By Ivan Dimov | Founder and Chairman, Single Step Foundation
From the very beginning of Single Step Foundation exactly one year ago, we had three pragmatic and concrete priorities:
(i) a hotline and online chat for LGBTI youth, their parents and friends;
(ii) an LGBTI community center; and
(iii) raising awareness campaigns similar to "It Gets Better" in the US.
We are very proud to report that we are on track with executing our priorities.
- On October 23, 2017, Single Step launched the very first licensed LGBTI online chat in Bulgaria, staffed by 9 trained volunteers. It operates daily between 8 - 11 pm.
- In addition to a very successful GlobalGiving Campaign, we received support by several corporate donors (including Telus International) and foundations (the Human Rights Initiative of the Open Society Foundations and America for Bulgaria Foundation).
- We are in the process of actively seeking a venue for our LGBTI Community Center which we hope to be operational by mid-2018. Opening of the center is our top priority for 2018.
- The raising awareness campaign is created and the team will start shooting it in the spring of 2018.
Finally, Single Step is part of "The Change", a joint initiative by Reach for Change (http://reachforchange.org/en/) and Nova TV, one of the biggest TV stations in Bulgaria. “The Change” looks for social entrepreneurs who work with youth and young adults. 204 organizations applied and after a few rounds, 5 finalists were selected, including Single Step. The winner takes €15,000 but more importantly gets significant exposure and coverage throughout the year on Nova TV. This is a very important development for us because it is really quite revolutionary for Bulgaria: an LGBTI organization being actively promoted on mainstream TV. We are also the very first LGBTI organization to make it that far within the entire portfolio of Reach for Change (they operate in 17 countries). If successful, we will actively work with them to help other organizations like ours.
The next stage is on online vote: January 15 - February 5, which will determine the top 3 finalists. Anyone from everywhere can vote. We will keep you posted on our progress with “The Change”.
In conclusion, we relly on the generosity of people like yourselves to ensure the financial viability of Single Step. Any donation of any size will be extremely appreciated!
Thank you very much for your continued support and happy holiday season!
Ivan Dimov
Founder & Chairman, Single Step Foundation
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