NOCN Resource Pack 5
Representing your Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual community

Unit: Representing a Community of Interest and Identity
Level Two: Optional. NOCN Unit Code EE32QQ022
Level Three: Optional. NOCN Unit Code EE33QQ049

This pack is designed to support the Representing a Community of Interest and Identity National Open College Network (NOCN) unit at levels 2 and 3; it is an option unit at both levels.

The NOCN unit is a generic unit and this pack has adapted it to the needs of people representing the LGB community. It has been produced in partnership with the Consortium of LGBT organisations (www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk).

It is designed to support members of LGB communities to represent the needs of LGB people to policy makers and service providers.

It takes a community development approach to representing a specific community of interest and this covers both the values and principles of community development work, as well as exploring in depth the key issues affecting representatives from LGB communities taking advantage of opportunities available for communities of interest to get their voices heard.

It explores the diverse nature of LGB communities and their different needs and interests and the implications of this for 'representatives' and their roles. It suggests ways for representatives to be supported in this role and prepares them for some of the difficulties and challenges that they will undoubtedly face when representing a community of interest and identity rather than a geographical community.