Visit the Rainbow Community Calendar to see what's happening this week!

About SPECTRUM

SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region's first-ever rainbow community space.

Purpose

  • To establish, maintain and operate a facility for the 2SLGBTQ+/Rainbow community that is inclusive to the general public.
  • To educate the general public in issues and better understanding of the 2SLGBTQ+/Rainbow community with a specific focus on positive level of engagement and relationships in the community.
  • To develop training and education programs for the 2SLGBTQ+/Rainbow community.
  • To liaise with other charitable, non-profit community and government agencies and organizations in developing training and educational programs for people in the community.

Strategic Priorities (2021-2023)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: SPECTRUM recognizes that the organization has work to do to ensure that its programs and services are accessible and relevant to all members of the community.  This work will include audits of our existing programs and services, the development of new programs, development of evaluations and outcomes for programs and services, consultations and training in anti-racism, inclusion, and accessibility.

Leadership and People Development: SPECTRUM will work to improve and stabilize its internal governance systems and structure. We will engage in evaluation and review of our personnel, improve the orientation and training of our personnel, engage in active succession planning, and work to ensure that our personnel reflect the diversity of our community.

Financial Sustainability: SPECTRUM will work to build on the recent growth and stability achieved over the last few years. We will work to ensure long-term viability by developing a comprehensive financial sustainability plan exploring a variety of avenues and models.

Communications and Collaboration: SPECTRUM will work to better understand its brand internally, and better communicate its  brand to the community at large. We will also work to better connect and collaborate with other organizations in our community, and various stakeholders including all levels of government and the people we serve.

Vision

An inclusive community where all 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed, celebrated, and supported as their authentic selves.

Mission

SPECTRUM is an organization that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in Waterloo Region and the broader community through peer support, community partnerships, education and training, resources, and events.

Values

  • Accountability & Transparency
  • Advocacy
  • Collaboration
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Service & Volunteerism
  • Well-being
  • Learn more about SPECTRUM's Board of Directors and Committees:

    SPECTRUM Staff

    Fabian Fletcher (he/him, they/them): 
    Volunteer and Operations Manager

    Fabian graduated in 2020 with Honours from the Social Service Worker Program at Conestoga College. Fabian brings with him a passion for 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy, community development and health equity for marginalized communities. He has experience working in harm reduction and sexual health. Fabian has also volunteered as a peer mentor for a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group, moderated several panels for Peel Region’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) conferences and served on the Credit Valley Conservation Youth Corps Frontline steering committee.

    Scott Williams (he/him): 
    Executive Director

    Scott Williams is the Executive Director of Spectrum Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space. He holds a BA in English Language & Literature from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver Film School. He has completed certificates in Diversity & Inclusion Fundamentals and Anti-Racism with the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. He is a graduate of the Engage!KW program from the KW Community Foundation, and the Leadership Waterloo Region class of 2023. Scott started with Spectrum in 2013 as a volunteer librarian, then sat on the Board of Directors in 2014-2015 before returning as an employee in 2021. Scott served for several years as the Communications & Development Coordinator at KW Counselling Services (now Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health) where he was part of the OK2BME Team. He volunteers with the Community Investments Team at United Way Waterloo Region Communities, and serves as co-chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board’s Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group.

    SPECTRUM News

    November 21, 2023

    Forest of Reading

    October 25, 2023

    Attacks on Education Hurt Us All

    October 20, 2023

    Fundraising with Factory Shoe

    LGBTQ2+ Terminology 101

    Terminology reference guide to assist understanding basic LGBTQ2+ terminology and the issues affecting them

    SPECTRUM History

    SPECTRUM was founded in 2012 as Waterloo Region’s first Rainbow Community Space

    SPECTRUM offers a safe place where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals can be themselves and find community and supports.