoning 09 376 4155. Ref: Rainbow Youth, GayNZ.com (m)